Topic: Stinkin' stator cover oil leak - Update

[Johnie]

So the KO is looking nice, but that darn oil leak in the stator cover area is starting to pee me off.  I first installed the new stator and trans gaskets dry 2 months ago.  I now have another new stator gasket on there and the local dealer said to put Permatex "anaerobic" gasket maker on both sides of the new gasket.  Did it and it still leaks only when motor running.  So I checked the archives and see some guys had problems with the rubber gasket plug for the stator electrical weeping some oil.  So I think maybe I should have carried that Permatex up further to cover both sides of the rubber.  I suppose if I remove that cover again I need another $10 stator gasket?  Or do you think I can get it off without breaking it and can just reseal with the Permatex.  A lot of dinking around for something so stupid...so if any of you experienced something similar and can give advise I sure would appreciate it.  I also bought another transmissin gasket and may take that off too and put the Permatex on it both sides just in case the oil is leaking from in between the stator and trans gaskets...oh, and I am using new hex allen bolts on the covers.

[Terry in Australia]

This will probably start a new war based on everyone's preferred gasket sealer John, but my favorite is Threebond 1194.(replaced 1104) it's the grey stuff that looks like Honda's original "Liquid packing" (which is good too, if they still sell it)

I always try not to use any sealer around the alternator cover/gear selector cover, but I do put a dab of Threebond right around the stator wire seal, because they shrink with age, and you can't buy new ones without the stator and wires.

If you do intend to reuse your gasket that shouldn't be a problem unless it's one of the OEM "self vulcanising" jobs that glues itself to the engine cases once the engine gets warm. If so, you'll have some down time with a scraper to get that sucker off!

I'm going for a ride on my K0 today, I don't think the engines ever been apart, and there's not a drop of oil under it! Cheers, Terry.

[mattcb350f]

+1 on Terry's advice.

I've used that anaerobic stuff before but only on places where there is no gasket. I don't think it should be used as a sealant on a paper gasket 

I recently used some permatex "ultra black" RTV sealant (Terry said this would happen  ) on my engine build and so far so good. Like Terry says, try not to use any sealant at all but you've got a leaker so the gloves are off now 

 Matt.

[Bob Wessner]

First, I would try cleaning the area really well and get it dry. Then spray some foot powder and find out exactly where the leak is coming from. If it's coming from the gasket, if the gasket surfaces are clean and flat, you should be able to mount everything dry. No real vote either way on reusing the old gasket. I would be inclined to go for a new one.

[Johnie]

When I cleaned those surfaces last winter I had a lot of time so I really cleaned them well while those covers were off the bike.  So I had every stitch of old gasket off there.  So I know I did not miss anything and did put them on dry back then.  They looked new when I cracked open the cover and there is a chance this is all coming from the stator rubber between the stator and trans cover.  Could be running down between the 2 covers. 
Terry...is the Threebond 1194 a Walmart brand or from an automotive type store?  And once you use the Threebond, can you get it off when you change gaskets again or is it a real bear?
It is not the vulcanizing gasket as I was able to get the 3 month old one off in one piece.  They are the OEM ones I got from Honda.
Thanks...

[kghost]

I know I know....It doesn't help....


But...

I've not taken anything apart sealed with the threebond 1104....Hasn't leaked.

[Johnie]

Where did you get the Threebond???

[kghost]

Partsnmore.

https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.php?model=cb750_sohc&category=engine

Part:05-0001

[Terry in Australia]

It's good stuff John, I've been using it for years with no problems. Most of the bike shops around here use it too, so that's good enough for me.

Like any gasket sealer, go easy on it's application, it's not as dangerous as any silicone product, but it's always best to err on the conservative side, if you've ever blocked an oilway and cooked your top end, you'll know what I mean........... 

[Johnie]

It's good stuff John, I've been using it for years with no problems. Most of the bike shops around here use it too, so that's good enough for me.

Like any gasket sealer, go easy on it's application, it's not as dangerous as any silicone product, but it's always best to err on the conservative side, if you've ever blocked an oilway and cooked your top end, you'll know what I mean........... 

Terry...so I take it that the "anaerobic" Permatex is not silicone, right?  The NAPA guy said this Permatex product is the same as the Loctite stuff as one bought out the other.

[NickC]

Is there any way the stator cover could be possible warped/bent? I would take it off and place it on a glass tabletop to find out.

[754]

+1

I was just going to post, before changing gasket , check if part is flat, check case too if possible. and I mean a flat plate..not a straightedge..

I use silicone on gaskets sparingly (if you dont understand that word, dont use silicone).. a thin smear just enough to darken the gasket...both sides.

This for 2 reasons, it seals well & you can usually get it off in one piece if need be.

I think the problem though is shrinkage on the plug around the stator wires..

And did I read it right that you did not put the sealant all the way up the gasket?.. apply equally or it can cause a leak..

[crazypj]

Terry, say it ain't so....
 discontinued 1104 
I hope he 1194 is similar polymer and not crappy silicon sealer.
 May have to go with Suzuki bond, even if it is real expensive (about $18.00 a tube-dealer cost)

[Johnie]

OK, just finished changing and sealing the trans OEM gasket just to eliminate that area.  I was thinking of taking the stator cover off again with the 5 day old OEM gasket and sealer.  I was thinking of trying to put some sealant around that stator rubber but was not sure if I could use the 5 day old gasket again.  I should have run the sealer around that 5 days ago but did not.  I thought the leak was lower.  If I was to get the cover off without damage to the gasket, should I put sealant around that whole thing again, even where I did it last time?  Or just wait for my new OEM gasket and start over?  The pic is of that pesky stator rubber electrical gasket...

[Johnie]

Success...solved that pesky oil leak on the KO.  I ended up buying another stator cover gasket.  Resealed the new gasket on both sides with anaerobic  Permatex gasket "maker".  I concentrated a lot on the stator wire rubber grommet.  I think that was the problem area - that stator wire grommet.  So it must have been running down to the crankcase bolts under the stator as I thought that was were the leak was.  So thanks again for all your input and help.  Now I don't have to wipe oil off my HM300's after every ride.   

[Terry in Australia]

Well done John, and I should have mentioned it before, normally if it's the stator wire grommet causing the leak, it'll only leak (when parked) when on the sidestand, and not on the centre stand. Easy way of deciding if it's the grommet, or the gasket. Cheers, Terry.

[Johnie]

Thanks Terry...this one was weird.  It would only leak when running.  When it sat on the center stand it was fine.  Well, at least the oil leak is behind me.  Took it to the first show here in WI.  Did not enter it as I could not stay the whole day.  Plenty of real nice comments...and this was a mainly Harley show.  The coolest part was when I was leaving the show and watching the faces on the bikers when I drove by. 

[Terry in Australia]

Well done mate, you've done an excellent job!