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Author Topic: Finding an oil leak  (Read 1858 times)

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Offline pmpski_1

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Finding an oil leak
« on: June 09, 2005, 11:29:50 PM »
1974 CB550
I've noticed a few drips of oil after running the bike for a while. It seems to have gotten worse after I changed the oil. I took off the side cover to change the oil pressure switch and found more oil just waiting to drip off of the gear shifter. Looks like it's a gusher.

First question:  I had planned on taking it down to the carwash to spray off the 31 years of chain lube and motor oil that has accrued here. But maybe that isn't such a good idea. If oil is leaking out, a high pressure jet can put water in. Thoughts or recommendations? After I clean it all out I think it would be easy to spot the leak.

Second question: Likely culprits? Sprocket shaft? Gear shifter? Any others? Is this common? It looks like the oil pump seals are not leaking, but I don't want to rule it out.

Thanks,
Brian
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Finding an oil leak
« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2005, 12:11:22 AM »
Shift shaft seal

Say three times rapidly ;D

It won't magicaly fix it, but, those nearby ought to grin.  And that's worth something. ;)
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
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Offline SteveD CB500F

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Re: Finding an oil leak
« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2005, 12:44:10 AM »
After repeating that three times, search this site. I'm sure you can change that seal without stripping the engine.
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Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: Finding an oil leak
« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2005, 02:39:29 AM »
Brian,

Regardless of washing before or after fixing the oil leak, take care using the car wash for cleaning the bike. As you suspect already, don't get too close with the nozzle, the pressure can drive water into places you don't want and may not find until later. It's particularly hard on these old bikes, more is exposed.
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Offline pmpski_1

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Re: Finding an oil leak
« Reply #4 on: June 10, 2005, 08:08:24 AM »
Quote from: SteveD CB500F on June 10, 2005, 12:44:10 AM
After repeating that three times, search this site. I'm sure you can change that seal without stripping the engine.

I sure hope so! More adventures in CB550 Land!
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tgascon

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Re: Finding an oil leak
« Reply #5 on: June 10, 2005, 07:59:24 PM »
Brian,

I just had the same problem! (1975 CB550K)
The seal itself is not very difficult to change and your local Honda Dealer can still get you the Seal.
Just search the Archives of the SOHC-4 for some good advice on the job. (Gear lever oil seal)

The best advice I found and used was patience and Heat.
I gently heated the Seal with a heat gun and with a small common screwdriver was able to spin the seal out of it's recess. ( I also removed the front sprocket to clean, inspect the whole area and give me more room to work but that's not necessary)
Make sure the gear shaft is clean and smooth before installing the new seal.

Good luck!
Todd

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