Two oils leaks...maybe

[Tobycatz]

Hi Guys,

My 03 Speedie has been leaking a little oil from under the front sprocket area. With the cover off you can see an oil trail moving down from behind the front sprocket and I found fresh oil on the engine casing behind the sprocket while reaching around to clean there so it looks like my countershaft oil seal needs replacing.
In the threads I have read for this somewhat common issue most only mention requiring a new seal (2003 S3 countershaft oil seal = T3600112 thanx World of Triumph) is this correct? or do I need any other parts? e.g can I reuse the locking tab washer? for the sprocket nut? anything else required? any tips for installing said oil seal greatly appreciated.

Now this might sound strange but one of the Front Sprocket cover bolts when I removed it the bolt threads were covered in oil? it was the third one from the bottom clockwise. In my research Decosse mentioned that he has seen this scenerio before so I might have another potential oil leak as well though I wasnt sure if this affected 03 bikes?
anyway I freely admit I am a newbie trying to learn fast what sealant can I use on the bolt?.

I have recleaned the area and will recheck to confirm if the presence of oil on the cover bolt and behind the sprocket as while I think its two different sources maybe its one leak? not sure e'g if the cover bolt hole is leaking how would the oil get up behind the sprocket? dunno.

Many thanks for your comments in advance

Regards

Tobycatz

2003 Speed Triple 955i
Wellington now Hobbitown...
New Zealand

[Tobycatz]

Maybe not a common issue?

Couple of simple questions If someone can help

removing the front sprocket should it be done with the bike in gear?

Should I use copperslip on the main shaft splines when reinstalling the front sprocket.?

Cheers
TC

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by Tobycatz

... In my research Decosse mentioned that he has seen this scenerio before ...

No sure whether yours is same or not:

Mine ended up being the o-ring on the end of the selector shaft that you can see behind the sprocket cover (I don't mean the gear changer shaft, to which the pedal is attached - the shaft that goes through the selectors)
Item 15 on item 16.

It is possible to replace that o-ring without breaking cases but you must be VERY careful!
After you remove the retainer, you can pull the shaft out towards you - but as the o-ring releases the shaft will want to come with a rush!!! So make sure you have some stop mechanism to avoid pulling it out too far. Similarly, when putting it back in, you must be equally careful not to insert too far - same thing will want to happen, that you press in past the resistance of o-ring and it will go home flush before you know it (which you DO not want!!!) Ask me how I know.
A pair of vice-grips locked onto end of shaft will prevent this. Rotating ('screwing') rather than direct push is better/safer technique.
Even after replacing o-ring a couple of times (thought I had maybe nicked it while installing) I still had the leak. Ended up withdrawing it again, putting some sealant over the shaft and re-installed and allowed to cure. Hasn't leaked since.

http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-trip...-resolved.html

[Tobycatz]

Hi DEcosse,

Thank you so much for your reply, I am now hoping its either the sprocket mounting hole or the mainshaft oil seal that is leaking, as the fork shaft o ring replacement sounds like a nightmare ( I read your elusive leak post). After you have replaced the oring how do you tell if the fork shaft is installed far enough? does it not bottom out into a recess in the casing? and like 1Peter asked what does happen if you push it in too far??

my fingers are crossed its the main shaft oil seal on my bike. I have cleaned the area thoroughly and will recheck after a decent ride.

Regards

Tobycatz

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by Tobycatz

... After you have replaced the oring how do you tell if the fork shaft is installed far enough? does it not bottom out into a recess in the casing?

It does not bottom out, comes through the other side - you have to remove clutch to access that side (see other thread)
You know it's in far enough because of the slot for the keeper plate.
It's really not that big of a job - I'm just impressing caution to exercise control.

Tip - Having cleaned it up thoroughly blowing some talcum powder over the casing will help to show the oil