Tdm 900 Oil Leak - All About TDM (2024)

Speedytriple3503

arrived on last train

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• Member
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• TDM model: 2002

Hello everyone. I am a brand new convert to the world of the TDM having picked up my 2003 bike only a couple of weeks ago. I have to say it's a whole new riding experience after many years of owning Triumph Triples - I still have a 1994 Speed Triple which I can safely say I will never part with but it's not ideal for commuting hence the purchase of the TDM

I have already done the airbox ECU mod which made a huge difference.

There are a few other jobs to do on the bike which I will tackle over time but the most urgent one is to deal with an oil leak and I hope some of you may be able to point me in the right direction.

The oil is dripping out on to the top of the side stand and it leaves a few drips on the ground after a ride. The whole area around the front sprocket was full of oily gunge as was the front of the swinging arm.

I have removed the engine cover and the plastic inner covers to reveal the front sprocket and have cleaned out as much of the gunge as possible with Muc off. I also unblocked the rubber drain tubes as these were all blocked with the oily muck.

I was hoping that it might just have been the accumulation of gunge that was heating up and running off but having ridden it again, with the scottoiler turned off, I'm pretty sure there is a leak somewhere.

So, my question is: Is it likely to be the sprocket oil seal, the gear shaft oil seal (or both) or perhaps a seal gone elsewhere or a leaky gasket. I believe there's an O ring on the starter motor - maybe that could be it?

The bike has done 33k miles.

The area around the sump drain plug is totally dry as is the the right hand side of the bike underneath.

Any help from those with greater experience of these bikes would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Mike

celticbiker

has been here 4ever

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• Member
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• 1,726 posts

• Location:Wales
• TDM model: 2002

It could be the alternator cover gasket,just nip up the bolts around the sprocket area.
TBH though your first thought is more likely to be correct and it's just chain lube.
Do check that the chain isn't too tight as well. Should be 50-60mm free play.

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JBX

full o shoite

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• RTT manager(RTT)
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• 2,206 posts

• Location:South France
• TDM model: 2002

First check this is not a TDM850 disguised as a 900.

I have the same oil drops after a ride because I use oil to lube the chain.

No leak from the front sprocket but I admit the seal / bearing may be at risk in case the chain slack is too tight.

Ding !!! CB beats me on the line with nearly the same sentences !

Speedytriple3503

arrived on last train

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• Member
• 6 posts

• TDM model: 2002

Thanks to you both. I will check the chain tension. The previous owner did say that these bikes are very sensitive to this and that he had adjusted it "just right" but worth checking for my own peace of mind!

Oddly enough it didn't seem to be dripping today so maybe it was just all the built up chain lube after all! I will keep the area clean to keep an eye on it.

Will also have a quick go at the fasteners around the generator cover.

Interested as to why you say check it is a genuine 900 JBX?

It's certainly registered as such.

Thanks again for the info!

JBX

full o shoite

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• RTT manager(RTT)
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• 2,206 posts

• Location:South France
• TDM model: 2002

That's because inside this madhouse, 9er owners make fun of the 8.5er owners about the oil consumption and all the other flaws of this prehistoric bike.

The 8.5er owners pretend the 9er is gayish because they can't find any flaw...

fixitsan

Carpe Citizen

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• Supporting Member(thanks)
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• 4,721 posts

• Location:West Lothian
• TDM model: 2003

The 8.5er owners pretend the 9er is gayish because they can't find any flaw...

I have one of each....you should hear me losing arguments with myself !

900 with better bits. Owes me nothing, Makes me smile

dmmsta

supporter of the "Anti-Dazzle" Club

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• Supporting Member(thanks)
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• 3,627 posts

• Location:Marden, Kent, UK.
• TDM model: 2006

I have one of each....you should hear me losing arguments with myself !

MY06 TDM 900 Blue over Silver
-----
Fuel Pipes
Givi Top Box
Renthal 758's
Grip Puppies
MRA Bubble
Dip & Hi HIDs

To-Do:
LED DRLs
Loobman
Powercoat Wheels
Hand Guards

............

JBX

full o shoite

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• RTT manager(RTT)
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• 2,206 posts

• Location:South France
• TDM model: 2002

Ah ah !!! be careful about schizophrenia !

We want a video.

fixitsan

Carpe Citizen

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• Supporting Member(thanks)
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• Location:West Lothian
• TDM model: 2003

The 900 side says " Hi honey do you like what you see ?"

To which the 850 side responds with "I'm sorry, but i'm running low on lubricant "

900 with better bits. Owes me nothing, Makes me smile

Bjørge

has been here 4ever

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• Supporting Member(thanks)
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• 1,823 posts

• Location:Asker, Norway
• TDM model: no more

The 900 side says " Hi honey do you like what you see ?"

To which the 850 side responds with "I'm sorry, but i'm running low on lubricant "

Real MEN don*t rely on lubricants .......

Bjørge

fixitsan

Carpe Citizen

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• Supporting Member(thanks)
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• Location:West Lothian
• TDM model: 2003

There are a number of retorts i can think of.....and none of them are particularly kind.. !

900 with better bits. Owes me nothing, Makes me smile