Ok here is another question about oil..I was checking the bike this morning and noticed some oil on the front of the case..looked dry but it was definitely oil...Looked further up and noticed the nut on the front under the head behind the exhaustheader had same looking dryed oil around it and going down.... I that where an oil leak can occur? Its tight but what im wondering is if the 4 head bolts might be losening?? Any insight is most welcome...   thanks again guys  / gals

What year is the bike?  5K miles on some bikes could be ten years old.

There is a possibility (strong) that the rubber plug (cap head plug..... head cap plug??) could be leaking.  It's in the hole above & behind the exhaust port. Small bright flashlight into the hole and look on the top side and you should see the plug (black rubber that might have gasket sealer on it).  Oil there is the dead give-away clue.     The oil gets all over because of either the bike leaning while parked OR the wind flow thru the head while riding,  This includes oil on the sparkplug (there's an air path behind it).

Cap plug...  approxs 2-4 hours to change depending on your skill level, number of beers you need to have, and if you adjust the valves while you have the tank off.  Requires removing head cover....

EDIT: the oil going past the pulg is just oil returning to the sump.  It's not under pressure so it's not a urgent fix,  but it can get messy.... smelly....  ugly looking....  

cornfuzed wrote on 08/07/08 at 07:42:24:


I think one of the scheduled  services is to check the torque of the head bolts/nuts .  One of which is under that plug.   Maybe it wasn't pushed all the way in or maybe they didn't put sealer on it.

hmmm wonder if suzuki would warranty that or should i do it?

I was taking photos of my bike today to post with the same question.  I have a 2001 with 3900 miles, 1900 in the last 2 months.  A few days ago I noticed drops of oil on the garage floor. on the engine, side covers and smoking on the exhaust in the morning.  Sounds like this is the issue.  Is there a post in the tech section for this? Any special tools needed?

Did you take it in for the scheduled maintenance where the head bolts are retorqued? If so, it seems the mechanic didnt do a great job & this should be warranty, even if its outside the time /mileage limit, because the leak would be easily their fault.(IMO)

Is the plug the black plastic thing about 1.25 inches in diameter? I looked at that, but it didn't appear to be the source of the oil.  Any way, I am gonna change oil, clean up the bike and keep a better eye on where it starts  

I can order the updated plug at the stealership.  The tech post by djp ( the best illustration of removing the tank I have seen yet btw) wasn't real clear to me, is there a "HEAD SEAL" I need to order as well as applying sealant?  Nevermind, that should be in the Clymer.  

And I need to get a torque wrench for the head bolts. I ahve a plan for next weekend.