X-pect Oil leak from casing bolt by the drain plug

[Aigght]

Just got this x-pect and I noticed a very slow leak.
Could I use three bond seal around the bolt head to stop the leak? Or is a crush washer a better idea?

[Aigght]

https://ibb.co/mGgfbjz

https://ibb.co/6Zm1rgK

[Megadan]

Assuming the threads are in good shape, you can do two things.

1. replace the crush washer/seal with a new one that can be sourced from any parts store.

2. I like to put hylomar on the threads of the sump drain bolt when re-installing. It helps prevent leaks and also serves as a light thread retainer. This negates the need to crank down hard on the bolt when tightening.

With a new washer I spin it until it seats and give it no more than 1/4 turn.

[J4Fun]

A question here, wouldn’t it be a bad gasket that’s causing the problem? I’m not sure a casing bolt uses crush washer? looking at the second picture is why I ask. Just my thoughts…

[Aigght]

Originally Posted by J4Fun

A question here, wouldn’t it be a bad gasket that’s causing the problem? I’m not sure a casing bolt uses crush washer? looking at the second picture is why I ask. Just my thoughts…

Yea I don’t think there’s a washer, I just heard people fixing leaks with them. I’m not trying to replace the gasket. Is rtv sufficient or threebond?

[JFOlivier]

First of all are you sure that the oil is leaking from that point, if the bike is on its side stand that looks like its lowest point. Perhaps you should wipe down the bottom of the engine and then blow some talcum powder onto the bottom of the engine and leave it stand for a few hours and see if you can see a trail through the powder from wherever it is leaking from. if it is through that bolt a small copper washer might help although the cause would be from the damaged gasket.

[J4Fun]

You said casing bolt correct? You can drain the oil and pull the bolt, clean out the hole best as possible. After that I would attempt some kind of sealant. Another thought is to use a copper washer to help also. Just my thoughts…

[Aigght]

I’ll try that washer and sealant on my next oil change. Thanks guys

[TominMO]

Originally Posted by J4Fun

You said casing bolt correct? You can drain the oil and pull the bolt, clean out the hole best as possible. After that I would attempt some kind of sealant. Another thought is to use a copper washer to help also. Just my thoughts…

Originally Posted by Aigght

I’ll try that washer and sealant on my next oil change. Thanks guys

Sounds like a good plan. I'd add a little sealant to the side of the copper washer that touches the case. May be overkill, but maybe not. Even sealant on the bolt itself might do the trick if you can't find a small enough copper washer.

You could probably clean the hole out pretty well with a Q-tip, or a pipe cleaner.

BTW for drain plugs, I never replace the copper or aluminum washer. I use the original one forever, and coat the drain plug threads with wheel bearing grease to prevent oil from even getting to the washer. Has worked perfectly for decades.

[Boatguy]

Originally Posted by TominMO

BTW for drain plugs, I never replace the copper or aluminum washer. I use the original one forever, and coat the drain plug threads with wheel bearing grease to prevent oil from even getting to the washer. Has worked perfectly for decades.

No WAY!!!

I have a generator that came with a leaky drain plug. I was going to get some copper washers this year and use those. Switching them out. What a pain! I can’t believe this solution. It’s perfect. Thank you for sharing that.

[TominMO]

Originally Posted by Boatguy

No WAY!!!

I have a generator that came with a leaky drain plug. I was going to get some copper washers this year and use those. Switching them out. What a pain! I can’t believe this solution. It’s perfect. Thank you for sharing that.

My pleasure. Grease is basically just ridiculously thick oil, I reasoned, so tried it out.

I have a very small Westinghouse (probably Chinese) gasoline generator, the equivalent of one household 1800W electrical outlet, which has a drain/fill tube, with a screw-on cap. So it can't leak unless you tipped it over. Bought it for emergency heat in the winter, A/C in the summer if power goes out. Used it outside for power tools too. If I don't need it for heating, I can pretty much power the essentials in my house with the one outlet and extension cords. Floor lamps (LED bulbs), A/C, fridge, computer stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-...ps%2C98&sr=8-5

[Boatguy]

Originally Posted by TominMO

My pleasure. Grease is basically just ridiculously thick oil, I reasoned, so tried it out.

I have a very small Westinghouse (probably Chinese) gasoline generator, the equivalent of one household 1800W electrical outlet, which has a drain/fill tube, with a screw-on cap. So it can't leak unless you tipped it over. Bought it for emergency heat in the winter, A/C in the summer if power goes out. Used it outside for power tools too. If I don't need it for heating, I can pretty much power the essentials in my house with the one outlet and extension cords. Floor lamps (LED bulbs), A/C, fridge, computer stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-...ps%2C98&sr=8-5

Not to take things too far off topic, but I have four of these and I absolutely love them. You cannot kill them. But one of them drips at the drain plug.

I run these things thousands and thousands of hours off grid for air conditioning purposes mostly.

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tool...0762_200680762

So basically I have a fleet. Lol