Topic: Can I remove the transmission covers without draining oil?

[turkey2143]

For a 77' CB550K:

Is the oil held just in the part that you have to crack open?

Does the oil just travel through the right transmission cover and if I were to remove that right cover along with the oil filling hole dealie, would I be dropping oil all over my garage floor?

Same goes for the left transmission cover...

-Thanks

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Wet clutch so yes, you need to drain the oil.  You'll also need a replacement gasket when you go to put 'er back on.  It's Honda part number 11394-390-306 and should cost around $8

[fang]

In short, yes.

Oil will come out onto your floor for both sides.  Also you want to remember that you are 85% sure to also need to replace those engine side cover gaskets, as they almost always tear when removing the covers.

Then again, even if you do drain the oil, oil is still likely to come out of the side covers.  That is just the way it is, so plan for it and it will be a non-issue.

peace and grease,
-fang

[turkey2143]

So...to clarify, the left side doesn't have a gasket? Does that mean I can take off that side without oil spilling everywhere if I want to take off my drive chain?

[MickeyX]

Your right side should need a gasket because it's all bathed in oil over there. The left, as far as I know, should not because your oil pump should be in there along with access to your starter motor. The guys will correct this if I'm wrong.

You may want to check on leaks around your oil pump though, since you'll have that cover off anyway. There is an O ring in there. Check on leaks around your shifter too since that one can become hard over time and shrink a bit. Each of these should run around $3-4 each.

Good luck!

[NickC]

no gasket on the left side, and you won't lose any oil. It's just a cover.

You don't even need to drain your oil on the clutch cover. Yes, there will be oil in there that will leak and you will need a gasket, but you shouldn't lose too much

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Here is a handy parts fiche where you can get exploded views, part numbers and availability.  I like this one for the zoom in feature.

http://www.babbittsonline.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/default.aspx

[Kevin400F]

When the bike is leaned to the left, using the sidestand, there will be very little oil level behind the clutch cover.  You can roll the front/rear wheels onto a piece of 1x4 to create a little more lean angle as needed and you'll hardly lose any oil.  There will be an odd drip or two, so use a dropcloth or drip pan if you want to keep if off your floor.

[754]

Yes he is right, lean Either side over and block the bike, and let sit a few minutes.. make sure it is solid.

 Then the only oil left will be what trapped by the gasket being wider than the cover..

 I prefer to work on the clutch when it is tilted...

[turkey2143]

Should I replace the two little gaskets that go to the oil pump as well (part 18) in this diagram ( http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/showschematic/m9448sch403273 ) ?

Also, for the gear shifter seal, does anyone have a part number for it? Or can someone at least point me to the "section" to look for it?

I really appreciate all the help everyone's giving me to gradually escape my noob-dum...!

[NickC]

If they aren't leaking, don't mess with it! If you do, go ahead and  replace 19 too.
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1977-honda-motorcycle-cb550k-shift-drum-shift-fork-shift-spindle/o/m9448sch404477
Should be number 22 for the shifter seal