Oil leak alternator side

[russo011]

Anybody had oil leaks from the alternator side?
Finally got my 76 3CL registered, knew the oil leak was there so i replaced the oil seal behind the alternator after about 20 kms up the road it started to leak again.
Will check again of course just wanted to know if this is a common problem? Or is there something else I should be looking for?
This time round I will remove the stator wiring completely to change the gasket on the inner cover itself - was hesitant to do it before as I didn't want to touch the wiring seems I have no choice now though.

 

[Gerald]

Russ,

The oil leak is not common, once you've pulled the alternator and the cover behind you will find that it pays off to service the sprag clutch with new parts.

Gerald

 

[russo011]

Russ,

The oil leak is not common, once you've pulled the alternator and the cover behind you will find that it pays off to service the sprag clutch with new parts.

Gerald

Thanks Gerald, you mean the 6 springs and pins? Though about renewing the M27 nut as well - the surface has some marks on it, I don't think serious, however, thought I may as well

 

[Gerald]

Hi Russ,
Yes springs, pins, the whole kit. Surface marks on the M27 nut is common from whatever tool was used in the past to undo/fasten.
If the thread is still OK I wouldn't bother.

 

[pf1]

Make sure the cover isn't warped, there have been a few instances of that.

 

[russo011]

Make sure the cover isn't warped, there have been a few instances of that.

be in shit street if it is - well cover has got to come off in any case

 

[The Sock]

I have it from an impeccable authority that warping problems are becoming more common, particularly just below the area where the cables go through the cover.
A couple of light passes should level the sealing surface.

 

[russo011]

I have it from an impeccable authority that warping problems are becoming more common, particularly just below the area where the cables go through the cover.
A couple of light passes should level the sealing surface.

thanks - i will check when i get the cover off - hoping that a new gasket will resolve the issue

 

[The Sock]

thanks - i will check when i get the cover off - hoping that a new gasket will resolve the issue

Check the case on a piece of plate glass with a feeler gauge. I've heard of as much as 10 thou distortion which, sadly, a gasket won't fix.

 

[KERMIT1200]

Russ, Make sure the starter motor isn't loose.

Andy

 

[russo011]

Russ, Make sure the starter motor isn't loose.

Andy

Thanks - will check

 

[martymoose]

If the big LH nut is scratched has it been crashed? Run out in the crank?

 

[motoddrob]

The well under the starter has a drain hole that exits near that inner gasket. Check that no oil has accumulated under the starter

 

[russo011]

If the big LH nut is scratched has it been crashed? Run out in the crank?

will take a photo and post the next time it is off - only had the bike a few months so not aware of all it's history

 

[russo011]

The well under the starter has a drain hole that exits near that inner gasket. Check that no oil has accumulated under the starter

will do

 

[Vince]

That's a classic Rob, been there. It's easy to spill some oil doing a change and have it collect under the starter and slowly dribble out of that weep hole.

 

[russo011]

Thanks - will check

If the big LH nut is scratched has it been crashed? Run out in the crank?

Nut doesn't look so bad - no nicks or deep grooves, just worn as you would expect - to be honest it doesn't seem to be leaking past the new oil seal I put in

 

[russo011]

That's a classic Rob, been there. It's easy to spill some oil doing a change and have it collect under the starter and slowly dribble out of that weep hole.

More than just a dribble, covered my boot after some 20 kms

 

[russo011]

Russ, Make sure the starter motor isn't loose.

Andy

Starter is tight

 

[russo011]

Check the case on a piece of plate glass with a feeler gauge. I've heard of as much as 10 thou distortion which, sadly, a gasket won't fix.

Checked and maximum gap; it is around 7 to 8 thou (0,18 to 0,19 mm) at the spot by the opening near the wiring opening, I feel that the gasket was the real issue, very hard and cracked in a couple of places.