The Times That Try Mens' Soul

[jacksf]

Took my XJ out on a nice long ride today after finishing up new forks, front bearings, etc., etc. Front end is too loose for my riding so I have to tighten up the head a bit.

What really killed me is, that after all the work I did and the handholding you guys did for me, one of the front seals is leaking. I think if I would have had a gun I would have put either the bike or me out of our mutual misery.

Problems with the seal as I see it are:

1. Didn't seat the seal properly when installing.

2. Damaged the seal when installing.

3. Too much oil (8.45oz per manual).

4. Bad seal (vesrah).

So I will pull the fork AGAIN, make sure the seal is seated, examine for any visible damage, drain about 1/2oz of oil out of both forks and if it still leaks, install another seal.

Any other suggestions other than have about a case of beer for now?

Jack

[Czekus21]

You didn't put the seal in backwards did you?

[jacksf]

At this point I guess anything is possible. Don't even feel like tearing into it today, just periodically walk by her in the driveway and kick the tire

Just another thing to look at tomorrow.

Thanks

Jack

[Geezer]

I've tried most brands of fork seals but the ones Yamaha sells sure seem to be the best.

That said, it's easy to damage a seal when you're just learning your way around. Take it apart and have a look...

Geezer

[xs1100yam]

Small "scratch" on inner tube ?

[prometheus578]

Place a small plastic bag over the open end of the inner fork tube before trying to put the forkseal on it and sliding it down. The bag helps prevent the edges of the fork tube from cutting or gouging the lip of the seal.

[tsears]

OEM seals

Hi,

I'm replacing the seals on my 80 SG and the difference between the seals I bought from partsnmore and the OEM seals is considerable. Will the local Yamaha dealer have the OEM seals, or is there a "list-approved" mail order dealer?

Thanks in advance.

Hang in there JackSF.

Tim

[jacksf]

I originally ended up buying 2 sets, 1 from partsnmore and 1 from...I think bikebandit. The partsnmore set I installed I ended up screwing up (my fault) but they did seem to fit very well. The other set, the Vesrah (?) also seemed to fit about the same.

If I did end up scratching the inside of the lower leg I have an extra set I can swap out with. The left fork is fine, nice and tight so I guess I put that one together ok. One of the benefits of retirement is I don't have to get up and go to work, except in my garage and with 2 old bikes its possible to keep myself busy even when I would rather ride.

Jack

[webbcraft2150]

Do it again.........

I had a consistent problem with the left fork seal. Tried 3 different brands. Only the left side would leak. I had polished both forks legs to a mirror finish hoping for a good seal. On the last try I actually roughed up the the tube some with some emery cloth. No more leaks!! I have fork tube removal down to a 25 minute science.!