Questions about my new Lifan (oil leak?)

amad · 02-16-2007, 03:44 PM

OK, first the good stuff. I got my Lifan LF200GY-5 a couple days ago. It arrived fine with no shipping damage. I put it together (without instructions :evil: ) and did all the prep stuff that the prep thread suggests. I went out riding today (in 25 degree weather!) and rode for about 35 miles. It ran great. But, when I stopped, I noticed some oil being splattered on the exhaust heat shield right next to the engine and some back onto the plastic on the right side. My legs also had some oil splattered on them. I tried to see where it was coming from. It looked like it may be coming from around the front where the exhaust pipe comes out of the engine. I checked the tightness of the exhaust and it did need to be tightened some. Would oil be coming out of there?
Also, when the engine revs up, there is a pretty annoying sounding vibration that sounds like it comes from under the gas tank around the engine. Does anyone know what that could be? It seems to be around 3k - 4k rpm?
I did have to adjust my chain when I got home. It had stretched considerably. Also, is there no lock washer, or cotter pin that keeps the axle nuts from working loose?
Another question. On the side of the swingarm, the suggested psi for the tires is 40psi. Does that not sound too high? Never had an offroad bike before...only street bikes (currently have a Ninja 650R).
Anyway, I appreciate any advice you have...especially about the oil leak and the vibration.

oldandugly · 02-16-2007, 03:57 PM

Oil should not be coming from the exhaust at the engine. The only way that would be possible would be for a lot of oil blowing past the rings and therefore it would be smoking pretty bad. I had a similar rattle/vibration and it was coming from the heat shield on the exhaust that had a bolt missing. The missing bolt did not cause the vibration but made the metallic noise that I think that you are referring to.

ob1 · 02-16-2007, 04:40 PM

The oil leak is probably from the valve cover, check the bolts that hold it down. You might remove it, to see if there is a leaking gasket/o-ring there.
There may be a 10mm bolt towards the top/forward of the right side. On Honda 200's, it was an oil delivery check for the top end of the motor, dont know whether it make it to the chinese motors.

Tire pressure depends on what surfaces you intend to ride. Front 12 rear 15 is a good starting spot for offroad, higher for street. Play with the pressures until you feel comfortable with the traction.

sheadouglas · 02-16-2007, 10:37 PM

I agree ob1, if it sounds like it is coming from under the gas tank, and there is oil spitting out, it's got to be the valve cover.

gyjoe · 02-18-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amad

Also, when the engine revs up, there is a pretty annoying sounding vibration that sounds like it comes from under the gas tank around the engine. Does anyone know what that could be? It seems to be around 3k - 4k rpm?

Another place to check for vibration noise is the skid plate under the engine.

amad · 02-24-2007, 10:14 AM

I think I took care of the oil leak. I took off the valve cover and the gasket had a little piece of rubber stuck to it from the molding process, I guess. I pulled it off and put the cover back on and haven't seen any more oil since. As far as the rattle goes, I tightened up some more nuts last night up around the instrument panel, but haven't ridden yet. I'm getting ready to go out and ride about 30 miles up to an offroad area (Royal Blue) in Tennessee. Hope it goes well.

02-16-2007, 03:44 PM	#1
amad Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 59	Questions about my new Lifan (oil leak?) OK, first the good stuff. I got my Lifan LF200GY-5 a couple days ago. It arrived fine with no shipping damage. I put it together (without instructions :evil: ) and did all the prep stuff that the prep thread suggests. I went out riding today (in 25 degree weather!) and rode for about 35 miles. It ran great. But, when I stopped, I noticed some oil being splattered on the exhaust heat shield right next to the engine and some back onto the plastic on the right side. My legs also had some oil splattered on them. I tried to see where it was coming from. It looked like it may be coming from around the front where the exhaust pipe comes out of the engine. I checked the tightness of the exhaust and it did need to be tightened some. Would oil be coming out of there? Also, when the engine revs up, there is a pretty annoying sounding vibration that sounds like it comes from under the gas tank around the engine. Does anyone know what that could be? It seems to be around 3k - 4k rpm? I did have to adjust my chain when I got home. It had stretched considerably. Also, is there no lock washer, or cotter pin that keeps the axle nuts from working loose? Another question. On the side of the swingarm, the suggested psi for the tires is 40psi. Does that not sound too high? Never had an offroad bike before...only street bikes (currently have a Ninja 650R). Anyway, I appreciate any advice you have...especially about the oil leak and the vibration.
	0

02-24-2007, 10:14 AM	#6
amad Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 59	I think I took care of the oil leak. I took off the valve cover and the gasket had a little piece of rubber stuck to it from the molding process, I guess. I pulled it off and put the cover back on and haven't seen any more oil since. As far as the rattle goes, I tightened up some more nuts last night up around the instrument panel, but haven't ridden yet. I'm getting ready to go out and ride about 30 miles up to an offroad area (Royal Blue) in Tennessee. Hope it goes well. __________________ 2007 United Motors DTF-200, 2007 Ninja 650R 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50
	0

02-16-2007, 03:57 PM	#2
oldandugly Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Westminster, Colorado Posts: 32	Oil should not be coming from the exhaust at the engine. The only way that would be possible would be for a lot of oil blowing past the rings and therefore it would be smoking pretty bad. I had a similar rattle/vibration and it was coming from the heat shield on the exhaust that had a bolt missing. The missing bolt did not cause the vibration but made the metallic noise that I think that you are referring to.
	0

02-16-2007, 04:40 PM	#3
ob1 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 499	The oil leak is probably from the valve cover, check the bolts that hold it down. You might remove it, to see if there is a leaking gasket/o-ring there. There may be a 10mm bolt towards the top/forward of the right side. On Honda 200's, it was an oil delivery check for the top end of the motor, dont know whether it make it to the chinese motors. Tire pressure depends on what surfaces you intend to ride. Front 12 rear 15 is a good starting spot for offroad, higher for street. Play with the pressures until you feel comfortable with the traction.
	0

02-16-2007, 10:37 PM	#4
sheadouglas Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi Posts: 349	I agree ob1, if it sounds like it is coming from under the gas tank, and there is oil spitting out, it's got to be the valve cover.
	0