Head / barrel oilway o-ring

[graeme]

Hello Bill,
I have had similar oil leaks that I assumed were the same as you suspected.
But turned out to be from elsewhere.
Best way I found the exact culprit was to wash the engine with petrol or similar, dust talcum powder over everything then go for a short ride and look for the wet talcum powder.
The leak usually came from somewhere unsuspected
Wind and thin hot oil can move the oil to other places.
As I’m sure you know already.

Regards
Graeme

[Duccout]

I'll second that! It is surprising where wind and capillary action will send the slightest leak.

Cheers,

Colin

[blethermaskite]

You know I have seen so many mentions on here and other places about leaks from that wee head/barrel O ring, I must be super lucky with this I don't think I have ever had a Ducati single that leaked from there My 350 mk3 hasn't had the head off in the last 30 years and the last time it was I reused the O ring and its still bone dry......maybe the 'old' viton rubber was better stuff back then....Cheers George

[Duccout]

Hi George,

I have never had a leak from there in over 50 years of Ducati ownership. I wonder if the machining on the heads could be variable, leading to some leaks, although smearing silicone over the o ring should take care of it.


Cheers,

Colin