battery- 19V and oil coming out of the oil tank
 

Yamaha tenere 89
I just measured the voltage on my battery the other day and it was 19V. Then I started the engine and measured over the terminals and it was 20V. What could be wrong and how bad is it?
There is also a lot of oil coming out of the top of the oil tank (around the cap), what could cause this?
Thanks

1) your meter was set on 'DC'?
if so, check / change regulator/rectifier
the battery shouldn't be charged with more than 13,8 V. more will damage!
2) check sealing of cap. no oil can come out there if sealing and cap are o.k. and properly closed

regards
klaus

Hi,

I ahve the same leaky oil problem on my 87 Tenere. have you managed to solve your problem ?

I'd appreciate any advice.

Simon

the chemistry and of a lead acid battery dictates a voltage of around 12V. unless someone has added 4(?) more plates, 18V is not an option. when the engine is running, the generator charges the battery at about 14V, but the battery holds 12V when you stop the engine. its therefore perfectly normal to see a rise when you start the engine, but there is no way that the battery would hold 18V whether the engine is running or not so your voltmeter must set wrong or broken.
as for oil around the dipstick, either its a seal or possibly the level is high or piston rings worn such that air is being pumped into the oil tank causing a pressure rise and leakage. what happens when you take the dipstick out with the engine running? oil "mist" might spray out, but significant amounts shouldn't. good luck