Thin Oil Causing a Leak?

[LovetheLand]

I have gearbox oil leaking out of my cylinder's bottom end, I think I put too thin of oil in the bike- could that be the problem?

[bajadog]

Do you mean between the case halves directly under the crankshaft?

[LovetheLand]

Yes, sorry I don't know the technical terms for everything, I'm just starting to do work on bikes and learning as I go.

[bajadog]

Originally Posted by LovetheLand

Yes, sorry I don't know the technical terms for everything, I'm just starting to do work on bikes and learning as I go.

No worries. That's why I ask questions.

I would do a REAL thorough job at cleaning all around the suspected
leak, to make sure it's not coming from an easier place to fix. Use brake
cleaner or carb cleaner lot's of rags.

Don't start the bike up after cleaning, just let it sit over night to
see if you are still getting a drip.

If you truly do have a leak a the bottom of your case halves,
you will need to eventually split the case, and change the gasket.

[Jeffrey Jay]

Hmmm, I would suggest putting much more info down so we can do a better job understanding what is happening. What type of bike, size, what type oil, history, scenario, etc. The more we know the more we can help.
I can say that within the engine/trans realm usually running a thinner oil won't in itself create a leak. Run the manufacturer suggested weight/viscosity.
Perhaps post a pic!
Good luck,
-Jeff

[LovetheLand]

My bike doesn't have a spark arrestor so I put a cone screen thing in the silencer. The cone got clogged up with oil and stuff and was creating a lot of pressure (I found out when my bike backfired while trying to start it). I also drained the oil and put thicker stuff in. It seems to be running great now! I think there was just too much built up pressure in the engine so it was pushing oil out. Kind of a weird thing and a weird fix I know, but the bike rides like new now.