Oil Leak and Engine Cutting out?

Couple of problems I have found. Firstly an oil leak. Seems to be coming from the sump, the sump plug is really quite tight though. Could it be something simple like a new washer is needed or could it be something more serious? (I know, not a very informative start to the thread!)

Second problem I have is the engine cutting out and the revs been irratic. On idle, the revs will drop and rise. At times they are dropping so low that the engine is cutting out. (though the engine cutting out could be another issue completely!). Once the engine has warmed up it seems to idle ok with no problems.

When I say they seem irratic they can be anywhere inbetween 1.5k and 3k. (rising and falling as they so wish). Anyone else encoutered this problem? Could it be something to do with the restrictor?

Any help is appreciated!

On the oil leak: clean everything off first and determine exactly where the oil is coming from; if it's the sumpnut, get a new washer/gasket. Hopefully the threads aren't shagged... but don't jump off that bridge until you get to it.

Erratic revs: firstly, check that any vacuum hoses are connected, and check their condition. It sounds to me like there's an air or vacuum leak somewhere (had this problem on a ZXR400H1 a while back). I haven't had my SV carbs apart, but if there's any cracks or air leaks where the carbs mount to the manifold, you'll get exactly what you describe. You could take some starting fluid (ether - be careful, it's very combustible) and spray it around the carb base, and see if it causes the revs to increase. Otherwise, you may like to check that the carbs are seated well and everything is tight and connected properly.

Thanks for the reply. Not had time to check anything yet really.

I rode it to work and back today (even though I really shouldn't have done!). On my ride home it seemed that every time I was coming to a standstill the engine just cut out when pulling in the clutch.

It's a K1 650S btw.

Thanks for the help.

EDIT: Just another point. My petrol light started flashing and I have done 70miles on this tank. A little commuting(but it's only 3miles ride to work). Smells like it's running rich aswell, which I forgot to mention in the first post.

if it's settling once it's warm then i doubt it'd be a vacuum issue...
I'm better with car technicals than bikes?! is there an idle speed control valve?

[BoltonSte]

Stuck choke? If it's running rich could be the plungers need looking at.

Ste

Would a sticking choke effect the revs going up and down? (as you might be able to tell..I don't know a great deal about engines!). Could running rich rule out the air leak? Or i that still a possibility?

Carb icing in the cold weather we've been having recently, cutting out at low revs sounds like it could be a symptom of this.... Not too sure though.

Check for air leaks , then if thats ok check for water in the fuel, drain your carb float bowls, the screws are accessed from the RHS , not easy to get at ,you will need a ball ended hex/allen key or a screwdriver, you may need to dismount the fuel pump screws , but leave the hoses on.
Fit temporary drain lines from the wee spout on the float bowls and drain into a jar/ bottle, check for water.
If there is water then drain everything and start with fresh fuel.

Or it may be an electrical thing that clears as it warms like a bad coil plug or lead.Do the RPMs rise and fall with both cylinders or is one pot cutting in and out?
Carb icing doesnt usually happen till you are moving, wont happen at tickover speeds.
Cheers
Pod

Both issues have now been resolved! Thanks for the help with this one though guys.

Oil leak - the filler cap on the engine casing was not sitting in flush.
Engine Issue - It was the float in the carb.

Been out for a ride and everything is great!
Grin factor = 11 out of 10