Oil in generator XR250

[ragtop]

Should there be much oil normally sitting in the generator housing on an XR250RV dry sump model?.
Seems to be quite a lot of oil sitting in mine which drips through a leaky gasket.

[jasonbc]

Should there be much oil normally sitting in the generator housing on an XR250RV dry sump model?.
Seems to be quite a lot of oil sitting in mine which drips through a leaky gasket.

I think all bikes have a bit in there, all my mates xr's had a bit in there as did friends EXC's don't worry about it

[ragtop]

Thanks for the reply...new gaskets needed then!!

[jasonbc]

no don't think so, if i remember it's a seal behind the generator

[ragtop]

I would have thought there should be a seal behind there, but having studied the Honda workshop manual, the Honda parts book and the Haynes crappy guide I cannot see a seal anywhere that should be stopping oil enter the generator housing.

[AlanH]

It's a wet alternator. No seal. If it's dripping from the casing then, as you say, replace the gasket. Also check the cable exit point too.

[Whizzer]

I can confirm that too - the alternator casing on these bikes is designed to be flooded with oil. If I were you I'd brush up on the oil check and change procedures for your bike, it's very different to a wet sump one and quite a lengthy process, and if you get it wrong... well, I'm sure somebody here can recommend a good engine rebuilder!

[ragtop]

Thanks for the info everyone, seems like I have little more than leaky gaskets. Should a sealant be used with new/genuine gaskets?.

[Whizzer]

No need to use sealant on new gaskets, although some people like to soak them in oil overnight the day before the job.

[ragtop]

It all became clear today...the bike is ex army and looking at the gernarator cover bolts the paint was
broken on the bolt heads, whipped the cover only to find most of the gasket missing, in fact no gasket at
all at the bottom! New gasket on order from my local Honda dealer.