Topic: shifter seal

[jtb]

I guess I buggered my NEW shifter seal when I installed it.   It leaks when the bike is on the side stand.  When my new NEW seal comes in, what is the best way to install it?
1.  Take the tranny cover off, install the seal, and replace the cover,
                                              -OR-
2.  Install the seal with the tranny cover in place?
Thanks,
John

[csendker]

FYI: after an epic battle replacing my shifter seal (but mine is a 550, not 750) I still had a very small leak.  I found my shifter seal to be OK, but there was a small leak from the oil pump (directly adjacent) that I never noticed with the Niagara Falls of oil eminating from the shifter.  You may want to check around a bit to make sure its not something else.

Here was my battle --> http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=8384.msg77571#msg77571

[nickjtc]

You may want to check around a bit to make sure its not something else.

I concur. Clean everything in the vicinity off before assuming that your diagnosis is correct.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Could just use the center stand. 

[number13]

Had the same problem on my 500. I replaced that seal twice
and still it leaked. I found the problem nearly disappeared
after I switched to a good quality 4 stroke oil.

[Steve F]

I recommend that you take a close look at the shifter shaft bushing.  Sometimes, the bushing gets worn or out-of-round in the inside diameter, and this will allow the shaft to move enough to open a gap around the seal lip.  Grab a hold of the shifter shaft, and see if you can wiggle it back and forth in the hole.  Replacing the bushing is no biggie, just getting the part you need may be the hard part.    You may need to replace the bushing BEFORE you attempt the NEW seal install.

[jtb]

Just looked at Parts Fish, and don't see a bushing listed for the 77 750F.  I know it's leaking from the seal, I've already done the clean up.  Also had a lead around the tach cable seal, but  it wasn't seated.  Just from looking at the shifter seal, I 'm 99% sure that it's buggered.  New one will be in by Friday.

[chippyfive50]

I stumbled upon this trick last winter........AA MAG LITE housing..

[nickjtc]

I stumbled upon this trick last winter........AA MAG LITE housing..

Very neat!

[jtb]

Thanks, Chippy!  I'll use it.
 
John

[csendker]

An old set of handlebars that you never put away will work in a pinch too.  Keep in mind the job of the seal is to keep the oil inside the engine from coming out.  If you, as I did, change it with a full complement of oil (550=wet sump...), then all that oil will in fact try to get out, and quite successfully.  I panicked, put the seal on, grabbed some old bars I had left lying around and they fit like a charm.  Pushed it right into place with minimal spill.

[nickjtc]

If you, as I did, change it with a full complement of oil (550=wet sump...), then all that oil will in fact try to get out, and quite successfully.  I panicked, put the seal on, grabbed some old bars I had left lying around and they fit like a charm.  Pushed it right into place with minimal spill.

You're a brave soul. Why didn't you drain the oil first?

[jtb]

Nick, the 750 is a dry sump, only enough oil to leak out if it's on the side stand, but I do have an extra set of bars, I'll check them against the seal.  Thanks, 
John

[csendker]

You're a brave soul. Why didn't you drain the oil first?

Because I'm an idiot.  Focusing on the task at hand, the ramifications just never dawned on me.  Duh.

[tsflstb]

On the subject of seals, I thought I'd just spread my experience with a cheap set ordered from http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/

I don't think there are any oil galleys in the shifter seal, but don't waste your time or money on these.  The output shaft seal I installed didn't have the correct holes to allow oil to lube my transmission.  I didn't know to look for it when I installed them.  Caused the bike to lock up solid at 60 mph.   

Buy the genuine Honda parts.  I saved $10 on seals and spent $500 in engine repairs, $100 for a new rear tire, and was lucky to not have any medical expenses to go along with that.  I've emailed Cycle-Recycle, but received no response.  They're still selling the crap seals.  Sorry to rant, but maybe I'll save someone else some problems.


will cause

[nickjtc]

On the subject of seals, I thought I'd just spread my experience with a cheap set

Thanks for the heads-up.

[jtb]

Well, the seal was, in fact pretty buggered up.  Put the new one in tonight.  ($2.47 from the dealer)  I ended up using a deep 13/16" socket (read spark plug) it was perfect.  Now the bike is back on the side stand, we'll see if that stopped the leak. 
John

[MRieck]

On the subject of seals, I thought I'd just spread my experience with a cheap set ordered from http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/

I don't think there are any oil galleys in the shifter seal, but don't waste your time or money on these.  The output shaft seal I installed didn't have the correct holes to allow oil to lube my transmission.  I didn't know to look for it when I installed them.  Caused the bike to lock up solid at 60 mph.   

Buy the genuine Honda parts.  I saved $10 on seals and spent $500 in engine repairs, $100 for a new rear tire, and was lucky to not have any medical expenses to go along with that.  I've emailed Cycle-Recycle, but received no response.  They're still selling the crap seals.  Sorry to rant, but maybe I'll save someone else some problems.


will cause

That sucks. i learned (a long time ago) use OEM.....period.