New clue/idea!!!!

[Dogsled]

I rebuilt my forks and now they both leak (the tubes are real wet after even a short ride. I can't figure it out. But I had a new clue/idea and if someone knows the answer, I just thought of this possibility.

My friend gave me his progressive springs when he wrecked his bike so I didn't get any paperwork. Do the Progressive springs take less oil than with standard springs????? If it does, i'm hopin the leak will stop and not have damaged the seals.

[cbx4evr]

This is the info I have. Small difference with Progressive's. Did you put the seals in the right way?

This is for GL1500, 1995 and up.

355mm / ~14" for '95+ (Progressive springs installed tight end down)
361mm / ~14.2" for '95+ (Progressive springs installed loose end down)
363mm / ~14.3" for '95+ (OEM springs installed)

[Dogsled]

I just found a PDF on Progressives sight;

Use the recommended fork oil viscosity as noted in your
owners manual with the following exceptions: GL1100 20
weight, GL1200/1500 15 weight required. See fine tuning
for more information.
Fork oil level/volume should be checked according to the
steps outlined in your authorized shop manual. Measurement
of your fork oil by level is the preferred method. However,
some manuals only specify a volume measurement. Due to
the design of a progressive wound fork spring it will displace
more oil thus requiring a maximum oil level of 5.5" (140mm).
Caution: This is not a recommendation, it is only a
precautionary statement. If your manual specifies an oil
level higher than 5.5" (140mm) set the oil level at 5.5"
(140mm). (Oil level is
the distance from the
top of the fork tube to
the top of the oil with
the fork completely.
collapsed and the fork
spring removed

I have to check the viscosity of the ATF oil I used, Scott never mentioned 15 W but I could see in his picture that's what he was using...(who would ever think of actually researching anything on their own, not me!!!) ....I could just let it leak til it's empty and bounce around on the road on the springs alone......

[Dogsled]

OK, talked to the tech guy at Progressive Springs. He said Scotts 194mm was way below what they say IS THE MAX YOU CAN PUT. Nothing wrong with 194 if he from experience know the bike handles well like that. Their 140mm recomendation is just that, if you want less go less, more makes it a little crowded in there.

The ATF is 10W and not their recomended 15W and has no bearing on leakage, it'll just change the feel of the ride, so that's not a factor.

BUT he said they have come up with alot of seals leaking right out of the package. Bad batches.......It's not the store that sells it who has the problem but the OEM part on older bikes have the manufacturer just going out for the cheapest bid on bulk items they can sell as 'factory' There were no numbers on it to try to get an aftermarket and he said it would prolly be made at the same company and sold under a different name anyway........He said as the oil goes down it may stop leaking and it the handling is tolerable, leave it go. I wrapped two Harley bandanas around the dust shield I took of the heads of 2 Harley riders after a rough and tumble fight.........damn women!!!!

That should keep me from dripping on the brakes......I'll change them when they start lookin like Little Richards Do Rag...........

The tech guy said this was just stuff he has dealt with on a day to day basis and wasn't running any Company or product down....so any input from you is just as valid as his.

[Andy Cote]

I had problems with both the 1200 and the 1500 using "Leak Proof" seals. In fact my local shop purged their inventory of this brand because of me.

I now use only OEM seals and bushings.

[Dogsled]

I did use OEM seals......what are 'leak proof seals?........where do they sell those? There aren't any numbers or anything on the seals I used (OEM) to try to match anything up

[newday777]

Did you install the right side up? Upside down they will leak the way you are experience, and yes too much oil will cause them to leak too.

[Dogsled]

At one point I wouldn't even bother to answer a question like that Newday.........................But last week I went to the store and couldn't figure out what my bike was running terrible......I left the bike half choked... ............So appreciating that any stupid thing can happen and no question is not worth asking.....NO SIR, THE SEALS ARE IN CORRECT.......

I'm gonna send you a PM, so look for it...

[newday777]

Had to ask as I have seen it done upside down.

[Dogsled]

I used to build hydraulic pumps and anytime I do work like this I up to triple before I make the final installation...John deere sent me to school for rebuilding pumps simply because we ran so much Deere equipment. But that was when I was younger......I have a tendency to daydream when i'm working now...

Honestly, it needs upper tubes. But I should never have had failure like this as fast as I did........I sorta like the bandanas on my from forks....cool look.......

Hope u got my PM

[newday777]

Got it and replied.