Topic: Removed front sprocket cover to reveal a couple of surprises.

[scott_cb650]

I removed the front sprocket cover on my '79 cb650 with the intention of cleaning out the crud.
I found out that most of the crud was a orange-ish color.
What would be leaking to cause such a color?
I thought these bikes only had gas, oil and brake fluid.

Second question:
Is the chain supposed to be rubbing the inside steel piece on the cover?
This is evident in the attached picture where the stripes are.

Thanks,
Scott

[Sam Green Racing]

Could be the PO had let the chain get red rusty before oiling it, ....the oil and rust mix, then it throes onto the inside of the cover.

If the PO was that bad at maintenance he may well have let the chain get that far out of adjustment that it chattered against the cover, leaving the lines.

Clean it,.....look after it.

Sam.

[mick750F]

   Yeah, what Sam said! That and maybe they used something out of the ordinary for chain lube.

Mike

[Jonesy]

Yeah, what Sam said! That and maybe they used something out of the ordinary for chain lube.

Mike

PB Blaster penetrating oil is orange in color.. as said before, the chain may have been rusty and that could have been sprayed on it. Just a thought...

[skamania19]

I had one look real similar. I figured the same as these guys, old chain and lube. The color was almost the same but it cleaned up OK.

[TwoTired]

The orange stuff is likely rust.  Clean it off, it's abrasive.

The chain is NOT supposed to rub the guide.  Clean the guide very well and check the mounting leg for cracks that would allow the guide to move toward the chain. 

I acquired a bike that had the front sprocket and chain worn so badly, that the chain would ride up toward the points tips of the sprocket teeth under acceleration.  This made the very same marks yours is showing, and it cracked the guide bracket mounting legs.

Cheers,

[Chris in Ramsey]

As far as chains go, orange is the color of death. If a chain's up-keep has been neglected to the point of that much rust, then I would opt for a new chain and sprocket set. There is little in the world of motorcycling worse than throwing a chain. But that's just me. Your results may differ.

[Sam Green Racing]

Five near identical replys, problem sorted.