CX500 GL500 650 Global

Last spring I dropped the motor from the frame of my '78 CX500 for the third time. The first time was in 2002 to replace the stator. The second time was in 2008 to replace the water pump's mechanical seal, and the third time (a few months later) to replace the camshaft when the impeller overheated and the camshaft snapped off, due to an oversight of mine during the mechanical seal replacement.

The bottom line is that I'm sick of dropping the engine and would rather never do it again.

So, now that I see oil leaking somewhat freely from the front cover, I'm wondering if there's any hope of fixing the problem without removing the engine. The problem could be due to me replacing the front cover seal incorrectly, or it could be due to insufficient tightening of the front cover bolts. Either way, I can't see a way to replace the seal, or even to tighten the upper bolts, without pulling the motor.

Ideas?

Christoph, Kansas City

Good news.The front cover can be taken off without removing the engine.It's easier if you remove the Fan though.I suspect you may need a new Tacho drive seal and gasket as well possibly.I make my own Gaskets(See Tips and Tricks) and for this job even a corn flake packet will do for the Tacho drive gasket with some silicone gasket sealer.


The seal is this part number 15,

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cx500a-1980e ... t/E07.html

You will have to see the links section for American suppliers unless you know some.