[Roachy666]

Hey everyone! I'm new to riding as well as to the forum. I bought a 2001 vn800 last year and rode it only a few times. It was nice and clean, no oil leaks. This year I took it out of storage and shined it up, after putting about 60 km on I noticed a small oil leak. It appears to be coming from the bolts shown in the pics below. Has anyone seen this or have ideas on how to fix it? Thanks in advance!

 

[C-130 jumper]

Hard to trace leaks from pictures but my guess is the head or base gasket. Spray the engine with degreaser, wipe dry, and idle it for a few minutes. Just a suggestion. If it is the base gasket a retorque of the head bolts might stop it.

 

[Roachy666]

Thanks!

 

[Roachy666]

Ok so I cleaned it all up and went for a ride. I found the source or the leak. It's the gasket circled in this pic. Is this the head or base gasket?

 

[C-130 jumper]

Ok so I cleaned it all up and went for a ride. I found the source or the leak. It's the gasket circled in this pic. Is this the head or base gasket?

That's the head gasket. You can look here for an exploded diagram.

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/2001/vulcan-800-vn800-a7/cylinder-head

 

[Roachy666]

That's the head gasket. You can look here for an exploded diagram.

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/2001/vulcan-800-vn800-a7/cylinder-head

Thanks,

I was looking more and I think the oil might be coming out of the hole that drains the spark plug. I'm going to try and change out those o rings and see if that fixes it. If not I'll do the head gasket next. I will keep the thread updated

 

[C-130 jumper]

Thanks,

I was looking more and I think the oil might be coming out of the hole that drains the spark plug. I'm going to try and change out those o rings and see if that fixes it. If not I'll do the head gasket next. I will keep the thread updated

That may be it, a leaky valve cover gasket and you'll be in luck!