RE: The $2000 O-Ring..

[CC_Vic]

I just did my first oil change a week ago and I THOUGHT I did everything correctly..used the Haynes..put everything back as it had been using OEM parts. THEN I read the blood curdling oil change thread yesterday with the 2K O-Ring story and am wondering if I might have made some type of error. This after some great riding and noticeably improved performance over the last few days.

Question: How far would I need to ride before the problem began to surface if indeed there was a problem?  

Thanks

Vic in Columbia County NY

[Justin B.]

I would think that if you were going to spin all your bearings it would have happened by now.  If you understand the 2k O-ring article and put everything back together correctly then you probably don't have anything to worry about...

[airhead]

If you want to check, all you have to do is lay the bike over on it's left side, say on the lawn, but at least more than the side stand does. This way you can remove the cover and check the O ring/shim orientation without losing any oil. I've done it before to replace an O ring that leaked after I neglected to replace it after an oil change (slapping the back of my hand...tsk, tsk!). You won't do any damage, but do make sure the petrol cap doesn't leak!!

Bill........................;-)

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I can't say about other failures of this type, but the one time I installed the o-ring "incorrectly" (in my case, getting it pinched), I had quite a oil spill going on from the cover when I started the engine.


I would say, as long as there were no errant small o-rings at the far end of the filter housing, and you were careful and put the large o-ring on the cover, before putting the cover on the block (watching it all the time...), you should be o.k. - Then check for leaks, of course!

[suecanada]

I agree with Rob....if catastrophic failure will occur it is usually instantaneous upon startup as the O-ring is cut having been pinched and will allow the oil to spew out. Ya gotta be careful putting it all back together and i know it is not an easy place to work or see!  I know this from experience.....the only good thing is that one sees the problem quickly and shuts things down pronto. My O-ring was cut and the steel ring was slightly bent so that is what cut the O-ring I guess.