Ironhead Fu@#ing thing won't stop leaking!

shizzomynizzo · #1 15th July 2010

Hello,

I have been struggling with an iron head that leaks oil near the front. After changing all the oil lines and replacing the oil pressure sending unit, I still observed oil.

Used the famous paper towel method and I have found where it's leaking; where the return line connects to the motor.

I already replaced the line and the leak is now minimal, but there has to be a way to stop it, right?

I used generic oil lines, do I need some kind of specialty oil line or something? maybe one with a tapered end?

IronMick · #2 15th July 2010

The return line runs from the front of the oil pump to the top of the oil tank. Is this the one?

If it is leaking where the hose is attached to the oil pump, and you have used a good clamp, then maybe there is a crack in the oil pump. You could try the spray powder deoderant technique to locate it more precisely.

The FM gives both ID and OD for the oil and vent lines. If you use automotive oil or fuel or transmission line the OD will be larger and it will be more difficult to run the lines thru tight spots - like around the starter motor. I buy my oil lines from my indie mechanic, and get the correct sizes every time.

oil line: 3/8" ID, 5/8" OD
vent: 1/4" ID, 1/2" OD

Heh heh, one time the counter guy squeezed the hose, right before my very eyes, to "prove" that the OD was correct.

shizzomynizzo · #3 15th July 2010

The lines are routed as follows... feed from tank to the oil pump, oil return to oil cooler, oil cooler to oil filter, oil filter to tank.

It's leaking at the oil return line from the filter, to the tank.

New hoses, new clamps. It looks like it is just loose, but I have tightened it as much as possible.

I will try a new clamp tomorrow, I am becoming frustrated. Time for a

85mm · #4 15th July 2010

Are you sure it's not the barb fitting thats leaking. Maybe you should unscrew the fitting, clean out the threads and seal it back up with loctite.

shizzomynizzo · #5 15th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85mm

Are you sure it's not the barb fitting thats leaking. Maybe you should unscrew the fitting, clean out the threads and seal it back up with loctite.

I didn't see any oil on it, but I will do as you say when I replace the clamp tomorrow.

I'll report back after work

shizzomynizzo · #6 15th July 2010

After removing the hose and inspecting the clamp, it appears that it was leaking due to 2 conditions. Clamp was really cheap and crappy (advance auto will not get my business again), and I tightened it too much (more to blame on the $#itty clamp though).

The clamp is not rounded on the inside, and when I tightened it, the hose was punctured by a fold in the metal on the inside of the clamp. I trimmed the hose down and used a clamp off the oil cooler. I will replace the oil cooler clamp tomorrow (easier to get to than the return line off the oil filter, that's why I relocated it)

I am 85% sure that this will solve my problem. I will find out for sure tomorrow when I get to work.

shizzomynizzo · #7 16th July 2010

Okay, took it for a ride and it still leaks!!! WTF!!!

I have a better idea of where it's coming from now though. I have to take the side cover off the engine and inspect it.

IronMick · #8 16th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by shizzomynizzo

... I have to take the side cover off the engine and inspect it.

There have been a couple of posts recently where the gearcase cover has been referred to as a "side cover". It is not.

If that is the cover you are talking about you need to know about removing the pushrods, removing the ignition module, and some other technical details including how to remove the cover without wrecking the cam bushings, and re-installing the cams.

If you are unable to find the relevant posts then please just ask before you start.

shizzomynizzo · #9 17th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronMick

There have been a couple of posts recently where the gearcase cover has been referred to as a "side cover". It is not.

If that is the cover you are talking about you need to know about removing the pushrods, removing the ignition module, and some other technical details including how to remove the cover without wrecking the cam bushings, and re-installing the cams.

If you are unable to find the relevant posts then please just ask before you start.

Has the gearcase cover also been referred to as a "cam Cover" too.
This is the one in this picture here:

http://image.streetchopperweb.com/f/..._cam_cover.jpg

I think it leaking from the oil line that connects behind it. All the other lines were cracked and leaking from age, so I assume that's where it's coming from.

boilermaker · #10 17th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by shizzomynizzo

Has the gearcase cover also been referred to as a "cam Cover" too.
This is the one in this picture here:

http://image.streetchopperweb.com/f/..._cam_cover.jpg

I think it leaking from the oil line that connects behind it. All the other lines were cracked and leaking from age, so I assume that's where it's coming from.

Yes and if you dont know what your doing in removal you will create a lot of extra work for yourself with the possibility of damaging things in the process