Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

Search Sort Posts:  Oldest to newest Newest to oldest

02-08-2010, 8:02 AM CaliforniaBob Joined on 02-08-2010 Posts 7 Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hello,  A new member seeking advice:  I have a 1981 GL500I with about 20,000 original miles.  My bike starts and runs perfectly, except for what appears to be a leaking mechanical seal.  After warming up the engine for about 5 minutes (thermostat opens), antifreeze appears to be leaking from the weep/drain hole.  The mechanical seal is an inexpensive part (est. $20), but my mechanic insists on removing/reinstalling the engine to replace that seal, an estimated $600 repair.  Does anybody have a suggested technique or materials to correct this leakage and work around this $600 expense to replace a $20 part?  Are there any coolant additives that would be effective?  From a cost trade-off standpoint, the situation just seems so absurd.  Many thanks for any guidance, insight or enlightenment you can offer.  Bob    Report

02-08-2010, 8:15 AM Dash Joined on 08-25-2008 San Francisco, California Posts 533 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hi Bob, and welcome to the CX/GL500 forum. If you're leaking a few drops of coolant, I would do nothing but ride the bike and let it drip.  If it's a weak but steady stream that doesn't get lighter due to riding the bike, then you've a problem that needs to be fixed.  There is no fix for a significantly leaking mechanical seal other than to replace it.  Do NOT put sealant in the weep hole because you will only send that leaking coolant into the oil pan instead of on top of the motor and that is BAD.  FYI $20 buys you a Yamaha equivalent mechanical seal.  The official Honda part was $65 last time I checked at Golden Gate Cycle here in San Francisco.  I have successfully repaired two mechanical seals, one with the motor still in the bike, using the Shep method, and one pulling the motor.  I can do a sidewalk repair by pulling the motor out, replacing the mechanical seal, and putting it all back together in 6 hours and I'm an amateur.  Do you have any mechanical skills?  Where in CA are you? '67 Honda Dream '70 Moto Guzzi Ambassador '75 Suzuki GT250 '76 Goldwing '81 GL500 Silverwing '90 Yamaha XT350 '91 Kawasaki KDX200    Report

02-08-2010, 8:16 AM CXSarnia Joined on 01-11-2008 Sarnia, Ontario, Canada Posts 2,392 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Once you're ready to do the job, one of our members - Shep - has figured out a way to do the seal without removing the engine.  You'll find it here Take a moment to update your profile putting your bike in your signature line - it'll help with future posts and replies - on topic to your situation. http://drop.io/CX500_GL500 1982 CX500 Turbo 1981 SL185 Yamaha Exciter 198? V45 Magna 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1982 CB750K Daily rider September 1999 1982 CX500 Custom - project Originally bought April 1982 safetied and on the road 09/2008    Report

02-08-2010, 8:40 AM CaliforniaBob Joined on 02-08-2010 Posts 7 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Thanks, Dash, for the prompt and thorough reply.  Though I do have some mechanical skills (very amateur), this replacement may be over my head, even with the engine in place.  While I'm currently getting only a little dripping, it likely will degenerate in time and require replacement of the mechanical seal.  Is it much a trick to replace that seal with the engine in?  My mechanic says it's a bitch.  Do you have any sense of why that mechanical seal would fail after just 20,000 miles?  Seems to me that it should last considerably longer and not degenerate with just age and little running time on the engine.  I live in San Anselmo.  Bob    Report

02-08-2010, 8:42 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 2,526 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? I've done the Shep method and can vouch for it.  It's about a 2 hour job for a complete noob, and very simple. Reading through the link again, Shep says to remove the Radiator.  On my GL, I didn't have to, and am not sure why it's a required step to be honest, maybe someone can elaborate. On my GL, it's remove seat, tank, carbs, remove the 4 hex bolts on the transfer tube, pull out tube, then remove the bolts holding the waterpump cover on. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

02-08-2010, 8:44 AM CaliforniaBob Joined on 02-08-2010 Posts 7 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Thanks, CXSarnia, for the advice and the link to Shep.  I'll update my profile a bit later, as I am new to this group and process.   Best, Bob.    Report

02-08-2010, 9:42 AM sms104 Joined on 05-22-2009 Annville, Pennsylvania Posts 180 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hi CaBob, I've done the engine out technique on my GL, but only because I had other things (stator, cam chain starter clutch) I wanted to deal with at the time. Trust your instincts, with steady mechanical skills, and attention to detail, you can do the job. I agree with the guys,- the engine-in (in situ) method is well documented, - and if there are no other problems to deal with , is the way to go. @20,000 miles is not much,- but its the tincture of time,- @25-30 + years now, that does in some of these parts . Good luck, - keep us posted, plenty of experienced advice in this group. sam Sam GL 650 Kawasaki EN500LTD 1st Bike- Honda CL 175 (@1974) Age 52    Report

02-08-2010, 9:58 AM sms104 Joined on 05-22-2009 Annville, Pennsylvania Posts 180 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Here is another great link, with useful pictures, of the in-situ method. http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/cx500/mechanical_seal/ sam Sam GL 650 Kawasaki EN500LTD 1st Bike- Honda CL 175 (@1974) Age 52    Report

02-08-2010, 10:01 AM Blue fox Joined on 04-18-2008 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Posts 1,128 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hi, Bob.  Follow what Dash says first.  Sometimes these things will fix themselves within a 100 miles or so.  Especially if the bike has sat for an extended time without running.  The ceramic seal just wears itself back to a good seal. If that doesn't work, like the guys said, "easy peasy".  Easy afternoon project with time for pizza during.  Do some reading up before you get started, Rob Davis's old site had a good write up.  Use the Yamaha seal, about $18 bucks + shipping.  I got 2 when I ordered, shipping about as much as the seal.  I am trying to remember the site.  I think it was boats.net that had them cheapest.  Someone will confirm that.    Blue Fox 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90, 81-C70 Just added: 1983 GL650I    Report

02-08-2010, 10:19 AM sms104 Joined on 05-22-2009 Annville, Pennsylvania Posts 180 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? My err on that 2nd link,- that describes the engine-out technique. Pictures of all the surrounding particulars are very useful though. sam Sam GL 650 Kawasaki EN500LTD 1st Bike- Honda CL 175 (@1974) Age 52    Report

02-08-2010, 12:57 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 5,602 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? You don't need to remove the radiator.I should have amended that aged ago It really is a lot easier than it sounds doing it my way.If unsure buy two Yamaha seals.Some one on here will need the other sometime most likely if you don't use it. http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

02-08-2010, 3:32 PM CaliforniaBob Joined on 02-08-2010 Posts 7 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hi Shep, Thanks for the guidance and wisdom.  Do you functionally recommend the Yamaha mechanical seal over that of Honda, or might you prefer the Davy seal from the Australian Guy "Buff7454," or is it a matter simply of cost and availability?  Best from the Colonies, Bob.    Report

02-08-2010, 8:02 PM Molesbroccoli Joined on 11-22-2009 Santa Cruz, CA Posts 14 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? I just replaced my mechanical seal today.  I used Shep's methods and it was so quick.  I had the same questions about which seal to use and it doesn't matter.  I found  Honda and Yamaha seals are pretty much exactly the same but the Yamaha one is cheaper.  1980 Honda CX500 C    Report

02-08-2010, 8:54 PM CaliforniaBob Joined on 02-08-2010 Posts 7 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hello Molesbroccli,  Good work!  Does the job require any special tools?  Is it much of a trick to insert the mechanical seal correctly?  Nice pic of your dog; your bike looks cherry.  Thanks, Bob.    Report

02-09-2010, 6:46 AM Dash Joined on 08-25-2008 San Francisco, California Posts 533 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? There are no special tools required to replace a CX500 mechanical seal.  If you're going to perform the in situ method of repair, it can be somewhat tricky removing the stamped metal cup from the new part.  You have to heat up the new mechanical seal with a butane lighter or such to break the glue bond between the rubber and the steel.  Do this before you begin wrenching on the bike. FYI, I'm currently in Philadelphia and will be until April.  If was back in San Francisco, I'd come over and help.  You would of course, have to provide root beer. '67 Honda Dream '70 Moto Guzzi Ambassador '75 Suzuki GT250 '76 Goldwing '81 GL500 Silverwing '90 Yamaha XT350 '91 Kawasaki KDX200    Report

02-09-2010, 7:18 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 5,602 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  CaliforniaBob wrote: Hi Shep, Thanks for the guidance and wisdom.  Do you functionally recommend the Yamaha mechanical seal over that of Honda, or might you prefer the Davy seal from the Australian Guy "Buff7454," or is it a matter simply of cost and availability?  Best from the Colonies, Bob. As per other posts.It's really just cost.The Yammy seal is way cheaper but just takes a little more time/heat release from the cup http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

02-09-2010, 8:35 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 480 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Anyone have the part number of this Yamaha seal? 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-09-2010, 9:55 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 3,598 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  Doward wrote: Anyone have the part number of this Yamaha seal? here you go http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/80891/ShowPost.aspx when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 1975.lambretta 200gt scooter 1975.bsa 250 1976.honda 250 superdream 1978.honda 400..4 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

02-09-2010, 10:18 AM Doward Joined on 05-11-2008 Alachua, FL Posts 480 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Thanks, Spanish! 1978 CX500 motor + 1980 CX500C frame    Report

02-09-2010, 10:27 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 3,598 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  Doward wrote: Thanks, Spanish! no probs my friend.good luck its odd but 70% of all questions asked can be found here....and its free http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/88078/ShowPost.aspx when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 1975.lambretta 200gt scooter 1975.bsa 250 1976.honda 250 superdream 1978.honda 400..4 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

02-09-2010, 5:22 PM CaliforniaBob Joined on 02-08-2010 Posts 7 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hi Molesbroccoli,  Might you have (or know where I can get) the Yamaha part number for the mechanical seal.  Per confirmation by my local Honda parts department, Honda's part number is 19217-611-000, and it costs about US$ 81.00.  My local Yamaha dealer has no way of cross-referencing any of the Honda part numbers. Any of you ace mechanics know the Yamaha (or other manufacturer) part number and a source? Thanks, Bob    Report

02-10-2010, 12:43 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 3,598 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  CaliforniaBob wrote: Hi Molesbroccoli,  Might you have (or know where I can get) the Yamaha part number for the mechanical seal.  Per confirmation by my local Honda parts department, Honda's part number is 19217-611-000, and it costs about US$ 81.00.  My local Yamaha dealer has no way of cross-referencing any of the Honda part numbers. Any of you ace mechanics know the Yamaha (or other manufacturer) part number and a source? Thanks, Bob hi bob,if you read my post above you will get the yamaha part number,phone,fax,or email that to your nearest yamaha dealer,voila.about one quarter cost of the same honda part. can you also spend a few minutes to update you signiture/avitar to include your bikes details and where in the world you live . this will help you.......http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/93116/ShowPost.aspx#93116 when your seal arrives,this will help you...http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/81147/ShowPost.aspx good luck when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 1975.lambretta 200gt scooter 1975.bsa 250 1976.honda 250 superdream 1978.honda 400..4 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

02-10-2010, 7:15 AM dfritz08 Joined on 10-01-2009 Marion, Iowa Posts 88 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? bob, here's a link to the boats.net website for the yamaha mech seal 14.34 +shipping http://www.boats.net/parts/detail/yamaha/Y-11H-12438-10-00.html -Fritz 1980 cx500d 1981 cx500c (getting bobbed)    Report

02-10-2010, 7:59 AM Molesbroccoli Joined on 11-22-2009 Santa Cruz, CA Posts 14 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Yeah, that's where I got my seal.  Just be careful and super patient when pulling the seal from the cup.  I held it over the gas burner on my stove with a pair of pliers while gently pulling the seal up with another pair of pliers.  That seams to be the trickiest part of the whole job after finding the right parts.  I understand your feeling of being overwhelmed, I was there last week but after you go through this once it will seem really easy.  1980 Honda CX500 C    Report

02-10-2010, 8:14 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 5,602 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  Molesbroccoli wrote: Yeah, that's where I got my seal.  Just be careful and super patient when pulling the seal from the cup.  I held it over the gas burner on my stove with a pair of pliers while gently pulling the seal up with another pair of pliers.  That seams to be the trickiest part of the whole job after finding the right parts.  I understand your feeling of being overwhelmed, I was there last week but after you go through this once it will seem really easy.  One of my in-bike seals has now done over 15,000 miles and still no leaks.Even if it did go it's sooooo... easy to replace I'd just think of it as another consumable on the bike like replacing a thermostat  http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

02-10-2010, 9:31 PM CaliforniaBob Joined on 02-08-2010 Posts 7 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hello...and thanks for the link.  Looks promising.  Is this Yamaha mechanical seal part an EXACT substitute for the Honda part?  Or might they be from the same manufacturer with the identical specs for both brands?  I'll give it a go.  Thanks again, Bob.    Report

02-10-2010, 9:47 PM Dash Joined on 08-25-2008 San Francisco, California Posts 533 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? The Yamaha mechanical seal #11H-12438-10-00 that works on a CX/GL500 in place of the Honda mechanical seal #19217-657-023 is NOT exactly the same but it is close enough.  The stamped steel cup that you remove and discard is not the same outside diameter as the Honda.  If you're doing the in situ repair, this fact doesn't matter. '67 Honda Dream '70 Moto Guzzi Ambassador '75 Suzuki GT250 '76 Goldwing '81 GL500 Silverwing '90 Yamaha XT350 '91 Kawasaki KDX200    Report

02-11-2010, 9:03 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 5,602 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  Dash wrote: The Yamaha mechanical seal #11H-12438-10-00 that works on a CX/GL500 in place of the Honda mechanical seal #19217-657-023 is NOT exactly the same but it is close enough.  The stamped steel cup that you remove and discard is not the same outside diameter as the Honda.  If you're doing the in situ repair, this fact doesn't matter. What he said.Also I believe the original seals were made by an Australian irrigation pump seal manufacturer called,"Davy" and can also be sourced now from a company called Asseal.An unfortunate choice of name for a company name methinks<grin> http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

02-11-2010, 2:51 PM vleighty Joined on 06-12-2008 Wayne, Nebraska USA Posts 137 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? If you want another 'work around', I saw this on one of the Goldwing forums.  A guy tapped the weep hole, and ran a hose from there to the overflow tank.  I kid you not. Bootlegger 1978 CX503 (bored .50) 1976 GL1000 daily driver 1986 GL1200 Aspencade 1976 GL1000 LTD in a basket    Report

02-11-2010, 3:17 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 5,602 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  vleighty wrote: If you want another 'work around', I saw this on one of the Goldwing forums.  A guy tapped the weep hole, and ran a hose from there to the overflow tank.  I kid you not. I would consider this dangerous.The weep hole is there as a warning. http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

02-11-2010, 4:22 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 6,451 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? I'm with shep or call it a bad temp fix that should only be used for a short while. 1979 Honda CX500 Custom Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference Info    Report

02-12-2010, 12:00 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 3,598 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  Blindstitch wrote: I'm with shep or call it a bad temp fix that should only be used for a short while. just as well let it drip on the floor,at least you will be reminded that you have a problem that needs to be addressed when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 1975.lambretta 200gt scooter 1975.bsa 250 1976.honda 250 superdream 1978.honda 400..4 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

02-12-2010, 11:50 AM Molesbroccoli Joined on 11-22-2009 Santa Cruz, CA Posts 14 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Okay, now I have question.  I just replaced my machanical seal and oil seal and put my bike back together.  amazingly, it started right up.  I took it for a little test run and i found a whole bunch of problems.  most pressing of them are that my bike still leaks coolant.  not from the weep hole this time.  it's coming from the water pump cover.  I can't find a replacement gasket for it.  Would it be a bad idea to take it off and silicone it back on?  I bought one of those "complete" gasket kits off ebay and it doesn't include a water pump gasket.  In fact that kit is missing a lot of gaskets.   The other big problem I had was that about 1/2 a mile from my house (just too far to push the bake home) it stalled and  wouldn't restart for about 5 minutes.  after it started, I rode it another mile or 2 and then it stalled again in the same place on the way home.  Again wouldn't start for 5 minutes and then all of a sudden, it turned over and home I went.  When I got in the driveway, i kept it running to explore my leak and it stalled again.  Any idea what might make this happen?  1980 Honda CX500 C    Report

02-12-2010, 1:49 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 Hull.East Yorkshire.England Posts 5,602 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?  Molesbroccoli wrote: Okay, now I have question.  I just replaced my machanical seal and oil seal and put my bike back together.  amazingly, it started right up.  I took it for a little test run and i found a whole bunch of problems.  most pressing of them are that my bike still leaks coolant.  not from the weep hole this time.  it's coming from the water pump cover.  I can't find a replacement gasket for it.  Would it be a bad idea to take it off and silicone it back on?  I bought one of those "complete" gasket kits off ebay and it doesn't include a water pump gasket.  In fact that kit is missing a lot of gaskets.   The other big problem I had was that about 1/2 a mile from my house (just too far to push the bake home) it stalled and  wouldn't restart for about 5 minutes.  after it started, I rode it another mile or 2 and then it stalled again in the same place on the way home.  Again wouldn't start for 5 minutes and then all of a sudden, it turned over and home I went.  When I got in the driveway, i kept it running to explore my leak and it stalled again.  Any idea what might make this happen?  There will be no harm trying to use the old seal with silicone gasket sealer so long as you can get it to seal.If the old seal won't play nice then fully clean the groove out and then fill proud with silicone sealer but the trick is to let it set so leave it in a warm room for a couple of hours.    If I didn't have a spare seal another way I would tackle it is to go to a trade plumber's suppliers and take the old seal/ring even if damaged and the cover and get an,"O-ring" that will fit in the groove and I would superglue it in and then use silicone sealer as well to mate it.The coolant system is not under a lot of pressure so I'm sure it would work.I've sealed worse as part of my jobs on Aircraft. http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

02-14-2010, 10:06 AM LRCXed Joined on 05-15-2008 Sacramento, California Posts 1,335 Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around? Hay Bob, All the guys have given you great advice on doing the job yourself. But if you want help with it your only about 1 1/2 hours from me up here in Sacramento. If you get all the parts needed you could pick a weekend day and we can change it out here. Send me a PM and I'll give you my phone # Larry If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d. 78 CX500 Std., 80 CX500C, 83 GL650I http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/    Report

Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » Technical Help ... » Re: Leaking Mechanical Seal Replacement Work-Around?

(please select) Forums Home |- Search Forums |- Active Topics |- Unanswered Posts User Options |- Sign In |- Join this community |- Forgot Password CX500 GL500 Transverse Twins Discussion Forum |- General Discussion |- CX Customization and Modifications |- CX500 & CX650 Turbo Forum |- Travelling, Friends, and Trips |- Selling and Buying Forum |- Technical Help Forum Other Forums |- Off-Topic Posts |- Test Forum