Topic: oil leak from starting bike without alternator cover

[alfredreed]

81 CB650C: While working on the charging system I had a lapse of focus and started the bike without having the alternator cover in place. Consequently oil gushed out and now it leaks even with the cover in place.
I have read other posts about some sort of plug causing this but they are so vague I don't understand them - aside from once replacing a rotor and stator I am not familiar with anything oil-related under that cover.
If you can, please describe what would have happened and what I can do about it. I can't find any photos or schematics that show that area so i am totally clueless.
Thanks

[BomberMann650]

I dont know if it's supposed to be a wet oil bath stator, gushing out oil would suggest yes/maybe.

So, there are gaskets and rubber wire guides on the parts fiche.  All need to ne installed properly to seal stuff in/out.

If it's not supposed to be a wet bath stator then...well, ya got a right mess on your hands.

Edit; oil passage cap and oring found on crank case microfiche (not under the alternator section.

[url]http://shop.hondabikes.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=2565877&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1981&fveh=132941[/irl]

[alfredreed]

Thanks for the fiche. The plug (#2 on fiche) was missing so I had to hunt for it and eventually found it among some tools. It looked in good shape so I pushed it in and it seems to be tight. It must have popped out when I revved the engine to determine if it was charging. I hope it holds when I get to starting the bike again or I might have to buy a new sealing ring I suppose.

[BomberMann650]

Your alternator must be a lot different than cb550's.

There would be no way to do a running stator test with the cover removed.  Since the coil bolts to the 550's stator cover.  It would basically be a flywheel rotation test

[alfredreed]

You are right, you can't do the stator  test without  the cover on because the stator wouldn't surround the rotor. I was not testing the stator, I had put one on and was ready to test the charging -- I think I may have put on the cover but neglected to put in the bolts. I was intent on watching my meter  then looked down and saw the cover off and lots of oil on the floor but since I did not see the plug on the floor I was unaware there was one. It had shot out a couple feet and landed in with my tools. Or I may have overlooked the cover altogether, more likely.

A result of attending to too many things at once and running from garage to house and back, you lose focus.  I appreciate your help.

[Bodi]

That main oil gallery plug has surprised most of us, I think. Usually after doing static timing once you learned how weak the 6mm advancer bolt is ... the one with the 17mm head that should have a 10mm head to suggest not turning the engine over with it.