Motorcycle Repair: Honda trail 55 engine question, gasket seal, honda trail

Question
Hi Christopher,

Well I finally got my Honda trail 55 running after a 35 year hibernation and actually it runs pretty well though I notice once it warms up it doesn't run as well as when cold and it begins leaking oil out of the dipstick/fill cap as if pressure is building in the crankcase...does this sound like there is a vent plugged someplace and if so what would be a good tip for cleaning said vent?  many thanks

Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeffrey.

Have you replaced all of the gaskets and seals?  If not, then the leaks are related to that.  If it leaks from a rubber seal that is original, then it is dry-rot.  Replace the seal.  It is a similar thing with non-rubber seals as well.

Now if you have replaced the seals, then it could be a problem with the parts not being torqued properly or not gasket sealed properly (maybe some oil got on the part under the gasket seal) or the seal just could have gotten damaged before or during installation.

Now it is possible to build up pressure in the case, but that would mean that there is a passage blocked somewhere in the engine.  With a bike that sat for 35 years, that is always a possibility.

And do not discount the possibility of blowby from the piston getting into the engine case as well.  Check compression.  Make sure that it is right.

Check everything with the repair manual to be sure that everything is tightened correctly and sealed right and let me know what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON