I’ve been riding my Honda Shadow for a while now, and recently I’ve noticed oil puddles under my bike. I’m not a mechanic, and I’m really worried. Can anyone help me out?
Response
A few months ago my Honda Shadow bike was also leaking oil. However, I found that replacing the clutch push rod seal stopped the leaking.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch Push Rod Seal | 5 | Replaced the seal and the leak stopped | $10-$20 | 30-60 |
| Check Oil Filter | 3 | Tightened the oil filter | $0 | 5-10 |
| Slave Cylinder Rebuild Kit | 2 | Replaced seals in the slave cylinder | $20-$40 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Oil puddles under the bike
- Oil stains on the garage floor
- Oil dripping from the engine area
Possible Causes
- Worn-out seals
- Loose oil filter
- Damaged gaskets
Solutions that Worked
1. Clutch Push Rod Seal Replacement
What I Did:
Replaced the clutch push rod seal.
Outcome:
The oil leak stopped.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the clutch push rod seal, I noticed the leak had stopped. It was a huge relief.
Estimated Cost:
$10-$20
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Put the bike on a stand to elevate it for easier access.
- Remove the slave cylinder by unscrewing the bolts.
- Check for oil in the clutch rod housing area.
- Order a Left Hand Side crankcase gasket, starter gear cover gasket, a clutch rod oil seal, and a shifter peg seal.
- Remove the starter gear cover and gears using a socket wrench.
- Disconnect the stator wires by unplugging the connectors.
- Remove the shift lever and wrap the end of the shift rod with electrical tape to protect it.
- Unbolt and remove the Left Hand Side crankcase using a socket wrench.
- Carefully remove the old shift peg seal and clutch rod seal.
- Clean the area to remove any old gasket material.
- Install the new shift peg seal and clutch rod seal.
- Re-assemble the Left Hand Side crankcase with new gaskets.
- Reconnect the stator wires and starter gear cover.
- Re-install the slave cylinder.
Expert Tip:
Always replace the clutch push rod seal and the shifter peg seal together to ensure a complete fix. Also, use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to manufacturer specifications.
2. Check Oil Filter
What I Did:
Checked the oil filter to make sure it was tightened properly.
Outcome:
The leak stopped.
Personal Experience:
I realized my oil filter was a bit loose. After tightening it, the leak stopped.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the oil filter, usually found on the lower side of the engine.
- Use an oil filter wrench to tighten it.
- Wipe the area clean to remove any residual oil.
- Start the bike and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the leak has stopped.
Expert Tip:
Always tighten the oil filter according to the manufacturer’s specifications to prevent leaks. Also, consider replacing the oil filter at regular intervals as part of your maintenance routine.
3. Slave Cylinder Rebuild Kit
What I Did:
Used a slave cylinder rebuild kit to replace the necessary seals.
Outcome:
The leak stopped.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the seals in the slave cylinder, the leak stopped.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$40
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Order a slave cylinder rebuild kit from a reputable supplier.
- Put the bike on a stand for easier access.
- Remove the slave cylinder by unscrewing the bolts.
- Open the rebuild kit and identify all the seals.
- Carefully remove the old seals from the slave cylinder.
- Install the new seals from the rebuild kit.
- Reassemble the slave cylinder.
- Reinstall the slave cylinder onto the bike.
- Test the bike to ensure the leak has stopped.
Expert Tip:
When using a slave cylinder rebuild kit, make sure to replace all the seals, even if they look okay, to ensure a complete fix. Also, lubricate the new seals with a bit of oil for a better fit.
Motorcycle Models Where This Worked
- Honda Shadow VT1100 (1990, 1993)
- Honda Shadow VT800 (1988)
- Honda VT750 Aero