Fork work...

[hootmon]

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)..

[lragan]

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.

[Jerry G Turner]

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.

[guywheatley]

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.

[hootmon]

Thanx for the replies... Keep them coming...
Do you recommend "Honda" fork oil, or is there another choice you prefer?

[Jerry G Turner]

You might want to get the slide and guide bushings and replace them while you have it apart.

[roboto65]

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

[hootmon]

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..

[TLRam1]

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

[Greg Cothern]

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.

[Lurkin]

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.

[hop along]

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.

Hop Along

[drkngas]

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.

[hootmon]

LOL

[lragan]

4Q2!