Oil Question 1500 Vulcan

seeing · 12-11-2016, 11:32 AM

I just bought a 01 1500 which had a cracked oil case where the guy ran over maybe a speed bump and came down hard. I cleaned the case sealed it with JB Weld all was good till I changed oil. Not sure but think he was using 20W50 mobile one. I changed to synthetic 10W40 on advice of motor cycle shop. No leaks before but now have some that appear hours after parking the bike from a ride. So I re-did crank case with JB Weld not sure that is where it was leaking with marine JB Weld which seals better from any oil leak. Again not sure where the leak is from just guessing. Now I also put new filter on so can I change back to regular 20W50 if leak continues and use new filter by draining the new one of synthetic oil ? Less than 100 miles with new filter. Also where is the screen that every one says clean on this bike ? Thanks to all.

**Kawalski Rider** · 12-11-2016, 12:20 PM

Oil screen is on the left side edge, of the crank case. large plug with hex head. Screen is behind it.

seeing · 12-11-2016, 02:04 PM

Thanks do you need to clean this each time you change oil ? Also what does this screen do if you have oil filter on motor? You can tell I have never owned a Kawasaki lol.

**minst7877** · 12-11-2016, 02:20 PM

The screen protects the oil pump from picking up any debris in the crankcase. I use this every time I change the oil never take the bottom plug out. check around the bottom plug to see if your leak is coming from there. If so you will need to pull the plug and put a new sealing washer on it.

DC

**Kawalski Rider** · 12-11-2016, 02:30 PM

As a extra percaution ... I have a couple of salvaged rare earth magnets from an old hard drive that I stick to the sides of the oil filter, at about the 5 & 7 o'clock position to help trap any stray metalic bits that might be floating around. Then when you change your oil filter, just peel the magnets off and put them back on the new filter. Whatever is in the filter goes out with it.

**Kawalski Rider** · 12-11-2016, 02:42 PM

@ seeing... Welcome to the forum, BTW

seeing · 12-11-2016, 04:43 PM

Thanks for the info on screen will do that before putting oil back in. Any one what about oil issue I listed. Never knew synthetic oil would find ways out that regular oil would not so if my latest sealing does not stop the leak will go back to 20w-50 which did not leak. I like the mobile one 10-40 synthetic but sure do not like the leaks. Strange leak showed up on floor of shop several hours after I parked the bike. I would have thought it would show up as soon as I parked the bike. It did seem to help smooth shifting but not enough to put up with the leak if what I did does not work.

**Rasta** · 12-11-2016, 04:46 PM

Welcome from Central Iowa. I use the screen one to do my oil changes as well. Using that you tend to get most of the old oil to drain than using the center drain plug. I like checking the screen too to tell me what might me going on in the motor by looking for foreign material that might be in it.
These bikes have some notorious known oil leaked. So if you can pin point the are where you see the oil, guys would able to help you out identify where its coming from.

**vulcanscott** · 12-11-2016, 05:01 PM

You may need to search posts on the clutch rod oil seal leak . Just a Thought .

**cnc** · 12-11-2016, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeing

Thanks for the info on screen will do that before putting oil back in. Any one what about oil issue I listed. Never knew synthetic oil would find ways out that regular oil would not so if my latest sealing does not stop the leak will go back to 20w-50 which did not leak. I like the mobile one 10-40 synthetic but sure do not like the leaks. Strange leak showed up on floor of shop several hours after I parked the bike. I would have thought it would show up as soon as I parked the bike. It did seem to help smooth shifting but not enough to put up with the leak if what I did does not work.

Welcome,
do you know for sure that the leak is coming from your JB weld repair or are assuming that it is? As mentioned your oil leak could be the clutch push rod seal or something else. I kinda doubt that a switch in oil would cause your patch to begin leaking, more likely if it is leaking it is a coincidence. I assume you really roughened up the surfaces and cleaned the area well with a solvent such as acetone before patching.
Also unless you live in a very hot climate, 20/50 oil is too heavy for the Nomad and will be slow to flow on cold start up to critical areas causing premature wear.

Loafer · 12-12-2016, 07:32 AM

Welcome to the forum

I live in Vermont and have always used a synthetic.

I think 20W50 is too heavy for here.

seeing · 12-12-2016, 09:27 AM

I ride mostly Alabama - Georgia. I was told the 20-50 would be fine just have to warm motor more bike has app. 35,000 miles on it runs great. I seem to have a slight slipping of the clutch in higher gears if under a load can down shift and it seems to go away. I am not a hard rider have owned several bikes over the years and rode two up all the time but now just me wife has quit riding. Seems this will be my last bike at age 72 but it rides good just want to make sure I put the right stuff in it as to oil. I just found it strange that no leaks then switch to 10-40 synthetic and now some leaks. As to where it is coming from really not sure am going to try and figure that out as put oil back in and get it going. Thanks for all your comments they do give me some good info to go on.

mbarr10 · 12-12-2016, 12:27 PM

Clutch rod oil seal, Seems like a good place to start. It is under the big chrome cover on the left side of the bike. Mine leaked the first week I had the bike. I did however accidently push it in to far. It fell into the motor, 42,000 miles later the new one never leaked and no motor issues. Don't be a dumb ass like me and push it in to far. Lube it and put it on the shaft first then push it on ( Not In) when the shaft is in place. Always ran 10-40 v-twin oil, no synthetic and changed oil every 2500-3000 miles.

duffy · 12-12-2016, 01:35 PM

After you are done with the oil leak repair it might be a good idea to make a skid plate for your bike. I made two of them, one for a 1500 Drifter and another on for a 1500 Classic. The mounting points are the same for all 1500 and 1600 Vulcans (excluding the 88's). I "tested" the one on my Classic when I dropped off a curb. Scraped the heck out of it but no real damage. Would not have been pretty on the engine case without the skid plate. I did a write up on here when I did it..........a search should find it.

The Black Knight · 12-12-2016, 03:21 PM

Welcome from Italy!

12-11-2016, 11:32 AM	#1
seeing Jr. Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 9	Oil Question 1500 Vulcan I just bought a 01 1500 which had a cracked oil case where the guy ran over maybe a speed bump and came down hard. I cleaned the case sealed it with JB Weld all was good till I changed oil. Not sure but think he was using 20W50 mobile one. I changed to synthetic 10W40 on advice of motor cycle shop. No leaks before but now have some that appear hours after parking the bike from a ride. So I re-did crank case with JB Weld not sure that is where it was leaking with marine JB Weld which seals better from any oil leak. Again not sure where the leak is from just guessing. Now I also put new filter on so can I change back to regular 20W50 if leak continues and use new filter by draining the new one of synthetic oil ? Less than 100 miles with new filter. Also where is the screen that every one says clean on this bike ? Thanks to all. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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12-11-2016, 12:20 PM	#2
Kawalski Rider Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 305	Oil screen is on the left side edge, of the crank case. large plug with hex head. Screen is behind it. __________________ Cheers, David Baughan aka: Kawalski Rider VBA #03514 2002 Vulcan VN1500L Nomad fi Pearl Burnish Beige/Pearl Luster Beige
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12-11-2016, 02:04 PM	#3
seeing Jr. Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 9	Oil Screen Location Thanks do you need to clean this each time you change oil ? Also what does this screen do if you have oil filter on motor? You can tell I have never owned a Kawasaki lol.
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12-11-2016, 02:20 PM	#4
minst7877 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,286	The screen protects the oil pump from picking up any debris in the crankcase. I use this every time I change the oil never take the bottom plug out. check around the bottom plug to see if your leak is coming from there. If so you will need to pull the plug and put a new sealing washer on it. DC __________________ Me and my 99 G1 Nomad on US 2 by the Lake Michigan Shoreline. Judge's Oil Gear failed and engine overhauled @ 35563 miles VBA/KawaNOW #01625 Christian Motorcyclists Assoc. Wheels Of Destiny Chapter #735 PA Wilds NE/Eastern Canada regional rally July 2012 Eureka Springs National 2015 Rolling Thunder Washington DC 2016 NE US / E Canada Rally - Mont Tremblant, QC 2016 VRA Eastern National at Maggie Valley 2017 99 Nomad G1 gone but never forgotten traded 4/8/17 for a 2017 Indian Roadmaster
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12-11-2016, 02:30 PM	#5
Kawalski Rider Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 305	As a extra percaution ... I have a couple of salvaged rare earth magnets from an old hard drive that I stick to the sides of the oil filter, at about the 5 & 7 o'clock position to help trap any stray metalic bits that might be floating around. Then when you change your oil filter, just peel the magnets off and put them back on the new filter. Whatever is in the filter goes out with it. __________________ Cheers, David Baughan aka: Kawalski Rider VBA #03514 2002 Vulcan VN1500L Nomad fi Pearl Burnish Beige/Pearl Luster Beige Login or Register to Remove Ads Last edited by Kawalski Rider; 12-11-2016 at 02:37 PM.
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12-11-2016, 02:42 PM	#6
Kawalski Rider Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 305	@ seeing... Welcome to the forum, BTW __________________ Cheers, David Baughan aka: Kawalski Rider VBA #03514 2002 Vulcan VN1500L Nomad fi Pearl Burnish Beige/Pearl Luster Beige
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12-11-2016, 04:43 PM	#7
seeing Jr. Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 9	Thanks for the info on screen will do that before putting oil back in. Any one what about oil issue I listed. Never knew synthetic oil would find ways out that regular oil would not so if my latest sealing does not stop the leak will go back to 20w-50 which did not leak. I like the mobile one 10-40 synthetic but sure do not like the leaks. Strange leak showed up on floor of shop several hours after I parked the bike. I would have thought it would show up as soon as I parked the bike. It did seem to help smooth shifting but not enough to put up with the leak if what I did does not work.
	0

12-11-2016, 04:46 PM	#8
Rasta Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ankeny Iowa Posts: 3,697	Welcome from Central Iowa. I use the screen one to do my oil changes as well. Using that you tend to get most of the old oil to drain than using the center drain plug. I like checking the screen too to tell me what might me going on in the motor by looking for foreign material that might be in it. These bikes have some notorious known oil leaked. So if you can pin point the are where you see the oil, guys would able to help you out identify where its coming from. __________________ VROC#34321 VBA#01867 2012 NCR Rally Savanna. IL. 2013 National Rally Estes Park, CO 2014 NC/SC Rally in the Ozarks, Mountain View AR 2014 NE US/Eastern Canada Rally,Lincoln NH 2015 VBA/VRA Eureka Springs AR 2015 Antlers Rally, Antlers OK. 2016 SCR Rally Salem MO. 2016 NCR Rally Hillsboro WI 2017 Eureka Springs AR 2017 National Rally Lake George NY 2004 Blue and Silver 1500 Nomad(RIP 9-26-19) 2000 Red and Silver 1500 Nomad 2012 Pearl White 1700 Voyager
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12-11-2016, 05:01 PM	#9
vulcanscott Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: chandler okla Posts: 854	You may need to search posts on the clutch rod oil seal leak . Just a Thought .
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12-12-2016, 07:32 AM	#11
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	Welcome to the forum I live in Vermont and have always used a synthetic. I think 20W50 is too heavy for here. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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12-12-2016, 09:27 AM	#12
seeing Jr. Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 9	I ride mostly Alabama - Georgia. I was told the 20-50 would be fine just have to warm motor more bike has app. 35,000 miles on it runs great. I seem to have a slight slipping of the clutch in higher gears if under a load can down shift and it seems to go away. I am not a hard rider have owned several bikes over the years and rode two up all the time but now just me wife has quit riding. Seems this will be my last bike at age 72 but it rides good just want to make sure I put the right stuff in it as to oil. I just found it strange that no leaks then switch to 10-40 synthetic and now some leaks. As to where it is coming from really not sure am going to try and figure that out as put oil back in and get it going. Thanks for all your comments they do give me some good info to go on.
	0

12-12-2016, 12:27 PM	#13
mbarr10 Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 1,565	Clutch rod oil seal, Seems like a good place to start. It is under the big chrome cover on the left side of the bike. Mine leaked the first week I had the bike. I did however accidently push it in to far. It fell into the motor, 42,000 miles later the new one never leaked and no motor issues. Don't be a dumb ass like me and push it in to far. Lube it and put it on the shaft first then push it on ( Not In) when the shaft is in place. Always ran 10-40 v-twin oil, no synthetic and changed oil every 2500-3000 miles. __________________ Please post back after you have solved any issues 2016 1700 Vaquero 10/4/2016 2007 1500 Classic W/ Reckless Fairing, 42,000 miles 2004 600 Honda Shadow 18,000 miles 1989 500 Honda CX Custom 55,000 miles 1973 400 Kawi Triple 5,000 miles
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12-12-2016, 01:35 PM	#14
duffy Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hot Springs, SD and other warm and dry places Posts: 1,043	After you are done with the oil leak repair it might be a good idea to make a skid plate for your bike. I made two of them, one for a 1500 Drifter and another on for a 1500 Classic. The mounting points are the same for all 1500 and 1600 Vulcans (excluding the 88's). I "tested" the one on my Classic when I dropped off a curb. Scraped the heck out of it but no real damage. Would not have been pretty on the engine case without the skid plate. I did a write up on here when I did it..........a search should find it.
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12-12-2016, 03:21 PM	#15
The Black Knight Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Italy Posts: 6,235	Welcome from Italy! __________________ VBA 02514 - VROC 35394 VN 800 A - VN 900 Classic VN 1700 Vaquero Usque ad finem.
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