Oil pipes keep leaking

John leathers · Apr 7, 2016

I have a 1971 commando with a oil filter(cartridge type) and were the rubber oil pipes fit on to the metal pipes on oil filter and oil tank I cannot get them to seal, were they fit to the engine is ok,I am using jubilee clips (stainless steel) and the hose is hot oil grade high pressure pipe recommended by (walker rubber of Norwich UK) pipe was a tight fit. John.

grandpaul · Apr 7, 2016

If the hard pipes have scratches, nicks, dents or other imperfections, they'll never seal right.

concours · Apr 7, 2016

"High pressure type" hose is always a challenge to seal on straight slip on tube with a clamp. A softer, more pliable low-pressure hose usually works better.

T.H · Apr 7, 2016

Don't rule out the spigots going into the housing as this is where I found mine to be leaking after pulling my hair out for weeks. This was on a brand new housing.

Fast Eddie · Apr 7, 2016

T.H said:
Don't rule out the spigots going into the housing as this is where I found mine to be leaking after pulling my hair out for weeks. This was on a brand new housing.

+1 on that. I had a spigot come out on one some years ago (unknown make, probably cheapo pattern part).

DevonNorton · Apr 8, 2016

If you need to replace the oil filter mounting it might be worth trying Andover Norton's latest version which has barbed pipe connectors (Part No. 06-3139) http://www.nortonmotors.de/ANIL/News.htm
Andy

toppy · Apr 8, 2016

There is realy no need for high pressure pipe on the oil return line or feed line (from tank to pump). Using such may be part of the problem as they may have much stronger webbing structure that wont compress. Only the rocker feed pipe sees any pressure at all and then only 60psi if you are luck. The standard rocker feed is only plastic pipe force fitted over banjo end with no clip etc. to retain the pipe.
Check the size of pipe bore it may be the more common metric 10mm or the pipe stubs on the filter may be smaller. Do the stub have a raised part that you force pipe over at the end that helps make wseal?

Keith1069 · Apr 8, 2016

"High pressure type" hose is always a challenge to seal on straight slip on tube with a clamp. A softer, more pliable low-pressure hose usually works better.

I've always had a small issue with the tank return, it weeps a little despite medium to tight hose-clips. I've tried all levels of tightness in case overtightening has distorted the pipe. I recently replaced pipe with new heavy duty 3/8" bore oil/fuel hose. Its thickwall and just too heavy duty (if tha'ts possible) and the weep from the same joint is worse. Now going to try some thinner wall pipe from RGM to see if it's an improvement. The tank return feed stub is slightly smaller diameter than the filter head or case feed adapter so that's part of the problem.

JimNH · Apr 8, 2016

I used what the parts store calls power steering return hose. It's not too heavy as there's no pressure in the PS return same as the oil filter' no real pressure there. Anyway, It's flexible and seems to work well.

kerinorton · Apr 8, 2016

I would recommend using transmission hoes on both lines. its reinforce and less likely to implode on the inlet side to the oil pump.

I had oil leaks from that area as well and it was the steel stubs loose in the alloy oil filter housing. I ended up expanding them enough and pressing them in with Loctite.

Dereck

N0rt0nelectr@ · Apr 11, 2016

kerinorton said:
I would recommend using transmission hoes on both lines. its reinforce and less likely to implode on the inlet side to the oil pump.

I had oil leaks from that area as well and it was the steel stubs loose in the alloy oil filter housing. I ended up expanding them enough and pressing them in with Loctite.

Dereck

This is a most interesting topic. I too am having an on going oil leak. Now that I have the tank sealed up with no sign of a leak at the banjo fitting it is time to look at the oil filter housing. It's always something!

John in Texas

N0rt0nelectr@ · Apr 18, 2016

N0rt0nelectr@ said:
kerinorton said:

I would recommend using transmission hoes on both lines. its reinforce and less likely to implode on the inlet side to the oil pump.

I had oil leaks from that area as well and it was the steel stubs loose in the alloy oil filter housing. I ended up expanding them enough and pressing them in with Loctite.

Dereck

Click to expand...

This is a most interesting topic. I too am having an on going oil leak. Now that I have the tank sealed up with no sign of a leak at the banjo fitting it is time to look at the oil filter housing. It's always something!

John in Texas

Been chasing my own oil leak issues. Over the weekend I pulled the return lines and oil filter and housing out. No leakage signs at the housing or filter. Replaced the return lines with power steering hose. Cleaned it all up. About 24 hours later there was a wet spot under the bike, damn! The drip seems to be on the left side of the bike at least that is where the cradle is "wet". As we know there are no oil line near that part of the bike so it must be wicking across from the right side. Got the bike up on the lift and a mirror under it, hoping to see where it is coming from. Thinking about pulling the rear wheel and blowing some baby powder into the area so see if that will help me track the leak.

John in Texas

kommando · Apr 18, 2016

The bottom mount on the later oil tanks is prone to causing a split in the tank on its circumference which then leaks.

From this thread

oil-tank-repairs-let-see-t22715-15.html

Mr.Sparks · Apr 18, 2016

I use a thin smear of Loctite 515 on the pipes before fitting the hoses. Also use it on the sump plug, banjo etc.

N0rt0nelectr@ · Apr 21, 2016

kommando said:
The bottom mount on the later oil tanks is prone to causing a split in the tank on its circumference which then leaks.

From this thread

oil-tank-repairs-let-see-t22715-15.html

I had the lower mount removed years ago and a steel patch plate welded in. Thick foam pad glued to the battery box / oil tank support finished the task.

John in Texas

John leathers · Apr 21, 2016

Hi all, found spigot eye to have little flat spots on it were some half wit looks like they have taken a hammer to it. I also found as people on forum said, found scrape marks on tail pipes from oil tank. Cleaned up as advised with wet and dry with a circular movement around pipes. Hay presto all now oil tight. Many. Many. Thanks to you. All .this is by far the best forum on the net. John Norfolk. Uk

Oil pipes keep leaking

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