OIl leak & So glad I found this

metallimonster · May 30, 2008, 11:25:05 AM

First let me say that I must be a couple of weeks behind the curve because I didn't know this place existed. I am so happy to find a place where I can get real and knowledgeable tech advise. Kind of reminds me of a site I used to go to.

Now to my problem. I have an 02 620 Dark and every Morning when I warm it up a little bit of oil (about a quarter's size maybe 5 drips) comes from the left side of the oil filter. I changed the oil about a 2 months ago and this just started happening about a week ago. I know I didn't double filter it and also lubed the gasket and I have tried losening and retightening the filter. After it warms up and I get going is completely stops leaking and won't leak for the rest of the day even if I leave it off all day at work. There are no drips on the garage floor so it doesn't do it a nigt either. I'm sure this is not normal but has anyone heard of this or know where I should start. I really don't want to pay for another oil change but I guess I am the point where I am going to have to take the filter off and see what is up. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Speeddog · May 30, 2008, 11:34:31 AM

The filter or the gasket may be defective.

There may be debris under the gasket.

Rob Hilding · May 30, 2008, 12:16:01 PM

^What Speedog said........

As it warms up, two things happen to "stop" the leak - oil warms and viscosity changes so oil pressure is less, and things expand slightly to make seal tighter.

WTSDS · May 30, 2008, 09:18:39 PM

When you say tightened the filter did you mean by hand, or with a filter strap wrench ? By hand, altho recommended, is not good enough.

I add another 1/4 to 1/2 a turn after it's hand tight.

If still leaking you'll need to take off the filter and eyeball the mating surface of the crankcase for crud, check the gasket carefully for splits/cracks.

Others may shudder but I would just drain the oil into a clean container, let it stand awhile to settle out any bits and pieces then re-use 99 % of your relatively fresh oil, or re-use it in my Honda.

I hear oil's getting rather precious these days.

m0t0g0th · May 30, 2008, 09:20:56 PM

i have the same bike only it's not leaking, just burning a bit, about a quart per K-miles. not sure what to do, but watching now for seepage more than before and no drips underneath. (thus assumption i'm burning oil)
i'll watch your post with interest, thanks for the post.

metallimonster · June 01, 2008, 02:13:04 PM

I've got it on there pretty tight but I'll try tightening it with a strap wrench. I'm probably going to let it go for a little while since it is not losing that much oil at all. I would rather add a little bit every now and then, then pay for a whole new oil change. (I just don't think I could stomach putting used oil back in her!) If I notice it gets any worse or is doing it more than just in the morning I'll probably break down and change the oil again making sure that everything is really clean.

I have to buy a new rear tire so I'm trying not save some money. I think I am going to go with the Diablo Strada for the rear. From what I could research it seems like a good tire that will last a while and give me pretty good traction. If anyone has suggestions please let me know. Thanks for all the help.

Juan · June 03, 2008, 01:02:32 PM

I had the same problem, but I got it fix with this. http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/DTG/Accessories/DTG.html

MonsterDark · June 03, 2008, 02:21:12 PM

Quote from: metallimonster on June 01, 2008, 02:13:04 PM
I've got it on there pretty tight but I'll try tightening it with a strap wrench. I'm probably going to let it go for a little while since it is not losing that much oil at all. I would rather add a little bit every now and then, then pay for a whole new oil change. (I just don't think I could stomach putting used oil back in her!) If I notice it gets any worse or is doing it more than just in the morning I'll probably break down and change the oil again making sure that everything is really clean.

I have to buy a new rear tire so I'm trying not save some money. I think I am going to go with the Diablo Strada for the rear. From what I could research it seems like a good tire that will last a while and give me pretty good traction. If anyone has suggestions please let me know. Thanks for all the help.

I had the same bike, and the same problem as you. What it came down too was i "hand tightened the filter" once i put the strap on it and gave it another 1/4 turn the problem was solved. Hand tightening had never worked for me, it does seem to get tight enough or the vibrations of the bike might loosen it a bit? anyway just try giving it another little turn with a strap.

Duck-Stew · June 03, 2008, 06:36:28 PM

I think Ducati changed the material that the oil filter seal is made out of as I've heard of a LOT of people (myself included 6 times) having the same problem.

The fix? Tighten the sh*t out of it and it goes away but makes the next oil change a beyotch.

metallimonster · June 04, 2008, 07:24:01 AM

I used a strap wrench to tighten the filter about another 1/4 to 1/2 turn and it hasn't done it in a couple of days. Thanks for all the help guys. I really am so glad that this community is up and running again.
It was such a relief to find this place and know that I can actually find some good advice and knowledge.

sbrguy · February 01, 2009, 08:25:38 PM

i can't believe that this thread is actually true.

did an oil change myself on the 620 monster and tighted it up til contact then about 1/4 turn more and tested it, and it leaked, tighted a little more, rode it 4 minutes then checked still leaked, a very very small amount.

tighted it a bit more with the wrench, now about eaisly a 1/2 turn now, and finally it stopped rode it and checked it a few hours later no more leak.

stu was right, these new ducati filters you HAVE TO crank them down with an oil wrench to make them not leak.

did all the right stuff, ie, oiled the gasket, checked for burrs beforehand, filled filter 1/2 up with oil, made sure to thread it correctly by hand, etc. and still i got this problem.

i wouldn't have believed this unless it happened myself, compared the ducati filter to the KN filter, the duc filter definitely has a thicker rubber gasket to it by about 1/32 of an inch if not 1/8 inch thicker.

thanks for the help guys

Howley · February 02, 2009, 12:30:51 AM

I had the same problem. Hand tight would be ok if you could actually get a decent grip on it. I think mine would be close to a full turn past contact.

Duck-Stew · February 02, 2009, 03:25:57 AM

Quote from: Howley on February 02, 2009, 12:30:51 AM
I had the same problem. Hand tight would be ok if you could actually get a decent grip on it. I think mine would be close to a full turn past contact.

That's been my experience too...

Norm · February 02, 2009, 06:10:32 AM

I use PerForm filters, hand tight, zero problems.

sbrguy · February 02, 2009, 06:19:01 AM

damn stu, that is one early time to be up on the west coast.

when i was doing this i was thinking "crap, i ripped the damn rubber seal" but overnight didnt' leak one bit. so its all good now.

also put on that hex bolt drain plug from monsterparts.com works great, though think i will have to tighten that up a little more, did it with a torque wrench to the spec 40nm but have to check later with a better wrench.

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OIl leak & So glad I found this