Anyone have an easy fix for this leak?

[Southgate Jonny]

I have a mysterious (although minor) leak that's originating from under this bolt:



The bolt is torqued down tight and is not bottomed out (I can see roughly 1/16" of unused threads on the other side of the case before the end of the bolt)
It took about 4-5 miles to get to the state seen in the photo. Has anyone had this happen to them and perhaps have a handy dandy hint on alleviating this issue?
This is the only leak on the entire engine so it's kinda driving me nuts.

 

[Nevada]

You've got a leaking gasket somewhere. Even if it's torqued down nice and tight, a leaking gasket will cause that.

 

[crassius]

that's one of the bolts that hold the 2 halves of the case together

use a hand impact driver on them all (three are under the clutch if you can get to them)

it looks like a bit of discoloration along the seam of the case too, so I'd guess several aren't tight

 

[Southgate Jonny]

Thanks Nevada, but I've already ruled out the gaskets. It is definitely coming from under where the bolt seats on the case. This is a new Dax engine with less than 75 miles on it and ALL the gasket seams are clean. I'm going to pull the bolt and check the mating surfaces, I have a feeling the bolt may be not quite Kosher. (I emailed Duane about this also, so I'll let you know what his advice is.)
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year!

 

[a.graham52]

Maybe a dab of silicone on the mating surface of the bolt head will do the trick.

 

[Southgate Jonny]

Thanks a.graham! That's what I'll do.
P.S., I got an email response from Grady at Dax. He said it's normal to have a bit of seepage like this, so no big deal. Better safe than sorry, and it never hurts to ask!

 

[MotorBicycleRacing]

Thanks a.graham! That's what I'll do.
P.S., I got an email response from Grady at Dax. He said it's normal to have a bit of seepage like this, so no big deal. Better safe than sorry, and it never hurts to ask!

No, it is not normal to seep like that.
It isn't hurting anything but it means your case gasket is leaking into the space where that bolt is.

 

[Southgate Jonny]

I have some black rtv silicone that I have used successfully on my intake gasket and carb/manifold interface, so I will pull the bolt and put some on the threads and slap it back together. That should do the trick. Thanks for all the advice, folks, I love this site!

 

[a.graham52]

I wouldn't put much on the threads unless u really have to. Just makes the threads wicked dirty next time it's removed.

 

[Southgate Jonny]

I'm applying the sealant to only the first 1/8" of the threads nearest to the bolt head.

 

[a.graham52]

That sounds like a good plan!

 

[maniac57]

If the silicone doesn't fix it, try a dab of ShoeGoo. It's much stronger than silicone.
Be sure to clean and degrease the bolt and threads before sealing it.

 

[flybytaco]

No, it is not normal to seep like that.
It isn't hurting anything but it means your case gasket is leaking into the space where that bolt is.

I agree. If its leaking out air is leaking in. I run a ultra black on every gasket i apply it then almost wipe it off. Especially the top end there is only aprox 2mm of gasket around the jug studs and it leaks into the stud holes if i dont..

 

[Southgate Jonny]

I agree. If its leaking out air is leaking in. I run a ultra black on every gasket i apply it then almost wipe it off. Especially the top end there is only aprox 2mm of gasket around the jug studs and it leaks into the stud holes if i dont..

Very true regarding air getting in that tiny space. Fortunately, every seam and gasket on my engine is clean and dry and no air leaks on the intake/cylinder/carburetor interface. I let the silicone repair set up all day yesterday, and I'm going on about a 20 mile trip later today.
I will report in later today to let you all know how it went.
Thanks for all the helpful advice,
Jonny

 

[flybytaco]

Bet it went grrrrreaattttt

 

[Southgate Jonny]

Yes! No more leak! A little dab of silicone gasket sealer fixed the issue. Rode about 25 miles today and the engine block is clean as the proverbial whistle.

 

[flybytaco]

sooooo how is the engine? is it good? vibes?

 

[Southgate Jonny]

Really smooth... I highly recommend these Dax engines.

 

[jonnyp929]

If all fails try jb weld. that stuff is like liquid metal!

good luck!

 

[MotorBicycleRacing]

If all fails try jb weld. that stuff is like liquid metal!

good luck!

JB Weld is over rated and would have been the wrong fix for his leak.
He needed a flexible sealant because splitting the cases would have been way too much work!

 

[jonnyp929]

oops,

didn't realize that the problem was fixed.