Looking at 2002 sw to purchase, but has oil leak

Scooter Rider Number of posts : 32 Points : 4556 Registration date : 2011-12-18

Hi, I'm considering purchasing a 2002 SW with 5,000 miles. It looks good and drives good, but I noticed 1 drop of oil on the oil drain plug. The owner says he never finds any oil spots in his garage where it has been kept. I wiped off the oil before test driving it, and there was no oil when I got back.

How concerned should I be about this? What is the best way to make sure it doesn't have a serious leak? Should I have a mechanic look at it?

lndlyb4 wrote:: Hi, I'm considering purchasing a 2002 SW with 5,000 miles. It looks good and drives good, but I noticed 1 drop of oil on the oil drain plug.

lndlyb4 wrote:: What is the best way to make sure it doesn't have a serious leak?

Below the oil drain plug is a metal plate. The metal plate does have a hole in it to drain oil, but oil still drip onto the metal plate during oil changes.

1) Wipe off the area above the metal plate very thoroughly.
2) Place some paper towels with many layers on top of the and covering the entire metal plate
3) Duct tape the paper towels securely in place
4) Test ride
5) Carefully remove the duct tape and paper towels. Try not to bump on engine while removing. Keep track which is the top or the bottom of the paper towel.
6) Examine the top of the paper towels for any leaks or drips.

Scooter Rider Number of posts : 32 Points : 4556 Registration date : 2011-12-18

Thanks Bill,

I will give this a try. (Your method will tell me if its coming from down below, right? If it is coming from higher up, how do i find it? Are slow leaks very common on a 10 year old machine like this? Would you purchase the vehicle with a slow leak?) Sorry if my questions are dumb. I'm not very mechanical and new to motorbikes.)

Bill

Last edited by model28a on Sun Dec 18, 2011 10:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

lndlyb4
Welcome to the world of the Silverwing, you found the best forum on the web for advice on the Silverwing.
I would not be to concerned with one drop of oil. If it was a serious leak I would think you would have seen more than one drop. The Silverwing is a great scooter. If you were to post where you live someone may be able to have a look at it with you and advise you, or at lest you may meet someone to ride with, if you buy it.

Scooter Rider Number of posts : 32 Points : 4556 Registration date : 2011-12-18

great roger!

i live in davie fla. i will probably have my mechanic take a look

would love to meet other sw riders

lndlyb4 wrote:: If it is coming from higher up, how do i find it?

With enough paper towel layers you will be able to identify where the drip started and where it started from, if it is securely fastened.

lndlyb4 wrote:: Are slow leaks very common on a 10 year old machine like this?

Could be very very simple, drain plug gasket or need to tighten drain plug ( not too tight ).

Could be the grommet leak, which other members have repaired themselves.

lndlyb4 wrote:: Would you purchase the vehicle with a slow leak?

So far all oil leaks have been resolved (most by the members themselves) ... so it would not be a big risk.

I would make sure all recalls http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/09/2002/honda/fsc600/index.html are done ( or will be done )

Guessing----drops result of sloppy oil changing technique----GUNK underside of engine and metal tray----squirt off and see what develops.

Price right, jump at it, realizing 10 year bike should need new tires (dried up) if OEM are still on it, at least a peek at drive belt warranted, battery?, change all fluids, ---I don't think SilverWing have any reputation of real oil leaks---other than mess from oil changes. Best if you can find somebody who works on SilverWings on reg basis to look at.

Make sure you start riding with fresh engine oil and filter and hope gas tank isn't full of glop.

Scooter Rider Number of posts : 32 Points : 4556 Registration date : 2011-12-18

Bill, John, Roger,

Thanks for the input and for making me feel welcome on this site.

I think I am going to go for it. The bike seems in very good shape and I feel less worried about the oil, although I will take your advice and check it out. I am going to pay my scooter mechanic to have a look at it as well. It's worth the money I'll pay him to know what I am getting.

Here's a few photos.

Looking at 2002 sw to purchase, but has oil leak 1

Looking at 2002 sw to purchase, but has oil leak 1

Looking at 2002 sw to purchase, but has oil leak 2

Looking at 2002 sw to purchase, but has oil leak 3

lndlyb4 wrote:: Here's a few photos.

It looks very nice.

Please add your Location in your Profile ... you may find others in your immediate area.

How concerned should I be about this? What is the best way to make sure it doesn't have a serious leak? Should I have a mechanic look at it?[/quote]

Check to make sure it has not been parked next to a Harley Laughing

Or anything made in England.

:flower:

lndlyb4 wrote:: I think I am going to go for it.

Good call. Looking forward to you first ride report on the Silver Wing!

Guest

May I ask what you paid for the 2002? The only reason I ask is because someone here in Nashville just sold their 2004 on ebay for $2225, which is the cheapest I've seen one go. I paid $1025 more two years ago for a 2002. I was very tempted to bid on this one for my wife because the bidding was so low, but she really loves her 250 scoot.

joncallihan wrote:: Or anything made in England.

:flower:

Rude boy!!! Razz

Guest

That comment was pretty rude.

I once bought something that was made in England that was excellent.

Of course it was Fish and Chips...

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