oil leak from clutch push rod

Tried to start my '85 vf700f for the first time since getting it all back together. Traced an oil leak to the clutch pushrod. The first time I noticed the leak, I had the left side cover on and the clutch slave cylinder installed, but did not have the actual clutch line installed so the cylinder was not engaged. Today, when I figured out where the leak was from the cover was off, and saw small amounts of oil dripping from the clutch pushrod. I pulled the pushrod out, and the oil started flowing out. Is this normal? Once I get my clutch line on and fluid in the reservoir will it not leak? I thought I might have missed a seal or o-ring somewhere but looked in my parts diagram and it does not look like there is a seal for the pushrod. Help appreciated!

Thanks!
Lucas

 

First, be certain the oil is not over-filled.

Several threads relating to this on VF500s, probably the same disaster on your bike: Engine needs disassembly to replace the bad oil seal ! There might be an easy, temporary fix if you can find the right chemical that might swell the rubber without destroying it.

 

Well, the info that oil flows out when you remove the clutch pushrod might indicate that the crankcase is overfilled.

Question No. 1 - have you switched oil from synthetic to dino recently?

Some synthetics are better at seals than dino oils.

Question No. 2 - have you examined the alternative way to replace the clutch pushrod seal without splitting the case? Google it. It involves a dremel tool, Loctite, and a socket of the proper size. Good luck and welcome to the screwed-up world of 1st Gen Honda Interceptors.

 

Well, I started with hoping the crankcase was just overfilled. BTW, bike didn't start before due to dirty carbs so cleaned those again, got everything back on and started her up. The good news is she ran fine. The bad news is my problem is not an overfilled crankcase. After running for about 30 seconds I walk around to left side of bike and again see oil dripping.

I am using synthetic, not dino. And yes, I've seen the methods for replacing the seal w/o splitting the cases. I guess that is where I'm headed next because the thought of dropping this engine AGAIN makes me want to trash the whole project.....

Thanks for the help!
Lucas

 

I'm not familiar with this early style bike, but if you have a pushrod going through a seal, one possible fix is to pull the rod out and apply some heat shrink tubing. Slide it on over the area the seal contacts and heat it so it grabs tightly. It basically increases the diameter of the rod making it seal tighter. Plus the plastic cover is very smooth so it shouldn't damage the seal.