I know there is a little o-ring seal that seals the tach cable into the cylinder head.....looks like a thumb screw.....but what about the collar that the cable goes into? It appears to be at that rectangular collar where the cable inserts into that is leaking. That cable is a little loose too, I pulled on it slightly and it came out of the collar slightly. I could have possibly pulled it all the way out with a little more force. Can I just crimp the collar down with a pair of pliers or with that damage the cable? How does one go about fixing that?

Barry

bump

I ordered the two seals, numbers 18 and 19 on the parts fiche. That took care of it for me. I don't know if it was one or both, but they are both only a few bucks each so it was cheap enough just to replace them.

You can look up the part you need using the fiche found here: http://www.gstwin.com/parts_fiche_by_year.htm

Look under the section for Cylinder Head.

Thanks Atkins

Quote from: Atkins on March 31, 2008, 06:56:37 PM
I ordered the two seals, numbers 18 and 19 on the parts fiche. That took care of it for me. I don't know if it was one or both, but they are both only a few bucks each so it was cheap enough just to replace them.

You can look up the part you need using the fiche found here: http://www.gstwin.com/parts_fiche_by_year.htm

Look under the section for Cylinder Head.

This stopped the leak completely? Because my cable has been leaking for awhile now, and it always drips onto my pipes which I recently painted. Every time I start my bike, smoke roles off the pipes for about 5 minutes. I really want to remedy the problem, I hope these seals will do the trick.

This stopped the leak completely? Because my cable has been leaking for awhile now, and it always drips onto my pipes which I recently painted. Every time I start my bike, smoke roles off the pipes for about 5 minutes. I really want to remedy the problem, I hope these seals will do the trick.
[/quote]

My situation is similar. Its not at the cylinder head where it appears to be leaking. Its where the tach cable inserts into the sleeve/collar. Maybe replacing the seal secures and seals the cable inside the collar?

That's exactly where mine is leaking from. Because I can wipe the cable with a rag and it's covered with oil an inch or so up the cable. I tried putting Teflon tape on the threads, but that did nothing. So I'm hoping this will fix the problem.

I just took another look at mine this morning. And now a year later, I do see some oil around there. But at least it is not anything like it was before, and certainly not as bad as it sounds for you guys. So it might not be perfect, but still a whole lot better.

Check on the diagram, it is probably part # 19 that needs replaced. I would replace #18 while I was in there.

http://alpha-sports.com/spst/1997%20GS500E/16.htm

JP, looking at the cylinder head diagram, http://alpha-sports.com/spst/1997%20GS500E/16.htm, does the #16 tacho gear need to be pulled out to make the repair? Does it come out when removing the screw? I'm sure that I'm making it more difficult than it has to be.

Barry

I'm not realy sure. I replaced the seal on my 1980 GS-750 a couple of years ago, but the tach drive gear is mounted on the valve cover, not in the head, like on the GS-500. It looks to me like when you remove the screw holding the sleave, then you should be able to remove both the seals and the sleave without pulling the gear. I'd order the parts, then give that a try. I'll try to remember to check my Clymers and look at the bike tonight.

JP, you de man!

I just ordered those 2 seals yesterday. Hopefully they'll take care of the leak.

Quote from: bucks1605 on April 02, 2008, 07:18:55 AM
I just ordered those 2 seals yesterday. Hopefully they'll take care of the leak.

Hey guys.
Any chance on if anyone got a complete fix? I've replaced the cable before to the leak coming back a week later. I've just now replaced both of those seals and upon starting it up and idling I can see it bubble some oil at the sleeve point of the tach cable. Maybe there's something else I'm missing? Even with the seals replaced the cable at the sleeve point does wiggle quite a bit and has some play. Appreciate any help.