'79 Crank / Oil Seal

[Lochlin]

Guys,

I am ordering crank seals for this '79 I am working on. The front one is just about the same as the 80s ones that I am used to. The rear one looks a bit more challenging.

With the 80s models, the rear seal is pretty much right under the primary clutch. Looking at the parts schematic for the '79 it looks like there is a bunch of stuff that has to come off before you reach the seal. Is that rear crank seal easy to get to? You don't have to split the case, do you?

[johnny reb]

to answer yes you do have to open it to install the rear seal i didnt do it on mine. when i rebuild it i will do it then. if the compression was good i wouldnt mess with it

[73eldo]

I had it open. I'm trying to remember is it between the bearings?

[Lochlin]

Wow. That sucks. I may just do the front and see what happens.

[Lochlin]

Originally Posted by johnny reb

if the compression was good i wouldnt mess with it

Unfortunately, though, even though compression is good the engine vacuum is just about non-existent and no gas is getting from the carb the cylinder. I put an electric pump on it so I am getting a ton from the tank to the carb though so I am good there. What's odd is that this cart was running good when I first fired it up so things were doable during the initial running.

I started on things yesterday and this cart has been Mickey Moused a bit. There is some suspicious JB Weld looking stuff on the case but it actually looks pretty solid......no bubbles with the soapy water test.

There were no gaskets on either side of the reed and the reed itself is suspect in that virtually all of the leafs aren't sitting flush to the plate. I suppose there is a chance that, after the initial running, the reed leafs never returned to flush as they are old and the cart hadn't been run in years. I am going to replace this stuff and see what that gets me. If still nothing then I will replace the front seal and try again.

I'd hate to open the motor up as this isn't my cart and I don't want to put that much time and effort to it.

I have access to another motor that I can throw in there if need be but that one has been sitting around for even longer than this one has. At least I know compression is good on this one.

[johnny reb]

there is a tiny hole in the carb gasket that goes through the intake to the reed valve assembly. that is what drives the carb diaphragm pump, is it stopped up? and yes the reed needs gaskets

[73eldo]

Also do a test fit to make sure the gaskets are not interfering with the reed valve. Read about a batch of gaskets that were not quite right.

Is it an original brass reed? Or a newer stainless one?

[Lochlin]

This is the old brass one. The replacement will be stainless