Maintenance; Oil Seal

[ia801]

Recently, I experienced a catostrophic oil failure on my 1985 VF700C. In short, the clutch pushrod oil seal failed and three quarts of expensive synthetic oil came pouring out. Within a few minutes, the engine shut down. Given the bike is twenty three years old, it is probably about time for some new rubber. However, another problem looms within the clutch slave cylinder. The piston cup seal has been superceded by Honda and the new part leaks. This may or may not have contributed to the failure of the oil seal. In any case, replacing the oil seal required some work. First, I determined that the engine did not seize and soon discovered that the bike was going to have be dismantled. Rear wheel, shocks, drive shaft, water pump and output gear case have to be removed and special tools are required. After reassembling the bike, I noticed that my bike chirped or squeaked. I pulled the valve covers and did not notice anything unusual about the valvetrain. They appeared to have adequate lubrication. Would you have any insight into this situation? I contemplated adding oil directly to the cam lobes or maybe spraying a cleaner into the lobes then adding oil. However, I really haven't a clue. This maintenance tip should be posted and Mag Owners should replace the oil seal before it fails. Any info would be appreciated.


thanx
richard

[TLRam1]

Regarding seizing of the motor.

There is a good chance that happened. The motor does not have to stay locked up to have been seized. If it was running and stop on it's on suddenly, the bearing got too hot and locked up the motor crank, camshaft or both. Once that happens, unless you are lucky, it's a matter of time before more damage is done.

Where is the sound coming from? If you put a load on the motor where is the sound coming from, does it get louder with a load?

[ia801]

The sound is coming from the number two valvetrain. The noise seems to go away with a load and higher engine speeds. It is louder at idle.