Author Topic: CB550 Shifter seal, block off oil feed? (Read 5588 times)

Elniniomuchachos · « **on:** February 16, 2012, 10:28:12 PM »

I've changed out the shifter shaft seal on my 550 four or five times now, and it's still leaking. It's to the point where I can't even stop at a light without leaving a puddle of oil. Is it possible to make a better seal? What if I made a piece of steel or aluminum that fit behind the original shifter shaft seal? Would this obstruct the oil feed to other parts of the engine?

Any Ideas are appreciated, I'm almost afraid that the engine is going to lock up on me one of these days.
I've been topping off the oil just about every other day. But it's beginning to be a nuisance. I plan on taking a long trip soon and need this to be taken care of.

Thanks,

-Taylor

dave500 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2012, 10:30:09 PM »

are you certain the leak isnt from the oil pump or its sender unit?or has the shifter shaft got excessive wear at the sealing area?if its leaving a puddle at a stop light that sounds like its coming out under pressure,,the shift shaft is only splashed,another thought,how sloppy is the shaft in the case?can you wobble it up and down around any?also the outer case,if its too worn the shaft movement could stress the seal too much.

bryanj · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2012, 11:43:10 PM »

There are 3 possibilities

(1) you are fitting the seal the wrong way round

(2) you are damaging the seal when fitting

(3) the oil is coming from somewhere else

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2012, 11:47:43 PM »

When I was looking at it earlier it doesn't seem to have any abnormal play in it. The only play it has is in and out of the case about a few mm. But that seems to be the usual, as my other 550 engines do the same. I'm going to take a much closer look at in in the morning, clean everything and run it to see exactly if the oil is coming from the seal. I just went out in the garage and there was an oil puddle about 2 feet wide taunting me.

Another problem that I've been noticing is that when I go to kick start (Bike is kick start only) sometimes it won't move, or is extremely difficult to do so. This just started a day or two ago. It's almost like something is seizing up. But after I rocked the bike back and forth it kicks over and runs fine.

Bryanj- I'm pretty sure I installed the seal correctly. From what I've read the lettering goes on the outside, and the side with the circular "spring" goes on the inside. Correct me if I'm wrong.

bryanj · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2012, 11:52:49 PM »

Thats correct so we are left with option 3

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2012, 11:56:06 PM »

And I don't think I damaged the seal either. I cleaned the shaft and the area around it, slid the seal over the shaft gently and then used a spare set of handle bars to press the seal in.

dave500 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2012, 01:28:10 AM »

with the 550 you can run with the left cover off,just be sure to keep your jeans and boot laces out of the chain,clean the entire area and run it around with the cover removed,you should be able to spot the leak taking wind draught into account.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2012, 01:35:34 AM »

Why not run the bike on the stand with the chain and sidecover off and look for leaks?

dave500 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2012, 01:41:32 AM »

id be keen to ride it well hot and see,it might need lean and motion to leak,it might then gather in the cover and leak after its stopped.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2012, 01:44:12 AM »

Quote from: dave500 on February 17, 2012, 01:41:32 AM

id be keen to ride it well hot and see,it might need lean and motion to leak,it might then gather in the cover and leak after its stopped.

Or it might leak straight away, saving some time.

dave500 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2012, 01:51:58 AM »

but its more cafe without the left cover on.

wedoo2 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2012, 02:26:10 AM »

Let's say that the shaft and the surrounding areas are free of burrs, and the openings and shaft diameter are okay, then could this be the type of seals muchacho is using?

BTW, if you're going cafe and leave off the cover, then you'll either have to paint in there or start buffing until you are 70.

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2012, 03:36:10 PM »

I think the engine looks better with the cover on. But I may do some modifications to it. Anyways...

crazypj · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2012, 03:39:03 PM »

Check the oil pressure switch, I've had a few fail.

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2012, 04:40:14 PM »

So I just cleaned the engine and ran it. It looks like the oil is coming from both the shifter shaft seal and the oil pump in three different places. I'm wondering if I should swap out the oil pump with the one from my old engine. But I know that those bolts have a reputation for being a #$%* to get off.... I just sprayed a bunch of liquid wrench on them to help.
Again this morning there was a puddle of oil about 2-3 feet wide. THIS IS Ridiculous.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2012, 05:33:34 PM »

Oil catcher would be a thought overnight..

dave500 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2012, 05:38:16 PM »

oil pump to casing o rings,ill bet the shifter leak is minimal,impact screwdriver on the screws and replace them with allens.

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2012, 05:50:13 PM »

I finally got the oil pump bolts off with a hell of a lot of banging with an impact driver. Do you think it would be better just to swap out the oil pump from my old engine (it didn't leak at the time.) Or wait and get the new o rings.

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:10:05 PM »

Alright so I'm comparing the two oil pumps, The one of my current engine looks good and moves smoothly, But the o rings are hard and look like they have shrunk. The oil pump off my old engine is very difficult to turn the gear, but the o rings seem to be in good condition. They are flexible and still round in shape.

I'm thinking keep the current oil pump and put the better conditioned o rings on and install.
What do you guys think?

I'm almost wondering if that oil pump was bad and that's what caused my old engine to "blow up".

dave500 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:11:19 PM »

try using the better o rings for now,and in the mean time source new ones and allens.

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #20 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:13:39 PM »

Alright, I'm going to try the current oil pump with the better o rings. Hopefully no leaks... and I think I have some allen bolts that will fit.

Not that I will be using it any time soon, but what do you think is up with that other oil pump? I have to put a significant amount of pressure to turn the gear.

scottly · « **Reply #21 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:18:02 PM »

Quote from: Elniniomuchachos on February 17, 2012, 06:13:39 PM

Alright, I'm going to try the current oil pump with the better o rings. Hopefully no leaks... and I think I have some allen bolts that will fit.

Not that I will be using it any time soon, but what do you think is up with that other oil pump? I have to put a significant amount of pressure to turn the gear.

Sounds like it is semi-seized. Take it apart, and post some pics!

Elniniomuchachos · « **Reply #22 on:** February 17, 2012, 08:06:01 PM »

I got the oil pump back on with the "newer" o rings. two of the leaks are gone, but there's one left. It looks like it's coming from the plate with the three bolts in it. Is there an o ring behind there?

scottly · « **Reply #23 on:** February 17, 2012, 08:12:13 PM »

Man, I hope you get this fixed soon, in time for the relay ride. (don't know about the 500/550's; listen to Dave)

dave500 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 17, 2012, 09:36:52 PM »

yep,i think its unobtainable but ive matched them up before,,you might be lucky and dissemble it,wipe it all clean and dry then reassemble,it might stop leaking.

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Author Topic: CB550 Shifter seal, block off oil feed? (Read 5588 times)