Topic: Shifter Seal STILL Leaking!

[jt1000]

I've replaced the shifter oil seal on my '71 cb500 and it still leaks!  It's not terrible, but it runs into the inside of the clutch cover and drips down the bottom of the oil pan.  Anyone experience this problem frequently??  The shifter rod has a little play in it and I'm guessing that's what causes it, but I don't know how to remedy the situation.  Advice please??

[jreich]

I've replaced the shifter oil seal on my '71 cb500 and it still leaks!  It's not terrible, but it runs into the inside of the clutch cover and drips down the bottom of the oil pan.  Anyone experience this problem frequently??  The shifter rod has a little play in it and I'm guessing that's what causes it, but I don't know how to remedy the situation.  Advice please??

Were there any burrs in the shifter rod? Did you use an OEM seal? Did it go in easily?
Cheers

[jt1000]

No burrs, Honda seal, went in easily.

[Johnie]

Hmmm...could that seal have a problem.  Not the first time Honda sent a poor seal.  Heck, it took me 4 HM300's number 3 exhaust before I got one without a dent.  Those seals are cheap I would get another and try again.  If it leaks then you should be able to rule out that seal and move on from there.

[jt1000]

Is there something I can put around the seal or interior of the opening it's plugging to help the seal?  There's nothing that covers the seal to prevent it from moving except the built-in spring in the seal itself...

[Steve F]

If the shaft has "play" in it, the shaft could move enough to allow oil past the seal lip.  It doesn't take much play to allow this.  There may be a bronze bushing behind the cover that can be pressed out and a new one put in or one could be made to do this.  It is repairable.
Steve F

[jt1000]

Steve, Thanks for the advice, but I'm not sure where exactly you're talking about... The bushing is behind behind which cover?

[Steve F]

Well, I admit, I don't have a 550, but on the 750, the cover that holds/supports the shaft and seal should have a bushing of sorts that can be replaced.  It might not be as easy as a seal, and may require the services of a machinist.  I've seen it where the shaft doesn't have any bushing, and the shaft rides directly on the die-cast aluminum housing, but that was only on the really low-end cheapo bikes, like mini bikes and some dirt bikes.  Even those can be bored out oversize and a bushing made to fit.
I may be doing this soon to my bike, since I noticed the occasional drop of oil under the shifter.