Topic: Was: Output shaft seal question. NOW: find the oil leak

[Scott S]

 I'll be pulling the covers later today to see where the oil leak on the left side is coming from. I replaced the shift shaft seal already. If it IS the output shaft seal, do I need to drain the oil to replace it?
 How high is the oil level compared to the drive sprocket when the bike is on the centerstand?

[bryanj]

Its more likely to be the oil pressure switch or oil pump cover O ring than the output seal---never seen an undamaged one leak

[Scott S]

 I'm pretty sure I can figure it out, but do you have a pic of the stuff you're talking about? I like to be well informed before I start taking stuff apart.

 The oil pump area seemed dry last time I was in there. I was pretty confident it was the shift shaft seal, but I'm still getting a few drops of oil on the floor after a ride. It runs down the shifter and drips on the floor.
  The output shaft is near the shifter seal, so I was guessing (without having the cover off again) that it was the culprit.

 Either way, output shaft or oil pump, do I need to drain the oil? I did the shift shaft seal w/o draining the oil.

[bryanj]

Cant be certain but i think the output seal has a lip meaning a crankcase split to change.

You need to run the bike on the centre stand with the sprocket cover off and see where the oil is comming from, plus claen it all off first and use the talcum powder trick

[Scott S]

 Unfortunately, I decided to go ahead and drain the oil before I got your reply. No chance to do the talcum powder trick now. 

 It doesn't appear to be a leak from the oil pump or sender. There was a tiny, tiny bit of oil on top of the sender and the bolt that holds the wire down was a little loose. This is exactly how I found it; not cleaned up at all.

[Scott S]

 This picture shows the sending unit and the clutch pushrod seal. No apparent leaks at either one.


 Here's a view of the general area. No evidence of oil coming from the pump and blowing or slinging back on the engine.

[Scott S]

  This pic shows the most likely culprit: the shift shaft seal. I replaced the seal recently. I noticed a little oil at the bottom of the output shaft seal, but was convinced it all came from around the shift shaft.
  I have not pulled the sprocket to inspect the output shaft seal yet.

 My tank is getting painted and I have no way to start the bike right now. Maybe I can get it all cleaned up and run it for a minute or two. The only problem is, it never leaks when I just run it in the garage. It only drips a bit after long rides. The oil runs down the shift shaft and shifter.

[domer]

did you scotch tape the knurled end of the shift shaft so as not to cut the seemingly fragile seal while installing? it does look like your new shift shaft is leaking imo.

[Scott S]

did you scotch tape the knurled end of the shift shaft so as not to cut the seemingly fragile seal while installing? it does look like your new shift shaft is leaking imo.

 Yes I did. Good thing I bought 2 shift shaft seals! The clutch pushrod seal on my XS650's is very similar and you stand a good chance of screwing up a seal, so I usually buy two just in case!

[fasturd]

IS your bike old enough that it still has the chain luber? Mine was spewing oil like crazy until I screwed it in and stopped it completely. I can lube my chain my self...
Mine dripped when I got home and it looked like it was the shifter seal until I noticed the "fling" trail when I removed the sprocket to look around. Any way it solved the dripping on my 1972.

Good luck.

[Scott S]

 I don't believe my bike has the chain oiler. It was the shift shaft seal.
 The bike will still leave a drip or two after a ling ride, but I think it's just from around the sump.....not enough to mess with at this point.

[Frostyboy]

Just a thought............. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=75181.0

I wonder if you could be lucky? Maybe that seal is the weakest link 

[Scott S]

 Nah, I had the breather cover off when I was getting the bike running. Clean under there and the hose is open.
 Really, they're just minor drips right now.