Oil leaking from tank - help!

[DelgatyXTX]

I went for a 35 mile ride 2 weekends ago and never noticed any leaking. Then yesterday I went for a 115 mile ride and today I notice oil all over the floor. I saw some oil dripping from around the sensor/filler neck but very little, may have just been from taking the dipstick out. The dipstick measured full from when it was screwed in but low if just dipped in. I did over fill the tank my about 1/5 of a quart when filling it up but this seems more than that. I also noticed it around the bottom oil elbow which I did remove to clean the filter. I put a peice of paper towel under it and within 20 mint her were a few drops but they could be residual. I'm going to check it in the morning. On top of that I noticed 2 out of 3 K&N filters popped off as well. At least I'll have something to do over my Christmas vacation....

 

[fxnytroxtx]

It might be the oil you're using, it's probably coming out of the breather. Ive used mobile 1 0-40 and in about300 miles I lost almost 2 quarts of oil, to thin I think, then switched to yamalube 0-30 and no more spilled oil

 

[DelgatyXTX]

Where abouts is the breather? I just switched to joe Gibbs oil.

 

[Mtnviper]

Sometimes the oil tank can crack around the 90 degree elbow on the bottom of the oil tank. The crack will usually be very fine and hard to see. Some guys have used JB weld as a temporary only repair. The tank is aluminum and fairly light gauge metal, but a skilled welder may be able to weld it. The best option usually is to replace the tank though. (If it is indeed cracked)

 

[DelgatyXTX]

Sometimes the oil tank can crack around the 90 degree elbow on the bottom of the oil tank. The crack will usually be very fine and hard to see. Some guys have used JB weld as a temporary only repair. The tank is aluminum and fairly light gauge metal, but a skilled welder may be able to weld it. The best option usually is to replace the tank though. (If it is indeed cracked)

I hope that's not my case. If it is though, would be oil drain a lot faster while the sleds running and being driven as opposed to just sitting there?

 

[Mtnviper]

Sometimes the oil tank can crack around the 90 degree elbow on the bottom of the oil tank. The crack will usually be very fine and hard to see. Some guys have used JB weld as a temporary only repair. The tank is aluminum and fairly light gauge metal, but a skilled welder may be able to weld it. The best option usually is to replace the tank though. (If it is indeed cracked)

I hope that's not my case. If it is though, would be oil drain a lot faster while the sleds running and being driven as opposed to just sitting there?

Oil leakage rate would be pretty much the same, as there is no pressure inside the tank. It will leak faster after the oil is hot however. This because the hot oil is thinner and will seep through the crack easier.
To check it, I would clean the tank off with brake cleaner. Then spray some talc powder on the bottom of tank and let it sit. If its leaking there the oil will stain the talcum (spelling) powder at the point of the leak.

Bill

 

[toyota4runner]

When I switched to amsoil i ran into overflow problems if my oil level was anything over 3/4 on the dipstick. The stock overflow goes into the air box and drains all over the skid plate. Not sure if you have k&n's and a roll over valve. Everytime I change my oil I feel like I'm going to rip the drain plug bung right off the bottom of the tank. The TS Fabrication HD oil tank that OFT sells is high on my list

 

[LJ 452]

May want to check that the copper seal washer didn't fall off the tank, drain plug. The elbow and tank seam would be the other likely candidates. I had the elbow issue one year, then the tank the following year. I think there is a company out there making aluminum (thicker) tanks for the Mtn. guys, I would look into that if your warrantee is up.

 

[Supa Dexta]

It might be the oil you're using, it's probably coming out of the breather. Ive used mobile 1 0-40 and in about300 miles I lost almost 2 quarts of oil, to thin I think, then switched to yamalube 0-30 and no more spilled oil

Umm, 30 is thinner than 40.

And you check the level WITHOUT screwing in the dipstick.

 

[fxnytroxtx]

It might be the oil you're using, it's probably coming out of the breather. Ive used mobile 1 0-40 and in about300 miles I lost almost 2 quarts of oil, to thin I think, then switched to yamalube 0-30 and no more spilled oil

Umm, 30 is thinner than 40.

And you check the level WITHOUT screwing in the dipstick.

it is but I get no more spilled oil no more.

 

[revster]

I went for a 35 mile ride 2 weekends ago and never noticed any leaking. Then yesterday I went for a 115 mile ride and today I notice oil all over the floor. I saw some oil dripping from around the sensor/filler neck but very little, may have just been from taking the dipstick out. The dipstick measured full from when it was screwed in but low if just dipped in. I did over fill the tank my about 1/5 of a quart when filling it up but this seems more than that. I also noticed it around the bottom oil elbow which I did remove to clean the filter. I put a peice of paper towel under it and within 20 mint her were a few drops but they could be residual. I'm going to check it in the morning. On top of that I noticed 2 out of 3 K&N filters popped off as well. At least I'll have something to do over my Christmas vacation....

Ryan did you have the sled on it's side or close to it at all. I know mine will leak out of the breather when I am really throwing the sled around. It's small amounts but it makes a mess. Have a look at the little filter at the end of the breather tube see if it's saturated. ......or your tank might be cracked like was mentioned.

For the Air filters; check in my build I believe I have some pics. I put large zap ties loose around the filters and around the headlight mount. They don't hold the filters at all but they prevent them from flexing down when jumping. Mine have never popped off.

 

[DelgatyXTX]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I know what to look for now. I didn't have the sled on its side really at all, but I do have a rollover valve so I don't think it came from there. I'm also going to check how much more oil I lost if any. The only question now is... If my tank IS cracked, can I last the season with it? In 150 miles I went from full to low so as long as I top it up every ride and keep a quart with me as well as check it diring each ride, I think I should be ok...?

Also, I'll check out your zip tie fix Mike! I didn't think they looked too sturdy when I put them on.

 

[Supa Dexta]

I'd atleast JB weld it or something, to keep from further leaking and the mess it makes... These engines do not like to be low on oil, so it would suck to have to push it some day and burn it down.

 

[SRXSRULE2]

0w30 vs 0w40 synthetic or not it doesn't matter, if oil is coming out the breather on anything it is usually a sign of being overfull. Switched my diesel from std 15w40 to 5w40 amsoil. Runs the same, only difference is it starts a heck of a lot easier in the winter. When i first switched, I burned a litre or so for the first couple of changes but it went away. I notice this with a lot of vehicles that switch to synthetic, i'm not sure why but it almost seams the norm.

To the OP if you're having a hard time finding the leak, try to find some oil dye. Clean up the oil with a degreaser and add the dye to your oil. Run it until its up to operating temp, grab a black light (usually comes in a kit) and you'll find it.

 

[09NytroRTX]

If i had a crack in the tank, I would not ride it until i got it fixed or replaced it. Just my .2 cents. OFT sells a better tank that I would purchase if i were to crack the OEM one.