Topic: 1977 cb550k oil leak

[Bvivas]

@ delta rider

I think it’s bad. I thought it was a little bit but I drove yesterday and   I noticed my left shoe was full of oil marks. The left peg had oil, the shifter had oil, the left side of the frame had oil, and the bottom section of the engine ( oil pan). I drove for almost 2 hours. I just can tell where is coming from.  And I would like to replace the seal that’s next to the sprocket.  I was able to find a chat that said the case needs to be opened to replace that seal.  But there was one person that said that it can b replaced but I need to drill a hole in the center of the seal and then use a screw and other tools to remove it.  I’m not sure what to do. I just bought a non-o ring  chain. If I can’t find a proper way to remove that seal I will use some honda bond on the section that the chain was rubbing.

Any suggestions?


@ Bryanj
Now I know the correct name is seal

[calj737]

If you’re leaking that much oil, stop riding the bike. It’s dangerous (oil on rear tire) plus you may be operating the bike with too little oil.

Removing that seal without splitting the cases can work but it’s a low margin of success because installing the seal behind the lip requires crushing the seal and hoping it expands back to proper diameter without incurring any damage is unlikely. Most who have attempted this end up with more oil leaking there than before. (If that is the source of the leak which is still unknown).

[bryanj]

Whilst people have said its possible, i have been working on 500 and 550 since they were new and i dont think so, its an incredible bodge

[Deltarider]

Any suggestions?

Ok, I understand the leakage is serious. First a remark. Check you haven't overfilled with oil. Level should not be higher than the upper mark. Actually quite a few CB550 owners have made it a habit to have the oil level halfway the marks to prevent problems with the blow-by gas fouling the airfilter element. But in your case I doubt it will be a remedy for your problem.
This is what I'd do. Run the bike till it is hot. When returned home, put bike on the main stand and select first gear. Kill engine. Remove the cover and clean the area. Then restart the engine with clutch engaged. Release clutch, kneel down and look closely where it leaks. Idle and rev a bit if necessary.
Personally I hate to undertake any action, unless I have a good diagnosis.
When you're 100% sure that difficult seal is the problem, I'd bring it to a professional workshop who can do it. In Holland we have quite a few who can do the repair and then it's their responsibility.
Unless others here can guide you how to do it yourself.
 

[dave500]

ok Bvivas,ill book your flight to Holland,your staying at Deltas place.

[calj737]

ok Bvivas,ill book your flight to Holland,your staying at Deltas place.

Don’t forget the shipping for his bike, Dave  Should only a few thousand PLUS the labor of a shop.