CL 77 crankshaft oil seal leak

[gramey7]

I have about 100 miles on a restored CL77 that had an engine completely rebuilt. I have a moderate oil leak at the cranshaft oil seal where it seals at the crankshaft. The seal does not leak at its periphery where it is pressed into the engine case. The crankshaft is good (no pitting, rotates true) and the seal does not have any obvious flaws where it contacts the crankshaft. The only thing is that the seal rubber, although not hard, is relatively stiff, and I was wondering if the oil seal could be old enough to have hardened over the years and not properly seal. The engine is a late 1966 and the breather tube is not plugged (I sucked and blew on it to verify, don't try this before breakfast). Does anyone have any thoughts on what the problem is?
I did a Forum search on oil leaks but most had to do with the CB77's which use a different seal that doesn't seal at the crankshaft or leaks that occurred where the seal is installed at the case.
George

[britman]

gramey7,


Sounds like you just need to replace the seal. Ohio Cycle has them in stock. Check the thread on removing the rotor before you start. You will end up buying the tool which is not that expensive and will keep your cursing during the procedure to a minimum. Good Luck.

[gramey7]

Thanks, Britman. I discovered the source of the leak after i'd removed the rotor so I'm good on that procedure ( I modified a gear puller). I was just wondering whether anyone else had experienced leaks at thes shaft as the crank seal was "new" when i rebuilt the engine (maybe not new, but at least unused) I wonder if NOS seals harden over the years so they don't seal properly when finally installed. I've got a couple of new seals coming from Western hills Honda. I'll let you know how it works out.