Final drive filler cap

[twal1917]

My silver colored filler cap on the final drive on the top can't be removed--is it a "screw off", or just a "pull off" type? I have a 1980G.

[hamjam]

hi if you are referring to the very top, that is the vent .
the filler is the allen head screw at the 3 o'clock position
and the drain of course is at 6 o'clock

[skippy344]

Yeah dude, don't try to pull that thing off! You will certainly destroy it!

Your tool kit came with a shaft drive dip stick. Measuring the level with the small end will tell you if the fluid level is fine. Be sure you are on a level surface, though.

[twal1917]

Thanks for the info on the final drive top cap---I couldn't find that info in the shop manual. This is one great site!

[abendre]

final drive vent

I have a 1979 XS11 Special which I have owned for three years. In the process of changing the final drive oil, I (incorrectly) sheared off the cover for the vent (which is at the top of the final drive at 12 o clock). Underneath, I can see a conical piece with a hole at the top of it (which the cap I think was attacjed to). Is there an issue if this hole stays sealed -> I could find something that will thread in and seal it.

I could also JB Weld the top piece back on.

Any suggestions?

Ashish
79 XS11 SF

[buffalo]

Do not seal the vent opening... it will build pressure as it heats up and blow the oil out the seal. Try slipping the cap back on and crimping it in 2 or 3 places at the bottom edge.

[abendre]

final drive vent cap

Thanks, I got the cap off before the JB Weld had set..

Is this thing like a pressure release valve on pressure cookers? If the oil pressure builds up it will blow the cover off ?

I can try to crimp it onto the conical piece, but can probably ony get two points (make the cap into an ellipse and it will maybe stay over the conical piece)...

I should have read the fine print before wrenching it off.

Ashish

[buffalo]

The final drive vent is just what it sounds like.. When running the gears heat up and the vent lets the expanding air out so pressure does not build up, when the bike sits and the drive cools it allows air back in so a vacuum does not occur. The cap is only there to keep dirt and water out, it should fit loose to allow air flow in and out. Bending into an eliptical shape won't hurt, you want it loose, just tight enough so it won't fall off. Try crimping the very bottom with a pair of fine jaw pliers or cutters, then turn it 90 degrees and crimp the other 2 sides. If you work it around and crimp it several times you should be able to get kind of a square shape on the bottom and still have it loose enough to turn.