countersprocket seal leaking? – OLD Bull Trailriders

This topic contains 9 replies, has 0 voices, and was last updated by Alex 12 years, 12 months ago.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

Author

Posts
April 22, 2012 at 2:57 am #101301

Paul Fahey
Member

Hi
My 06 ktm 450exc is leaking behind the front sprocket. It now has 203 hours and around 5500km.

Last weekend I replaced the front sprocket with an aftermarket sprocket. As both my twins bikes needed repairs they decided dads bike would keep them entertained. Besides my warnings to take care of the old girl and be nice to her, i noticed them giving her a big day out and trying to jump her as far as they could, clearing some big jumps, more air time than she had ever seen.

After the torture i thought i better give her an oil change today. I noticed oil leaking from under the sprocket to the drain bolt. Not good, a bit of panic. I did some research and found it is likely to be an easy fix – an o-ring and a seal.

However i did notice that the spacer/washer under the sprocket bolt could easily spin even though the sprocket bolt is tight. Normally this is not the case.

I did read that this leak is often caused by after market spockets being too thin and therefore they do not place enough pressure on the spacer behind the sprocket and in turn the o-ring. The spacer/washers ability to spin makes me feel the sprocket is the issue.

I did notice on earlier sprockets that i have changed, the sprocket always has a clear mark where the spacer presses up against the sprocket.

I ask your opinion as to whether you would get 1) a new sproket 2) new seal, o-ring and washer or 3) other? Not sure which way to go, your input would be appreciated.

I note it is really just weeping oil.

Thanks
Unit

April 22, 2012 at 3:45 am #220223

Greg
Member

Hey Unit check if the new sprocket is thinner than the old one in its cross section. If it is get the correct sprocket and if it was me I would replace the seal, o ring and washer as its been in there a long time, its an easy job and offers piece of mind. If the sprocket is the correct thickness then I would replace the washer (because its lost its ability to hold tension against the sprocket) seal and o ring again because its been in there a long time and piece of mind. Always locite the sprocket bolt as well

Oh always check the breather as well, if its blocked crankcase pressure will build and something will leak

TB

April 22, 2012 at 10:55 am #220234

Geoff Forshaw
Member

Hey there Unit,
They are usually sold as a kit, Sutto’s sells them, and it includes the O-ring, Spacer and seal. The spacer is required as the seal eventually wears a groove in the spacer. It doesn’t come with the washer from memory.

Cheers,
Lefty

April 22, 2012 at 4:56 pm #220224

Alex
Member

Unit, I have stuffed around with A/M countershaft sprockets in the past, the last one I had to mill down to fit the circlip on. In future I will only personally use genuine there. Rear no big deal. The fronts are priced good anyway and not worth the hassles.

April 22, 2012 at 10:16 pm #220235

Adam Rodgers
Member

Lefty wrote:

Hey there Unit,
They are usually sold as a kit, Sutto’s sells them, and it includes the O-ring, Spacer and seal. The spacer is required as the seal eventually wears a groove in the spacer. It doesn’t come with the washer from memory.

Cheers,
Lefty

I would also replace the spacer as if it has been spinning it may have worn and now not as wide allowing the sprocket to be closer to the crank case. This loss of tension is a big problem for DRZ400’s. If the sprocket and spacer lose tension on the shaft shoulder or bearing, the movement can stuff further in the gearbox. Don’t know if it does on Kato’s though but you don’t really want to find out either.

Adam.

April 22, 2012 at 11:20 pm #220290

Les Murray
Member

Hey Unit – Just follow your boys advice and get a Berg!!!

April 23, 2012 at 1:00 am #220300

Paul Fahey
Member

Thanks Bulls for the advice! I’ll put it to use.

Bergman, if the boys would stop destroying their gear i would be very tempted!

Currently 2 rms and a husky all in sick bay.

Unit

April 28, 2012 at 4:03 am #220225

Paul Fahey
Member

Hi all,

Success, I hope. Got the parts from Suttos as recommended. Here overnight very impressed. Replaced the seal, o-ring, spacer, bolt and washer/spacer. A fairly easy task, the hardest thing was extracting the seal, which was removed with a screwdriver. Funny how i tried really hard on one spot and could not get it to budge. Moved around to another spot and it almost fell out in my hand!

Thanks again.

Hoping to ride tomorrow with tim505 so i am happy to have this matter fixed. I note there is now tension on the sprocket by the washer/spacer which no longer spins freely.

While i was at it i replaced the lower shock bearing.

Have a great day riding.

Unit.

April 29, 2012 at 1:58 am #220733

Alex
Member

Happy days Unit, happy days.

April 29, 2012 at 2:26 am #220226

Paul Fahey
Member

Timd505 and i went for a ride today in the Lake Cathie area. Pull up in glorious sunshine, oh this will be nice. By the time the bikes were off the cloud had moved in. By the time the engines started it was starting to rain. Anyway a good time was had on the katoom. The rear shock bearing replacement made the rear end feel plush again. The seal appears to be holding out. All good.

Thanks for the input.

Unit
Author

Posts

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.