Leaking when using side stand

[CoachMcGuirque]

Hello all! I noticed just the other day that my bike seems to be leaking when using the side stand. It seems to be a mixture of oil and gasoline. And it is leaking from what I thought was the air filter…

i’m also noticing a bit of splatter around the area, leading me to believe it’s leaking as I ride… any input would be greatly appreciated

 

[CoachMcGuirque]

I’ve been looking a little more closely, and I think it leaks constantly. Though much slower when using the center stand.

 

[dmonkey]

Unless you just want to have your dealer look at it, the first step for looking into it yourself would be to start pulling the body panels and find the source of where the fluid is coming from. Anything else would just be speculation. There are some parts diagrams in this post which should help with taking things apart: https://hondatrail125.com/index.php?threads/pdf-manual-downloads-service-owners-parts-catalog.1189/
Also check some simple things, is the oil level where it should be, is the gas tank overfilled beyond the little divider bar under the cap? Does the bike have any issues when running, throttle issues?

 

[CoachMcGuirque]

I did accidentally overfill the tank the other day, but have been riding the bike, and the fuel level is now at or below 3/4. I’ve also noticed that I have had to add oil more than with any other bike I’ve owned… But I’ve heard these do consume a little bit of oil. I seem to top up the oil once a week.

I will happily admit my ignorance , but I thought the drain tubes were down under the bike. Is this higher drain not for the air filter?

 

[CoachMcGuirque]

Also… On a separate note, am I supposed to measure the oil when it’s on the center, or side stand?

 

[dmonkey]

You are right about the drain for the fuel tank overflow, if you were to have filled that up too much it should come out a hose at the very bottom of the bike where it wouldn't be dripping on the bike itself.
How much and how often are you adding oil? Any performance issues?

As can be seen in the photo you posted, the air filter has two things hanging down from it. One is a sight glass, that's a quick way to see if there is dirt, water, or anything else in the air box. Is yours full of gasoline? To the left of it is a pinched drain hose meant to let liquids out of the air box, without letting dirt in. There are some things the can cause gasoline to end up in the air box of a fuel injected bike, such as a malfunctioning fuel injector or a valve issue, but those are likely to also have noticeable performance issues (and uncommon sounds). Again, really the only place to start would be to track down where the fluid is coming from, then worry about how it got there.

From the owner's manual:

Checking the Engine Oil

1. If the engine is cold, idle the engine for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Place your vehicle on its center stand on a firm, level surface.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
5. Insert the dipstick until it seats, but don't screw it in.
6. Check that the oil level on all faces of the dipstick is between the upper level and the lower level marks.
7. Securely install the dipstick.

 

[Kritou]

What is the oil volume between top and bottom levels?

 

[CoachMcGuirque]

So I have been over filling the bike with oil… I have been measuring it while it’s on its side stand. I have drained out some oil, and gotten it to the right level using the center stand.

my site glass is full of oil, most likely.
I am trying to find instructions on how to remove it, to let it drain fully

 

[CoachMcGuirque]

I suspect I have to replace my air filter as well

 

[Kev250R]

Don't beat yourself up; things like this happen. When I was younger I once over-filled the engine on an ATV because I got called away mid-service and when I came-back I forgot where I was on the process. Much like yours that ATV blew oil all over the place until I realized my mistake. 15 years later it still runs fine.

I'd recommend doing an oil change (drain and re-fill with the proper amount), replacing or cleaning your Air Filter and I'll bet your problem will be gone. Just be glad the Trail doesn't use a dry-sump oiling system like a lot of the larger bikes do. Those can be tricky to check accurately.

 

[SneakyDingo]

I'd recommend doing an oil change (drain and re-fill with the proper amount), replacing or cleaning your Air Filter and I'll bet your problem will be gone. Just be glad the Trail doesn't use a dry-sump oiling system like a lot of the larger bikes do. Those can be tricky to check accurately.

Most of us probably have a similar story. Over filled a car engine when I was 19. The car was up on ramps, so like @CoachMcGuirque , it's because I was filling it while it wasn't level. Also forgot to screw on an oil filter completely when I was 20. I gotta say, you're lucky it's only a CT125! I dropped almost all the oil out of the engine before I discovered the filter one. Do you know how much oil that is? I had to remove 6" of topsoil from the affected area by hand since it killed the grass, which ended up being several wheelbarrows worth of dirt, then put down more dirt to replace it, followed by sodding it and coaxing the grass to grow. Car ran fine afterwards in both cases for the next 4 years until I sold it to move out of the country. FWIW, that car was also a Honda.

 

[AZ7000']

I was scared too, I have never checked my oil, will at the first oil change in about 80 more miles at 600

 

[CoachMcGuirque]

I finally received my replacement air filter! I was thinking of using a rag and some kerosene to remove the oil that is now coating the inside of the air box. Any other recommendations?

 

[AZ7000']

I buy brake cleaner by the case…