Left side crankshaft seal is leaking a bit

[ERM83]

It isn’t too crazy, but it’ll a bit drip after a ride and set on the side stand. My shoe is never soaked in oil, but I definitely want to address it! I ordered the seal from autozone (came in the next day!!), but it does NOT look like the seal that I saw in an informative old thread. I wanted to see if you all could help steer me in the right direction! Another question: if the seal is leaking on the outer edge and not the inner that is actually ON the crank, should I just RTV it and keep riding?? Some pictures of the new seal as well. I don’t wanna tear into it until I know for sure that it would work!! I just remembered that I’m going to need replacement timing plate screws, as it’s an 80’ SG…gotta drill those “torque-off” screws…


Eric

[bikerphil]

I would not replace that seal unless absolutely necessary. Tho only way to do it correctly is to split the cases and install with the proper raised lip type seal. What you can do, (I have done this a on a few XS's with success) is to clean the area around the outer diameter of the seal and put a thin layer of RTV on the case around it, overlapping onto the seal itself and filling the groove. Many times the seal leaks from the outer edge due to shrinkage. Then for the inner part, a 35MM film negative can be used (same technique as cleaning a fork seal) to clean any debris out which may be the cause of it leaking around the crankshaft. The problem with the non raised lip seal is there is not much of the case to hold it in. I have heard of them blowing right out and dumping the oil.

[ERM83]

I would not replace that seal unless absolutely necessary. Tho only way to do it correctly is to split the cases and install with the proper raised lip type seal. What you can do, (I have done this a on a few XS's with success) is to clean the area around the outer diameter of the seal and put a thin layer of RTV on the case around it, overlapping onto the seal itself and filling the groove. Many times the seal leaks from the outer edge due to shrinkage. Then for the inner part, a 35MM film negative can be used (same technique as cleaning a fork seal) to clean any debris out which may be the cause of it leaking around the crankshaft. The problem with the non raised lip seal is there is not much of the case to hold it in. I have heard of them blowing right out and dumping the oil.

Thanks, Phil…I’m gonna try RTV around the case right now!! I THINK that’s where it’s leaking, anyway. The seal was only $4, so no big deal there!

[bikerphil]

There is also that O-ring behind that oil galley plug below the ignition cover, prone to leaking. Don't overtighten it, it can crack easily, it's made of pot metal.

[ERM83]

There is also that O-ring behind that oil galley plug below the ignition cover, prone to leaking. Don't overtighten it, it can crack easily, it's made of pot metal.

I actually replaced that o-ring a few months ago, and it still leaked! That’s why I held off on doing the crankshaft seal. But so far after the RTV, all good! I also lubed / cleaned the advance components, and it’s running and functioning BEAUTIFULLY. Here’s one question (with pictures): is this a replacement seal?? I looked up the stock seal, and it looked very similar to something like what I was about to use / what is in there now…

[bikerphil]

The seal in your last picture is the original type I believe, with the rotation arrow on it. I was just looking thru my parts and found a raised lip seal for the alternator side and it has the directional arrow pointing opposite direction of yours. That is enough evidence for me to believe yours is the original raised lip type.