Author Topic: Porous oil filter housing?  (Read 811 times)

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Offline Scott S

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Porous oil filter housing?
« on: May 20, 2017, 05:16:46 AM »
 I have the smallest oil leak around the oil filter housing on my CB500/550 build. But when I wipe my finger across the bolt or where the housing meets the engine case, it seems dry. I had that housing vapor blasted. Is it possible that the oil is actually leaking THROUGH the housing?
 I installed new O-rings and even an NOS bolt. It really seems like the oil is coming from the middle of the housing, between some fins.

 I have some other O-rings and other housings (but with bent or broken fins). I'm trying to get a few more miles on this oil before changing it.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Porous oil filter housing?
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2017, 05:55:26 AM »
I doubt its porous enough to leak but could have a crack?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline flatlander

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Re: Porous oil filter housing?
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2017, 08:22:05 AM »
i also think a crack would be more likely than it being porous. maybe it was dropped ones and has a hair fissure that's barely visible.
maybe the baby powder trick would work to locate the source?

Offline calj737

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Re: Porous oil filter housing?
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2017, 02:55:52 AM »
I'll pop one in the post to you Scott. I have to ship Flats his jets too anyway.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Bodi

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Re: Porous oil filter housing?
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2017, 02:47:31 PM »
Put one of your different cases on for now... you only lose about a cup of oil.

Offline Scott S

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Re: Porous oil filter housing?
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2017, 04:04:40 PM »
 It's weird, it only seems to leak when the engine is cool. Didn't leak a drop when it was hot, and not for about 24 hours....then another couple of drips.

 Maybe I'll swap it out and install a new O-ring when the one Cal is sending gets here.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Online seanbarney41

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Re: Porous oil filter housing?
« Reply #6 on: May 21, 2017, 07:01:40 PM »
You sure its not dripping onto the filter housing from somewhere higher up?
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Scott S

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Re: Porous oil filter housing?
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2017, 05:30:02 AM »
 No, I'm not sure. The filter housing is dry on top, though. Dry on the front around the bolt (used a NOS Honda bolt.... I opened the package myself). Dry where the filter housing meets the engine case....though the last time I checked there was maybe... *maybe*.... a little moisture there. I don't even see oil "hanging" on the filter housing. It's just wet to the touch or when I stuff a folded shop towel between the fins, and there's a drop or two on the ground, directly below the filter housing. Not at the end, not at the case. Right below the housing.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650