Hitchcocks Forum

Hi,noticed this week I am getting excessive oil around gear box sprocket area then spreading.
Looks to be coming from behind front sprocket. My question is how easy is it to replace the main shaft oil seal? can it be done with engine in frame.

Marty, I assume you are talking Bullet, if so pull the primary off,remove the gearbox sprocket and with a seal puller/slide hammer remove the seal. You might also find the distance piece has worn if it is leaking that much

Thanks, yes it is a 500 bullet. Just noticed this morning I can poke the sprocket holding nut round with a small screwdriver. Hope it hasn't worn the back of the casing.

Worn oil seal- Excellent chain oiler. Just keep the gearbox topped up

Hi guys------------ just double check that leak, might be the seal within the inner primary case ????

Marty,
usually with a loose nut you will find that the distance piece has stopped spinning because of the resistance of the oil seal and the sprocket will have cut a grouve in the distance piece so if you have to order a seal order a distance piece as well

If your crank breather exits onto the chain then it is likely to be oil thrown off the chain. As long as your gearbox oil level doesn't drop significantly then chill out and carry on.

John M, not a good idea to carry on with a loose sprocket nut. That should be tight and tab-washered.

Thanks for replies i could not just leave the loose nut and oil leak. It was going ok until I went to pull primary case off and noticed a spacer type ring stuck on the shaft after I have removed the clutch drum. Picture from link below. It looks like it should just slide off buts its stuck tight.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vrp390ylwo2cr ... .01.15.jpg

PeteF, I hadn't noticed the bit about the loose nut. Note to self, don't post on forums when you've been to the pub!