Topic: 76 cb550 Leaking oil from stator cover/housing

[kippstakes]

recently my cb550 has started leaking oil from the stator cover.
from what i've read, it's not unusual for oil to collect in the stator housing, and that it acts as a lubricant for the moving parts- this info seems like it could be false.
 after replacing the cover's gasket, it continues to leak and soak my foot with hot oil every time i ride.. not too great.. not to mention the spots on my driveway. additionally, i have replaced the o-ring on the plug beneath the stator. i also replaced the oil drain plug and ring nearest the stator housing, just in case.  no luck.
any ideas where the oil leak might originate? is it maybe the seal on the crankshaft? if so can it be replaced by removing the rotor?
typically don't mind getting my feet wet, but have to draw the line somewhere.
suggestions??

thank you

[dave500]

are you sure its from the alternator and not the oil pump right next to it?is there oil inside the alt?

[bryanj]

The 500/550 does not have, or rather should not have, oil in the generator cover. The only way oil gets in there is from the gallery plug or the crank seal----you have to split the crankcases as well as remove the rotor to change the seal.

As dave said far more common is oil leaking from the oil pump at either the pressure switch or outer cover

[Duanob]

are you sure its from the alternator and not the oil pump right next to it?is there oil inside the alt?

Like Dave says. There are lots of places for oil to leak under the sprocket cover. Three o0rings at the oil pump and two oil seals. Common problem area for leaks.

[kippstakes]

yes, there is oil in the alternator cover. i have replaced the oil pump seals, so those should be good. i also checked around the oil pump within the time frame of the leak and it seemed dry. guess it must be the crankcase seal. dammit.
thank you

[lone*X]

Have you replaced the o-ring on the oil gallery plug that is held in by the alt. cover?  Definitely check that before you go into pulling the motor and splitting the cases.  That plug is just sealed by the o-ring and is under full oil pump pressure.

[kippstakes]

unfortunately yes. slightly less leakage, but the problem is still there. i guess a few drops here and there won't kill me.

[dave500]

lay the bike over the other way from the side stand and pull that bung again,be sure the hole is real clean and use hard setting compound on a fresh o ring,clean the hole and bung with spirits/prepsol and stick it back,might save splitting the cases?

[flatlander]

did you check the pressure switch?

[kippstakes]

i will give cleaning the plug and hole a shot- bike could use an oil change anyway.
i have not checked the pressure switch. i made sure it was snug last time i looked at the oil pump, but didn't inspect it closely. how tight should it be in there? also, my oil light has been coming on since i changed out the seals on the oil pump-  i have been wondering what was going on with that, maybe this has something to do with it.
thanks

[bryanj]

They don't always leak arround the thread, the internal diaphragm can get a pinhole and oil leak up through the top

[kippstakes]

hmm might be time for a new one then. pretty cheap, as i recall. be nice if that was it.
anyone know how to udjust the diaphragm tension screw on those things, or i should say what it needs to be adjusted to?

[bryanj]

Not adjustable mate

[flatlander]

yes if it's gone, just replace it. don't remember how much but they're not expensive.