[scowa18]

Hey everyone, looking for some advice. I checked oil level last night and noticed it low. Ok, no problem. It has over 4k miles and has only had the first service at 1000 km. So I figured maybe it has burnt a little. But I looked under the engine and found this. This pics are a little hard to see as I had fitted the bash plate right after the first service. But you will get the idea. I suspect the oil filter has worked its way loose at this point, but I just noticed it last night so I haven't had the time to remove the bash plate.
Here is my question:
I called the service department at my dealer and they suggested I just take off the skid plate and see if the filter is loose, but said he hasn't seen that happening on the Scramblers yet at their particular shop. He said if its not that, to call them back and they will look at it. The bike is still under warranty, and the service was performed at their shop, so isn't it really their job to do that? To me it looks like a pretty substantial amount of oil on the pan and therefore Im a little concerned to keep riding. The bike is my daily driver year round, and I don't really have a lift or tools with me at work to check it out. Should I just demand they come pick it up and leave me a loaner? Or just quit whining and figure out if I can fix it. Just annoyed at the inconvenience of it. Keep in mind, my dealer is about 1 hour away, so dropping by isn't really an option either. What do you think?

The first shot has the bottom of the oil filter on the right. You are looking into the skid plate from above.

The second shot is underneath the pan looking up at the bottom. (Right is the front of bike) Drips are on the back edge of the bash plate. Also note, when the oil was changed at the dealer, they also coated the drain plug in what appears to be a silicone RTV sealant. It is not grease. It is hard and rubbery to the touch.

 

[Jojo10t]

That's a fair amount of oil, more than just a slight sweat and I would be keen on an hours ride with that. Send these to the dealer, speak to them again and I'm sure they will help. They wouldn't want to see a customer stuck.

 

[greer]

I'm with Jo, send the pictures straight to the dealer. It would worry me to ride like that in the meantime. Good luck, and let us know.

Sarah

 

[scowa18]

I spoke to the service guy and sent the pics. He is having me bring it by on Saturday, so I'll report back with findings. It's probably the filter, but better safe than sorry. Especially while I have a warranty.

 

[injidup]

Looks like my bike (maybe a little worse as I have a good oil level). It was a loose oil filter.I tightened it by hand, and this lasted a couple of weeks before it leaked again, so I used a filter wrench, the rubber band type, and it seems to be OK now.
I wonder if there are some poorly oil machined filters around?

 

[scowa18]

Update:
Oil filter was loose as I suspected. The dealer replaced the oil filter and topped it off. It was almost a full quart low. They even washed my bike for me when they were done. Pretty happy with the result!
On another note, I got to demo an 899 and an 1199 back to back while I waited. Wow. What fun! Made me realize what a perfect everyday bike the Scrambler is. They were fast and tons of fun, but after 2 hours my back was killing me. They offered me a smoking deal on a new 899. Maybe they offer a demo program for divorce?

 

[greer]

Glad that's sorted. My bike came up used because the fellow became smitten with a Panigale, all part of the plan, I guess.

Sarah

 

[nuttynick]

What the hell is the dealer doing fitting your drain plug back with sealer around it! They have an alloy washer which is soft and crushes slightly to give a seal. I'd worry that they'd used an RTV sealer because they've stripped the threads? That stuff blocks oilways :-(

 

[mr shifter]

when I saw the RTV sealer I to became worried and wondered why the dealer had used it, hopefully all will be OK.

as Nick says the crush washer is all that's needed and as for the filter coming loose it seems to be common if the filter is not tightened up really tight.

Geoff.

 

[mk3nippa]

Since the temperature hit zero here I noticed some fresh oil on the floor under the sump, I dried it off then next morning started the bike up for five to ten minutes and when I shut it down there was another drop of oil. Looked underneath and there was (for the short time it was running) a lot of new oil gathering where the crankcases join. Can't be sure but think (hope) its coming from the filter area. Anyone confirm if the filter tool/wrench for the 2012 796 Monster fits the Scramblers so I can get one off fleabay as the one in my garage is too small? Still seems tight by hand.

 

[greer]

They use the same filter (looking at the Hiflofiltro catalog) so same wrench too, you'd think.

Sarah

 

[Derek]

All Ducatis since the Pantah, except the Panigales, use the same oil filter.

 

[Kiwipete]

I also have an oil leak around near the filter. Comes down the crankcase from where the filter seals... The filter feels very tight though. I have to take it to the dealer to get my Termignoni fixed so I'll get them to check the filter.

 

[vincelp]

Hello

I had also the same problem and I fixed it by tightening the oil filter in 3 or 4 times, waiting for the engine to be really cold before turning it a little bit more. My dealer told me it may arrive sometimes : whether an unsufficiently tightened filter or a bad surface state for the filter cartridge seal which requires more strength to tighten it enough.

He also told me that there's no risk to break anything on the engine case, because the filter thread will break before the engine case if you go too far.

 

[greer]

That's a good tip to know, thanks for passing that along.

Sarah

 

[Kiwipete]

Hello

I had also the same problem and I fixed it by tightening the oil filter in 3 or 4 times, waiting for the engine to be really cold before turning it a little bit more. My dealer told me it may arrive sometimes : whether an unsufficiently tightened filter or a bad surface state for the filter cartridge seal which requires more strength to tighten it enough.

He also told me that there's no risk to break anything on the engine case, because the filter thread will break before the engine case if you go too far.

Thanks for that. I have given it a couple of tightens over the past couple of mornings and today the leak has gone.. whoohooo

 

[vincelp]

Thanks for that. I have given it a couple of tightens over the past couple of mornings and today the leak has gone.. whoohooo

Yes, the important point is to try to tighten it only when the engine is really cold.

 

[Topcattcracing]

If the service is carried out correctly there should be no leak and no need to return to the dealer/service agent.

 

[Kiwipete]

If the service is carried out correctly there should be no leak and no need to return to the dealer/service agent.

Yes you are correct... Just one of the many reasons I won't be going to the dealer for any further Services...

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