Topic: CB500 Kick Start Spindle Wear ?

[jaytee-nz]

I have just disassembled my 1972 CB500 engine. I noticed that the kick start spindle was loose where it sits in the crank case - in other words either the spindle or the crankcase has worn. Is this wear normal and would it not result in an oil leak ?

[dave500]

they can get sloppy there if kicker used a lot,they wernt a real precision thing when new,so long as the seal is good itll be ok,i rarely use my kicker,even in the day I doubt they got used much?

[jaytee-nz]

I was hoping you might chime in Dave.
Is there supposed to be a seal in there somewhere - it didn't have one and I can't see one in the parts drawing ?
Cheers - John

[dave500]

yeah theres a seal alright!if you remove the kick lever its right there!if the seal is missing that's odd or lazy on someones behalf?if its not there youll have oil all over the place,that area inside has a storm of hot oil whipped up by the clutch assembly.
if your kick shaft hole looks like this the seal is absent!
the kicker parts list doesent show the seal the clutch cover one does,you need part #91204-286-003 if yours is AWOL.

[jaytee-nz]

Had a "senior moment" - of course there is a seal ! The clutch cover was already off the engine so I was looking for a seal on the inner main crankcase.
I don't plan to use the kickstart much anyhow.
Given that the case is likely to be worn rather than the steel shaft, it can stay sloppy I reckon.

[dave500]

yeah ive never seen one leak,if its a little sloppy that's how they are anyway,for a joke sometimes in front of hipsters,ill swing the kicker out with my right boot and hit the start button as I hardly depress the kicker more than half an inch if at all!screws with their artistic heads!

[seanbarney41]

Come on Dave, post the video!...#$%*in love that video

[dave500]

ha ha better not,gets a little off topic!