Forum

[wynnen]

Hi,
I have a 1965 Continental GT. It has a persistent oil leak from both fork legs. The leak appears to be coming from the studs at the end of the legs that secure the endcaps. Do these studs also act as a drain plug for the fork oil? If not, can anyone explain why I would have oil leaking from these?
Thanks
Nigel

[Mark M]

Nigel, you are right about the stud also draining the oil. They leak after repeated removal and replacement, as a result of damaging the tight fit between stud and alloy of the fork bottom. I have managed to cure this by fitting a rubber o-ring over the stud before fitting the axle cap. You need an o-ring with a thick cross section for best results. By the way, there is a Yahoo Groups site specially for the 250s at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Cru ... group/info
REgards, Mark

[wynnen]

Thanks for the reply Mark. I'll give that a go.
Cheers
Nigel

[John M]

I've used plumbing PFTE tape on the stud with reasonable results.

[p]

Assuming it's a cap nut, PTFE on the thread won't help a lot, but if you loosen the nut just so there's a thumb nail size gap twixt nut and leg you can wind some PTFE into this gap before tightening again. Must say I tried for ages to stop this drip of oil until I discovered it was the fork seals weeping and the drip merely collecting at lowest point....... the weep goes down the back of leg where it isn't too visible! I also find it is more liable to seep if using side stand as bike weight sideways on leg, also perhaps I have overfilled?

[Mark M]

P, that would work on the heavyweight forks (it's what I do,) but the Crusader doesn't have a cap nut, just an ordinary one. Anyway, I've explained what works for me on my GT! REgards, Mark

[p]

Ah, "that's different sir!"
Apologies John, having re-read my own post I sound to be arrogantly critical of your suggestion, unfortunately we do not seem to have ability to edit our own words once posted - no offence intended!P.