Fork Seal leaking.... oh brother!

[pete376403]

Jeepers. A 454 chev wouldn't be a lightweight.

Few weeks ago I pulled a 3.5 Rover V8 out with a 4-by-4 under a length of chain around the block. I hauled on one end, another chap hauled on the other (we didn't need to keep the car, just the engine). Didn't really think of hitching anything over the gargre roof beams, but then I don't think anybody had the nerve to back down and appear less than up-for-it after someone suggested yanking it out by hand.

I had bruises on my forearms for days after that.

Rovers (and their Oldsmobile parents) are light (relatively), being aluminium. Big block Chevs are about 100 pounds heavier than the small blocks. (Which are still a lot heavier than the Rovers

[riffer]

Jeepers. A 454 chev wouldn't be a lightweight.

Few weeks ago I pulled a 3.5 Rover V8 out with a 4-by-4 under a length of chain around the block. I hauled on one end, another chap hauled on the other (we didn't need to keep the car, just the engine). Didn't really think of hitching anything over the gargre roof beams, but then I don't think anybody had the nerve to back down and appear less than up-for-it after someone suggested yanking it out by hand.

I had bruises on my forearms for days after that.

Actually I should amend my statement a touch. We used a block and tackle, not rope to pull out the big block. But we connected it to the garge roof.

In fact my gargre has an old seat belt connected to the roof for that very reason.

And a big block Chev weighs at least half a tonne.

[Antallica]

Well it's been running fine enough since it started leaking, no noticable handling difference so I don't think it's wrecked the handling yet. Stopped leaking so it must have run out of oil but I have no idea, probably not though.

I'm thinking if I come down to Auck on it (very cautiously of course as usual), would anyone be keen (who's done it before) on helping me do it at their place? Colemans or whoever don't have seals etc. in store do they? The dealer here said they needed to wait 2-3 days for the seals to arrive.

May be able to flick some beers for the trouble if I can afford it as well

[Antallica]

Anyone keen to help me out?

[Antallica]

I always pull the forks apart and clean em out/inspect inside too.
If yer down here again you can bring them/the bike here and I'll give yer a hand.Or if ya get stuck halfway through you're welcome to gimme a call and I can prolly help out on the phone.....027 2185505.

Hey Death, I think it might be a good idea to save the enormous service cost and have you help me. You keen mate?

When could you be avalible? I am ready anytime as long as I can get the needed parts as soon as I have the cash. I'll email Colemans etc. to see if they have anything in stock.

[scumdog]

Watch how much you "wobble" the bike if you use the scissors-jack method, I prefer the seat-belt-over-the-beam and one or two of those ratchet-ties you can get from the Warehouse, I know it's more money but you will find them handy for any future jobs too.

The bike may still swing around (if you have some ingenuity you can fix that - but they don't sell tubes of ingenuity at the Warehouse! ) and at least the bike won't fall on you-or the ground

[vifferman]

Ah - just a slight point. Celtic said use 10wt or 20wt fork oil. Usually it's only 5 wt or 7.5wt! so it would pay to see what's recommended for your bike. Synthetic ATF is also a good substitute.

For older bikes, if the forks haven't been maintained for a while (like mine), the erl's likely to be pretty cruddy, due to dust, dirt, moisture and various worn bits of suspension, so a good flushing with kero or something (then rinsing with fork fluid) is a good idea.

[Dr Bob]

I have replace fork seals on both the XV and the XJ, but because they seem to be related then anything I learnt on these may not be very generalisable.

One trick was to use an old bit of broom handle (albeit quite a thick bit) that gets whacked down the fork tube to hold the bolt still when you undo the fork from the bottom. I suppose this is the bit that varies greatly between bikes.

The second trick is quite simple really, if you have a centre stand, then keeping the front end in the air is as simple as keeping weight on the back of the bike. Last time I use a rachet tie down to pull the sissy bar to an immovable object on the floor (the brace on the workbench).

And one last warning: document the order and position of stuff as you dismantle, for example the springs on my bike go one way up (tight coils to the top), and remembering where washers etc go is always a good thing.

[curious george]

When you down ant?
Give me a call on PM if I can help

[Antallica]

We'll see what happens.... shock is starting to bounce a bit more since the rain has been here. Need a new Pirelli rear so I might just stick with the shop.

[DEATH_INC.]

sorry bud,haven't checked here for a day or 2......
I'm home most weekends,some afternoons,I'm happy to help you out if yer need it.
Try mt eden m/cycles for the seals,he's got a pretty good range(09)3031960
pm me when you wanna do it and we'll see what we can arrange