Topic: I'm baffled and need ideas..

[toytuff]

I have to step away for a few days. Baffled. Maybe not thinking clear.

History:

1) When I purchased the CB 350 F I checked the fork oil level. Dry. Not surprised. Original.

2) I added the proper amount and left it on the rack. Next day oil seeping out the top of the left side only. New seals in order. Usually is I thought.

Current:

1) Installed new seals the correct way.

2) Filled with 4 oz of fluid per manual.

3) Left to run some errands, returned to find fluid leaking out the top of left side. Again.

4) What baffles me is that when you remove the drain plug noting comes out. (not much)
 
5) When you pump the front forks it comes out then stops. Pump again on the forks and it comes out then stops. 

5) I pumped again until it was dry, poured the fluid in a measuring cup and it showed around 3.5 oz. This would be correct if doing just an oil change. Factor in what has leaked.
 
Now I would think all the fluid should drain when removing the lower drain plug but it's like it is sitting at the seal and has no where to go but out the top of tube at the seal.  There are no cracks that I can see in the lower tube. Shouldn't all the oil be in the lower tube?

I thought I might of added to much oil but the right side is just fine. As much as I hate to do it I'll order another seal and "assume" the other is bad, torn etc.

Thanks Stev-o for the thoughts. I'm really frustrated so I need to step back and relax for a bit.

tt

[Stev-o]

First thought is bad seal or incorrect install. Install a new one and inspect fork closely for damage. 

[toytuff]

First thought is bad seal or incorrect install. Install a new one and inspect fork closely for damage.

What are the odds? 

About the only choice at this time. Hopefully it's not cracked! I just got them back from the re-finisher. 

tt

[toytuff]

Well at least it looks pretty. 

tt

[seanbarney41]

did you have the damper rod out? seems like something in there is plugged up?

[toytuff]

did you have the damper rod out? seems like something in there is plugged up?

No, I did not take it completely out. Only lifted so far. I think there is a clip you have to remove to get it completely out.

It makes sense that the damper is plugged more so then the seal. Stev-o and I have been in conversation on this.

All of the fork oil should be in the bottom of the fork tube. I can not get any out of the bottom unless I "pump" the forks up and down.

tt

[toytuff]

Not many replies on this thread. Well, Sunday I suppose.

I have been pondering this all day and have a theory. See if it makes sense to you.

The fork dampers have three (3) holes. Two (2) on the bottom 180 degrees apart. There is one (1) larger hole on top.

Now, when the fork dampens the fluid on the bottom of the lower tube has to go up. When flowing upward the hole on top would return the fluid back to the bottom or at least keep the pressure maintained. If the fluid is not going down to the bottom of the lower fork tube it would have to go somewhere IE out the seal.

Is this correct or am I off here? Thanks for any help.

tt

[octagon]

what did the inside of the lowers look like when you replaced the seals?

[toytuff]

what did the inside of the lowers look like when you replaced the seals?

Since they were refinished spotless.

tt

[octagon]

seems like there's nothing else but stopped up holes in the damper - like you guys have been talking about. taking the fork apart sounds pretty unavoidable. 

[bryanj]

Never had any fork yet that drained without having to pump the forks and watch the jets go all over the cat/dog/hampster/child that always insists on standing in the way

[754]

 When you said lower legs were good shape, does that include the part the OD of the seal touches??
 If they were changed before, by a butcher, they may be SCARRED where the seal presses in.., then when you pump em up and down they leak out there but it takes a while to see it..
 As far as the forks not draining easy , do you mean with fork caps on ?? that causes a sort of airlock, not letting it run out..

[Danno]

like 754 said I would look at the seal land and see if it is messed up if it is not real bad sometimes a bit of locktight on a clean seal land and clean seal can fix that problem  otherwise you will have to polish out what you can and use a sealer for that purpose that you can get from some of the industrial suppliers like DBB meant for hydraulics or get a new lower

[toytuff]

When you said lower legs were good shape, does that include the part the OD of the seal touches??
 If they were changed before, by a butcher, they may be SCARRED where the seal presses in.., then when you pump em up and down they leak out there but it takes a while to see it..
 As far as the forks not draining easy , do you mean with fork caps on ?? that causes a sort of airlock, not letting it run out..

They started leaking as soon as I put fluid in them. Slight but leaking. Of course when you ride it gets worse.

Yes, with the cap on you have to pump the fluid out. Normal eh? When empty you hear a woosh sound from the air in the tube.

I'll order a new seal today.

tt

tt

[toytuff]

like 754 said I would look at the seal land and see if it is messed up if it is not real bad sometimes a bit of locktight on a clean seal land and clean seal can fix that problem  otherwise you will have to polish out what you can and use a sealer for that purpose that you can get from some of the industrial suppliers like DBB meant for hydraulics or get a new lower

Well, apart she must go I guess. I'll check it out and sand a little if needed.

With the forks at rest they started to seep. What I mean is the front forks were extended while putting on the wheel etc. No pressure on the tube but seeping. It's like the fluid is setting on top of the damper and overflowing out the seal.

tt

[vames]

definitely take the forks completely apart and clean all the insides. the original oil is in there -- it's just turned into gloopy glue over the years.

[toytuff]

definitely take the forks completely apart and clean all the insides. the original oil is in there -- it's just turned into gloopy glue over the years.

You are correct. Leak is fixed without removing forks.

I'll get back.

tt