[rancher11]

I have an 02 rancher es bored out, new top end. runs great, no smoke. i have one question. On the top of the head, to the left of the spark plug, there is a bolt. it is slowly dripping oil. like, after sitting around, a little oil will leak out. not much but enough to notice it. what is the problem?

 

[tomgodd]

Probly needs a new O ring on it. I am not sure what the bolt is.

 

[rancher11]

is that hard to change?

 

[tomgodd]

not sure! !!!!!!

 

[Helmut]

Is it this bolt that you're talking about? The sparkplug would be on the front side in this diagram and the bolt (#18), would be facing toward the front of the ATV.

 

[rancher11]

no, the bolt is on the same side as the spark plug. its on the left side on top of the head

 

[Helmut]

no, the bolt is on the same side as the spark plug. its on the left side on top of the head

I don't know then, unless you're talking about one of the bolts that bolts the valve cover to the head.

 

[blowfishRus6]

and if its a valve cover bolt, maybe try tightin it down a little more.

 

[shadetree]

it's the valve cover bolt..do not get to tight with it..it will strip out real easy ( been there..done that )..you can try tapping it out..wrap some teflon tape around the bolt..have a new valve cover gasket..plus some hondabond..this will solve your problem.

 

[Helmut]

I would just put a little Hondabond on the old gasket and reinstall it. Hopefully that bolt isn't stripped out, but it could be.

 

[shadetree]

I would just put a little Hondabond on the old gasket and reinstall it. Hopefully that bolt isn't stripped out, but it could be.

mine stripped out on my rancher helmut..well..very close anyway..i caught it..it leaked oil from around the new gasket...sooo...i couldn't tighten it alot after taping it out..i put some teflon tape on the bolt...then hondabonded the top and bottom of the gasket..it hasn't leaked again yet.

 

[rancher11]

yeah, i might try it, will it do any harm if not fixed. it hardly leaks. very very little

 

[Helmut]

yeah, i might try it, will it do any harm if not fixed. it hardly leaks. very very little

As long as you don't let the oil level get low, it won't hurt it, other than getting the engine oily.

 

[duaneduanet]

Check the oil every time you ride it. The Rancher I have had the same problem and the previous owner never fixed it or checked the oil level and I had to do a complete rebuild before I ever rode the thing once. I would fix it and not band aid it if you ride a lot.