675 Blown Seal

Bugger.

 

I knew there's be someone who wouldn't be able to resist that thread name.

 

Cheers. That does sound like a very sensible suggestion indeed. I've never messed around with seals but that sounds worth a go and I haven't got much to lose at this point.

 

I'll have a look and report back. Might just be an oil smudge or an unlucky insect.

Update: It was a fly that got too close. He's not the only one - there are a couple more out of shot. Must be something about the oil that attracts them.

 

Thanks again @Dozers Dad. I understood what your were getting at with removing any grit so I had that in mind but I appreciate you wanting to be thorough with your advice. I wonder whether any damage to the seal might be felt with careful probing as well. Just a thought. Might see if I can get out to the garage after work and give it a try. After fishing a milk carton out of the recycling bin.

 

I tried the grit removal trick and didn’t see anything obvious get dislodged. I did notice the splits shown below. I checked the other seal while I was there and it has a couple of splits as well, though it doesn’t seem to be leaking oil. As far as I know they’ve never been changed so the rubber will be at least 6 years old, possibly 12.

 

Haha, what a muppet. I did say I’ve never done anything with the seals before.

 

Ooh, matron. No, stop messin’ about. (etc)

Yes, will do. I haven’t put it in far enough and that’s why I’m getting no joy, clearly.

 

Good idea. Cheers!

 

I had a go but could't find anything, assuming I was doing it right this time. The oil must be really old and buggered by now in any case so it's in the workshop with someone who knows what they're doing.

 

It's all my fault, duck. I bought the wrong feckin' bike!

 

I am in awe of your verisimilitude.