Oil leaking from starter? CB700s

[Baileyman]

I think I've got oil leaking from my starter motor.  I rebuilt it recently (a few months ago). There seems to be oil pooling on the crankcase between the starter and the cylinders.  I'm under the impression that it could be from an o-ring.  I probably have an/some o-rings still in the starter rebuild kit I got, but don't know where they go.  Is there an o-ring between the starter and where it mounts to the crankcase?

I'm pretty sure it's not from the base or head gaskets.  I replaced those recently, and there's no sign of oil from there, but the area around the starter looks a little wet with oil.

I think the leak is getting worse, and if I put the bike on the center stand, it drips a pretty noticeable amount of oil on the ground.

If pics would help I can try and get some up this evening.

Thanks,
BaileyMan

[tomb raider]

You get the shake taken care of ?   

[Brittles]

Is there an o-ring between the starter and where it mounts to the crankcase?

Yes

[Baileyman]

Is there an o-ring between the starter and where it mounts to the crankcase?

Yes

Oh.  I think not on mine...I'll double check that and put one in.  I'm sure I've got one around...

[Baileyman]

You get the shake taken care of ?   

Thanks for asking...It's still there.  But only on decel between about 40 and just under 50.  I'm thinking this might the issue.  http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorcycle/text/shucking.html  I have read a few other posts in various places online that recommend torquing the steering stem nut down to like 60 lbs, then backing it off to get it nice and square.  It seems to have helped in lots of cases.

But that's a discussion for another thread...

[spiritof86]

There is an o-ring seal that sits behind the two planetary gears inside the starter. I had the same issue with my 86 700 SC. I replaced that inner o-ring and that took care of the leak.

[tomb raider]

Doesn't all this come in the rebuild Kit ?? 

[spiritof86]

Yes

[Baileyman]

I did get all those seals, and a little bearing, and a few other odds and ends that I couldn't figure out where they go.  When I pulled the starter off to rebuild it there was no o-ring between the starter and the crank case.  I replaced that one, and I think that has solved some of my problem.  I know that I have a couple of other o-rings, but I can't seem to figure out where they go.  Per the diagram below I tried putting one between the rear cover and starter case, but it didn't seem to fit so well. I couldn't figure out how to get the front cover off to replace that o-ring in there, the one behind the two planetary gears. How does one take off the front cover for the starter motor?



Thanks,
BaileyMan

[spiritof86]

I'm kinda going from memory here so bear with me.  Other members can chime in here if I am wrong but I believe the front cover is a pressed in kind of deal and for the best results you probably need it pressed out with some kinda press or puller. Me, I did it cave man style and beat the front cover off with a rubber mallet. Once in there I replaced the offending seal and then banged the cover back in place with the rubber mallet again.  It's a little tricky to do this with the rubber mallet because the cover will sometimes want to go back on cock-eyed and not seal down all the way. I banged it back on as flush as I could and it aint leaked a drop since. Hope this helps!

[MikesHawk]

Yep