I have a leaking fork seal (can't complain, the seal is 18 years old).
I've already purchased the seals, I'm just waiting for a little cooler weather...
I plan on upgrading to progressive springs in the process...
I need suggestions on fork oil, and quantity...
I'll do dome searching around for spacer info on the new springs...
I'll also be upgrading to SS brake line as I need to replace my master cylinder (one came with my bike purchase)..
Wow, Hoot, you have done it now! Like asking what kind of tire to use. You will get a wide variety of opinions, I am sure.
You and I are about the same weight -- you are probably a little lighter. So I used the "standard" preload, whatever that is. I also used 10 wt oil.
One thing that was confusing to me about the manuals and instructions is that the "oil level" is really the amount of air on top of the oil, as measured from the rim of the tube down to the oil. Of course, if the tube is on the bike, it will not be vertical, so how does one measure the oil level? I used a ruler that would just fit in the tube, turned it so its surface was parallel to the front axle, and measured the oil in the tube center. It seems to have worked.
This mod, along with SS brake lines and sintered pads, has proved the most valuable to me.
You will need 2 qts of fork oil 1 qt just isn't quite enough the spacer info will come with the springs and usually a piece or pcv pipe that you cut to length. What weight you use depends on how stiff you want the ride you can even mix the different weights to make your own.
You'll also want to go get another piece of 1" schedule 40 PVC pipe. They'll include a 10" piece, which is just about 1/2 inch short of what you'll need.
Thanx for the replies... Keep them coming...
Do you recommend "Honda" fork oil, or is there another choice you prefer?
You might want to get the slide and guide bushings and replace them while you have it apart.
The oils are all the same only a few fork oils out there some use transmission fluid but I used I think 10wt oil not cheap either LOL
Quote from: Jerry G Turner on September 01, 2012, 08:59:01 PM
You might want to get the slide and guide bushings and replace them while you have it apart.
I would, but they only have 14K miles on them, so I think they are probably still OK..
If 10 wt is stock, I used 15 wt than, also made my spacers longer as I think is noted in the FAQ section.
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/forums/index.php/topic,1917.0.html
I would not use trans fluid in a 3rd gen, but I agree that the fork oils are all pretty much the same, so pick your favorite brand and go with it. YOU can mix and match weights to customize if you want.
I personally like 15 weight.
I haven't had to replace seals yet, so can't help there, but for springs, oil and installation tips, here's what I've found (some has already been said though):
o Get some Sched 40 PVC (the thicker PVC) to use for the spacers, this is required if you want more preload then the standard install docs give. Personally I an using a bit more preload.
o To get the fork oil levels right, I used a syringe that I found (it was for measuring 2-cycle oil) at Walmart. Marked the level down I needed from the tip up the syringe body, then put the syringe in the fork to the marked line, then drew out the oil to that level.
o Fork oil weights ARE NOT standardized like motor oil. When I researched this a couple years ago I found that tidbit out. Only way to know what viscosity you are getting is to get and compare the viscosity indices from the oils in question. I am running a synthetic fork oil that is sold as a 10wt, but it's viscosity index runs as high as most 15wt from other vendors.
o I had "heard" that getting the fork caps back on with the springs and the increased preload spacers was a bitch, but I never had a problem. I just used a 1/2" drive socket and breaker bar to get it pushed down and get it started and all went well.
RE: Lurkin's comment on Viscosities... I had found this sheet somewhere indicating the comparisons between brands advertised weights. I can't recall where I found this, forgive me for not citing it.
Hope this helps.
Also, Having jsut done a fork seal replacement for the first time, it was great to have the opportunity to learn from another MOOT member. If you're in the OKC region I'd be happy to pay it forward. If you're within a days ride... I'd consider riding out :-)
The hardest thing for us was removing a stubborn drain bolt... thanks to a previous service shop (whom I no longer use) giving it the 'overtighten and white permanent loctite' treatment.
Of course, the leak that brought me to changing the seals in the first place, is leaking again... but that is for another thread.
:-x
Hop Along
Yeah! I'm tired of my job too! I think I'm going to play hooky and go for a ride or something fun like that. They can take this job and sho........ Oh! That says FORK Work... My Bad! I guess my Forks are doing fine just might need a little air. :lol: :lol:
LOL
4Q2!
Hoot,
Here are your fork springs, waiting on the Fork oil and I will send the rest of the fork oil I have. That should be enough fluid for you, if not, add some of what you have to finish the job.
Also included is Roberts New T-Bag Windshield Bag and his new Taller National Cycle Wave shield. The girls noted the thickness of this shield they are not accustomed to seeing.
Robert you received the last windshield bag, these are out until December.
Wow...
And to our earlier conversation, I'd like the dim's if you can provide them (via PM)
And a Scala too! How did you know what I wanted for Christmas! (just joking!)
Will do when I get it all together.
Rcvd package today... Thanx Terry...
I'd like to see some pics of the windshield mounted and a review...
You bet Hoot! Yes I would like photos of the new shield also.
Just wanted everyone to know that I did install my new fork seals and Progressive springs yesterday...
Thank You to Greg and Lawrence for their help when I contacted them in a Panic!!!
I guess all's well that ends well..
So have you had a chance to ride it much? How do you like the new feel?
I replaced the starter switch on my blue bike today. Too cold to ride, at least for fun, and I don't ride for any other reason...
The entire assembly had to be replaced, which meant loosening the throttle cables, stuffing the connector through the hole in the back of the headlight housing, etc. Took awhile, but it now works correctly.
Hoot, just glad to be able to be of some help.
I KNOW you will like those progressive springs. They are on my top must perform mods for a 3rd gen Magna.
Quote from: lragan on December 28, 2012, 06:26:00 PM
So have you had a chance to ride it much? How do you like the new feel?
I replaced the starter switch on my blue bike today. Too cold to ride, at least for fun, and I don't ride for any other reason...
The entire assembly had to be replaced, which meant loosening the throttle cables, stuffing the connector through the hole in the back of the headlight housing, etc. Took awhile, but it now works correctly.
Keep the old one... It probably just needs a good cleaning...