Help with leaking fork oil

[mrhammer2u]

I just had my bike worked over by a professional bike mechanic. One of the things he did was take apart the forks, new seals and new oil. However it's STILL leaking oil from the screw at the top of the fork. It's a 79 special. I once unscrewed the screw and it seemed like it was plastic. What's the deal here? Thanks!

[bikerphil]

There are 3 places it could leak from, the large O ring on the fork cap itself, the small O ring around the air valve, and the core of the air valve. Take the air valve out (10mm hex) and check/replace that small O ring and make sure the inner core is also tight.

[donebysunday]

Sf

If your bike is an SF it should have the caps with air valve and they are metal not plastic. You paid good money, talk to this mechanic.
There is an O-ring on the cap, this could be damaged, he should have seen this if it's the case.
Also it's very easy to cross thread those caps

[mack]

O ring

With the specials it's very easy to damage the big o ring trying to thread the top back in. The threads can cut the o ring itself. Don't ask how I know this!

[mrhammer2u]

Thanks for the responses so far. Here is a pic of what I'm talking about. Seems the oil is coming from this screw...


Anyone know where to get a replacement? I've tried to Google it but I don;t know what's it's called. Thanks!

[DiverRay]

That screw is supposed to be an AIR VALVE! Did the mech put the screw in, or was it in when you got the bike? You need a schrader(sp) valve in place of the screw on both sides.

[donebysunday]

That's

where the air valve should be.
My O MY, no wonder someone plugged them with bolts !
I'd ask the mechanic what other custom parts he found ?

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/searc...ORK/parts.html
AIR VALVE
5K7-23190-00-00
$33.61

[mrhammer2u]

Crap! It was like that when I bought it. Ok, thanks guys. Off to partzilla. They seem to have them in stock.

[bikerphil]

If you're not planning on using the air assist, you could just teflon tape the bolt threads and you should be fine. That is providing the screw threads in properly.

[donebysunday]

Can't see spending $33+

If you're not planning on using the air assist, you could just teflon tape the bolt threads and you should be fine. That is providing the screw threads in properly.

I think your money might be better spent ?

Don't need the air if you have the right springs/w/emulators and fork brace ?

Andreas might have the caps/w/valves maybe off some rusty or damaged forks ?

I wonder if that cap is tapped differently to fit that bolt when the P.O. maybe screwed up the valve threads making the bolt necessary ?

Come to think the fork caps on my LH should fit, 1 fork is bent and I bought a good used set.
Want them ? P.M. me

[mrhammer2u]

Ok so I'm confused again. You're saying I don't need the aor valves? I have a tkat fork brace. Front end seems to be fine....but this is all I know. Never had a before and after experience. Is it better to have the air assist or leave as is and Teflon tape and seal?

[mrhammer2u]

I just ordered the air valves, caps and new o-rings.

When I get them I just fill them to 5.7psi and pray the air holds,...right?

[mack]

Depends

I like my front end to be a bit stiff so I run 12 lbs in mine. But I usually have a passenger so it will want to ride a bit lower. The owners manual has a chart for tuning the front forks with air and adjusting the rear shocks for varius conditions riding.