Topic: Oil leak 1973 cb500

[jakjac]

I have oil pouring from the left side of my motor, sort of near where the chain goes into the motor above the oil pan, new to wrenching so detailed explanations or links would be helpful. Started yesterday, doesn't seem to be any other mechanical oroblems. Searched around but didn't seem to find any topics directly related to this topic, or simply not explained or detailed in a way I could understand.
Thanks
Jack

[Gordon]

Did you put an O-ring chain on it?  The 500/550 have less clearance than the other models between the countershaft sprocket and the engine case, and an O-ring chain can wear a hole in it.   

[riverfever]

Pull that left side cover off and see what's up. You'll have to remove the shifter arm, the pegs, clutch cable, and the bolts holding the cover itself on and then you'll see what the deal is. There are quite a few seals in there. Simple to replace them though. Pull the cover and post pics of what things look like.

[Deltarider]

You'll have to remove the shifter arm, the pegs, clutch cable, and the bolts holding the cover itself on and then you'll see what the deal is.

No need to remove the pegs nor the clutch cable.
First remove the chrome cover from over the starter (two 10mm bolts), remove the shifter arm and remove the 4 bolts that hold the sprocketcover (aka left crankcase cover) You may need an impact driver. Then you can more or less wiggle the cover away and have a look. The cover can be left dangling on the clutch cable no prob. It will be messy there, leakage can occur at the shifter seal, oil pressure switch and/or oil pump seals. When in doubt, remove all grease and oil and check carefully. You may have to start the engine for this. Make sure it's in neutral. If possible make pictures and please report back.

[jonda500]

I used to manoeuvre the cover off with the footpeg still on, but my cover was getting all scratched up so I take the footpeg off first now that my cover's all polished.

The clutch cable can't even be unhooked without taking the cover off! The cover can be left hanging on it, but don't loose the ballbearing that's in the release mech.

You might need the engine to be fully warm before you'll be able to see the leak, John

[jakjac]

Gear shifter seal. I replaced it. Thanks guys.