2011 ktm 530 exc 35 hrs 1500 miles oil leak - advice

[saz2686]

Here is the story, I have already properly changed the oil and filter at 4 hrs and 20 hrs. After about 25 hrs I noticed oil collecting on the plastic engine guard (the easily removable one on bottom of bike). I saw an oil drop forming on the front bottom of the motor. I used a T15 to make sure the engine case bolts were tight - they were not!! Every bolt around the entire motor was just over hand tight. So I tightend the engine bolts evenly and the leak subsided untill about 30 hrs - Then I noticed the leak came back worse. So after two and a half weeks at the dealer I called to get an update. I was told they are waiting on parts that were on back order - you know the game. So I asked which parts they are wating for and I was told a head gasket. Of course I made sure I heard him right and he said yes, the oil filter was clogged and it caused the head gasket to fail. So I am not sure how these motors work. It does not sound likely to me for the filter to be clogged. TWO QUESTIONS. Is this a common problem? Could a clogged oil fiter cause a head gasket leak anyhow? Thanks! Make sure to check them engine bolts
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[ktmpegger]

I'm having a hard time believing that one but I'm no KTM expert. Just bought my first one last October.

I had an oil weep on my 450SX-F left side cover at the bottom. I ride it Nevada desert and took a couple of very small rock hits before I put a full skid plate on it. Just a couple of what I considered moderate dings deformed the side cover enough to where I had to use some dye marker and file the high spot down on the mating surface. I then used some Yamabond for some insurance and problem solved. KTM gaskets are very thin IMO and rely on very tight clearances. The Japanese use a metal rubberized gasket material that is thicker and if careful can be reused. KTM needs to step it up on their gasket materials especially on side covers.