Motorcycle Repair: oil leak on a 1996 vt1100 c2 shadow ace, gasket surfaces, oil leaks

Question
I have an oil leak on the left side of the engine.Sometimes it's just a few drops,other times it's a puddle.I pulled the side cover off but I can't see where it's coming from. I think it may be above the water pump ...not sure. Thank you willyfupduk@peoplepc.com

Answer
Hi Mike,

There's no question here. I think you're asking where the source of the leak may be.

In some cases with hard to find oil leaks, I'll do the following:

Clean suspected areas with rag. Spray Dr. Scholl's Foot Powder Spray onto the suspected areas. Start and run engine and /or allow to park. Return later and check for source of leak.

The foot powder spray is expensive. About $8 per small can  here. This is a fine powder and is pure white. Oil appears dark brown on the powder. The powder is harmless to chrome and other engine parts. Clean up is a simple wipe off.

Otherwise, you'll have to locate the source of the leak by inspecting gasket surfaces. Did you remove any engine covers etc.. for any reasons prior to the leak? If so, that's the first place to look.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively