2013 Ducati 1199 oil leak.

Ducduc09 · Feb 5, 2016

Hello all,

I have a leak on the right side of my bike. With some quick searches it seems as though this is common. It looks like it might be coming from the valve cover gasket and the dealership said it also might be a gear position sensor leak. The oil is accumulating on the exhaust heat shield and the side of the case. The dealership quoted about 1000 dollars for the fix because my bike went out of warrenty last month. Is there anyone that has experience that can help me out with this. Anyone is Socal that might be willing to work with me on this? Thanks for everything!
Danny

farmind · Feb 5, 2016

If it is there, My front cylinder cover was leaking too, very simple job once you have access to it but there is nothing complicated but I did mine with the radiators out when making up guards, secret is when replacing the cover there is totally no oil on the surfaces, clean and wipe with paint thinner or similar the surfaces and rubber gasket, soak up any oil inside the head normally collects in the corner left side, you can use the old gasket again but before putting on the cover clean again and put some silicon sealer (top quality not bathroom) in the groove of the cover (leaks around the gasket seat groove of the cover), then silicone the female lobes in the head (also this is a normal place for the leak, Ducati use a grey silicon sealer there you need to remove all the old sealer), clean the face of the rubber gasket again when its stuck to the cover, don't go too crazy with the silicon cause you don't want it inside the engine, fit cover, torque screws.
If you pay a dealer for this they will never take the same care as you and will probably leak again.
When you remove the cover the oil will run out, so have a rag handy to catch it, All about cleaning, top quality sealant and taking time. Hope it works out for you.

Gecko · Feb 5, 2016

farmind said:
If it is there, My front cylinder cover was leaking too, very simple job once you have access to it but there is nothing complicated but I did mine with the radiators out when making up guards, secret is when replacing the cover there is totally no oil on the surfaces, clean and wipe with paint thinner or similar the surfaces and rubber gasket, soak up any oil inside the head normally collects in the corner left side, you can use the old gasket again but before putting on the cover clean again and put some silicon sealer (top quality not bathroom) in the groove of the cover (leaks around the gasket seat groove of the cover), then silicone the female lobes in the head (also this is a normal place for the leak, Ducati use a grey silicon sealer there you need to remove all the old sealer), clean the face of the rubber gasket again when its stuck to the cover, don't go too crazy with the silicon cause you don't want it inside the engine, fit cover, torque screws.
If you pay a dealer for this they will never take the same care as you and will probably leak again.
When you remove the cover the oil will run out, so have a rag handy to catch it, All about cleaning, top quality sealant and taking time. Hope it works out for you.

Very good description, thanks. I fully agree.
Sealing the valve covers is actually very easy, just take your time (time the dealers normally dont spend). Sealing the gear sensor is even easier.

Access to V-cylinder is pretty easy. To have best access disconnect and remove the rear subframe. The H-cylnder is not that easy. Removing the radiator is required

After removing all sealant, I take an arkanansas stone to make the cylinder seal surfaces perfectly flat and clean. Afterwards I degrease everything the brake cleaner. Some mechanics in germany do also lower down the 4 edges of the covers a bit with a file (only once).

farmind · Feb 5, 2016

Your right about the radiator Gecko, I'm a tractor/industrial mechanic so more use to a sledge hammer, its not complicated but I found trying not to damage the radiators or like I did scratch the gold off the cover trying to rush a little the main problem, which reminds me if anyone has the code for the magnesium gover gold paint please put up!

Ducduc09 · Feb 5, 2016

farmind said:
If it is there, My front cylinder cover was leaking too, very simple job once you have access to it but there is nothing complicated but I did mine with the radiators out when making up guards, secret is when replacing the cover there is totally no oil on the surfaces, clean and wipe with paint thinner or similar the surfaces and rubber gasket, soak up any oil inside the head normally collects in the corner left side, you can use the old gasket again but before putting on the cover clean again and put some silicon sealer (top quality not bathroom) in the groove of the cover (leaks around the gasket seat groove of the cover), then silicone the female lobes in the head (also this is a normal place for the leak, Ducati use a grey silicon sealer there you need to remove all the old sealer), clean the face of the rubber gasket again when its stuck to the cover, don't go too crazy with the silicon cause you don't want it inside the engine, fit cover, torque screws.
If you pay a dealer for this they will never take the same care as you and will probably leak again.
When you remove the cover the oil will run out, so have a rag handy to catch it, All about cleaning, top quality sealant and taking time. Hope it works out for you.

Wow thanks for that description. Hopefully I can use my dads garage and get this done because I live in a apartment in San Diego. Appreciate the info!
Danny

thewoot · Feb 5, 2016

Oh man I've had some oil look woes. Under warranty though! First one was back cylinder leaked. Per Ducati HQ they had my local Ducati dealer/tech crack that engine apart clean and reseal with the gray stuff. Fast forward my clutch housing is leaking. Grey sealant there also. Apparently, now the blame is the grey sealant and they suggest a black sealant. Wtf, mang?! So I said f it and bought the dry clutch kit.

Ducduc09 · Feb 5, 2016

thewoot said:
Oh man I've had some oil look woes. Under warranty though! First one was back cylinder leaked. Per Ducati HQ they had my local Ducati dealer/tech crack that engine apart clean and reseal with the gray stuff. Fast forward my clutch housing is leaking. Grey sealant there also. Apparently, now the blame is the grey sealant and they suggest a black sealant. Wtf, mang?! So I said f it and bought the dry clutch kit.

Not cool after spending the money we did on these bikes. I guess stuff happens with all machines. I still love my pani!

farmind · Feb 6, 2016

Ducduc09 said:
Wow thanks for that description. Hopefully I can use my dads garage and get this done because I live in a apartment in San Diego. Appreciate the info!
Danny

welcome, by the way there are 5 screws that hold the cover to the head, 4 corner 1 in the center,Tighten the cover screws to a torque of 10 Nm. if you get stuck PM me.

Check the thread "All Torques"

2013 Ducati 1199 oil leak.

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