oil leak from front of engine on yamaha 2007 FX cruiser HO

[guapo690]

Hello All, i was replacing the thermostat on my 2007 Yamaha fx Cruiser HO when I dropped my phone into the cavity of the jetski and it went under the engine. i saw some water on the bottom of the ski so decided to break out the shop vac and suck it up before it damaged the phone. when I was using the vacuum I heard a sound and then pulled back the vacuum hose to find this black cap in the hose. Once the vacuum sucked this cap I noticed oil leaking into the bottom of the jet ski from the engine. i tried feeling to see where the oil is coming out of the engine and if the cap goes somewhere without any luck. i ordered an odescope to see if I can get a better view but was wondering if someone can identify what this cap is and where it goes. i cant find it anywhere in the service manual.

 

[Beachbummer]

The cap on my experience is ornamental and covers a hole in the engine head. If you only have one, the other might be right on the head still.

 

[guapo690]

The cap on my experience is ornamental and covers a hole in the engine head. If you only have one, the other might be right on the head still.

if its ornamental why did oil start coming out rapidly when it was removed?

 

[Beachbummer]

I think the cap might have come off with time or vibration, the leak is another matter entirely and needs to be researched.

 

[Beachbummer]

This is where that cap normally goes.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

As for oil closely inspect your oil filter those are notorious for leaking around the crimp at the base of the filter

 

[guapo690]

So you’re saying there is nothing behind that cap when it’s removed? Thanks for this.

 

[Beachbummer]

Yes, that cap Is ornamental, And there's no difference on engine performance that we are aware of.