I am getting oil my primary. Symptoms are trany heats excessively. Fluid level rises, and obviously is contaminated with oil.

I have replaced the seal at the crank shaft to no avail. I am thinking the bearing is gone at the crank. The only other thing I can think of is that I screwed up putting the new seal in. Any advice?

Mike
1986 xlh1100

You can perform a crankcase pressure test and see where it's leaking into the primary. It could also be one of the two things you suggested, crank bearing gone or improper seal installation. The sprocket could also be worn where the seal is installed. Did you replace the seal once for this problem? What caused the failure the first time, if so?

--Chris

original problem had the same symptoms, being a parts changer more than a mechanic I assumed it was the seal and changed it. Visual inspection of bearing showed no signs of prob.

can you tell me how to do the pressure test, and what to look for?

The test is kind of complicated: do you have a manual, air compressor, air regulator and some extra hose and clamps to hook it all up?

--Chris

Yes, I have all these things. If I need anything that I do not have I will get it. This is not my everyday rider, so I am not afraid of it being down, and am very interested in resolving issue in my own garage.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated

If I posted this reply twice I am sorry!

I quess I am on my own on this one. I have posted in three forums, no one seems to wants to touch this one.

Sorry, dropped off the radar.

Why do you think it's the crank bearing? Did you test the end play on the crankshaft? I think I would do that, then if that's OK, we can do the crankcase pressure test.

--Chris

Ok, bearing looks good and end play also seems to be fine. That is the bearing shows no sign of problem either in noise or in visual inspection.

miketami,

I think Chrishajer is on vacation for the next week.

If anyone has their FM out for an '86, can you give miketami a run down on how to do the crankcase pressure test?

The crankcase pressure test is not in the manual for any XL :)

Basically, you need a regulated air supply, then you block off the vent and feed hoses from the engine, then pressurize the cases with around 15 PSI. The motor needs to be on TDC with the valves closed, and you have to hold the brake or something to keep the motor from turning over. Then you look/listen at the primary for oil/air leaks.

It's more common sense than science.

--Chris