Topic: Proper (?) shift shaft seal replacement

[chadbenson]

I have a '76 550k that has the all to usual shifter shaft seal leak. I've read a few posts about using dental picks and or setting a screw into the seal, but I was wondering is there a way to actually slide the shaft out to replace the seal? It would be on the clutch side that it would come out correct? Any advice would be appreciated, or a link to a post i haven't seen yet. Thanks!!

[vames]

FAQ
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=264.0
Once you get the old one out, it has the dimensions imprinted on it. If you have a bearing and seal shop near you, you can probably get one on the spot. If not, you can order cheap from Western Hills Honda.

Here's the bit from the FAQ. Instead of needle nosed pliers, many people use picks, wood screws, or screw drivers to get the old seal out. The only trick is to not scratch the shaft or the case. New one will push in easy.

There is an oil leak coming from my shifter seal – how do I change it?
1. Undo the bolt on the back of gearchange (foot) lever. 2. Make a mental note of the usual position of the gearchange lever, and then pull it straight off of its splined gearchange shaft. 3. Undo the bolts on the left-side engine case that covers the front sprocket for the chain, and pull the cover straight off. There is no gasket or oil behind this cover. Just the chain sprocket. 4. Using needlenose pliers or a similar tool, try to grab the old O-ring shaped Oil Seal and pull it out from it's insert on the side of crankcase body. Do not scrape or damage the seal insert area. Slide the Oil Seal outwards along the gearchange shaft to remove it. Even if this Oil Seal looks good, discard it. This Oil Seal MUST fit snugly, otherwise oil will continue to leak out from behind the gearchange shaft. Oil is intended to squirt through a small channel from inside the crankcase into a hollow ridge on the backside of the Oil Seal in order to keep the gearchange shaft constantly lubricated. Remember, the old Oil Seal may have hardened or changed shape slightly over time. 5. Install a new Honda O-ring Oil Seal (approx $5.00). It might help to find a hollow rod (like the handle of a hydraulic jack) slightly longer than the gearchange shaft in order to lightly tap the new Oil Seal into its insert. The Oil Seal should fit almost flush inside crankcase insert. 6. Re-install the engine case (cover). 7. Prior to re-installing the gearchange lever, slide a rubber spacer (similar to a garden hose washer) onto the gearchange shaft right up against the engine case. THEN install the gearchange lever. This will limit lateral (sideways) movement of the gearchange shaft, thus reducing the chance of the new oil seal from getting caught up on the shaft and gradually pulled out of its insert. Make sure that the gearchange lever can still move freely up and down - just not sideways.