How much oil should be in the stator housing?

[Guest]

Hi, I have a 1980 GS550e which is I'm in the process of stripping. I had a constant leak from the stator housing which I now hope is simply a knackered gasket. To be honest I thought the stator was supposed to be dry to begin with and I thought it was broken crankshaft oil seal, so I'm happier now that I know that it is supposed to have some oil in it!!

My worry however is that with the cover off if I pour oil into the engine it pours out the other side at the same rate, I've looked at similar threads and they state that only a small amount of oil should be in the housing? Your observations would be appreciated!!

The bike was an American import to the UK (which is where I am) it's done 50,000 miles. My intention is to 'brat' the bike and learn as much as I can whilst doing it. The engine is coming out of the frame today before its cleaned, dismantled and put back together. (which will take a while.....) I know the basics but most of my knowledge has come from Youtube so please be patient with me, I'll have plenty of dumb questions to follow........................

[Phred]

Drain the oil before removing the stator housing. I suspect that one of the reasons for stator failure is that the bike has been driven with low oil for extended periods of time. While you are in there you can check stator coils for discoloration. If you have the JIS bolts you might want to swap them for stainless Allan headed bolts. I make a cardboard template of the housing, stick a screwdriver through where the bolts go, insert the bolts into the holes. They will be of different lengths, and this will avoid confusion on re-assembly.

[tkent02]

My worry however is that with the cover off if I pour oil into the engine it pours out the other side at the same rate,

Quit pouring oil in without the cover.

[chuck hahn]

HA HA HA..yeah what Tom said. Button it up an then add oil!!!

[Steve0]

Ha...thanks for the tips, I deserved all of them!!!!

I've got a complete replacement s/s bolt kit so good there.. everything in the housing is as good as new...probably because its been preserved in oil!! engine coming out today ... will try and post some photos if only to give you more ammunition......

[Lorenzo]

dunno if it's too late but, Allen screws, just make the plot look cheap and common, and less vtg than it need be, in my humble view. I just use them, unless they are original equipment, for securing the halves of the handlebar switches (they are recessed anyway...)

Off course we are talking about proppa UJS screws....

I would rather invest in a good impact screwdriver.

Compliments for the bike.

[Steve0]

Cheers mate, not too late and will make a decision when it's out back together ... If it looks wrong, it won't stay. Taking the engine out turned into a mission, the bolts can't have moved for 30 years but all done now. Cleaning next before she's opened up!

[Steve]

You don't have to drain the oil.

Put the bike on the centerstand, slip a 2x4 (or whatever your common lumber size is) under the left footpad. The bike remains remarkably stable. And the stator housing will be dry.

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[chuck hahn]

Steve..if they dont break the screws loose BEFORE putting aboard under it the pressure of pushing the tool against the screw head will dump the bike..wanna see pics of my 1000C tank that became the victim of said board??? Just my opinion...seeing I was victim to the "board"..its unnecessary and a sketchy practice at best. So what if 3 or 4 ounces of oil comes out ( whats gonna NORMALLY be laying in the cover anyway ).

Lay a rag on the pipes and a drip pan under the cover and remove it standing FIRMLY AND SOLIDLY on the center stand as it was designed to be used. Heres the tank after the brake lever from my 78 750E stuck it....NO WAY IN HELLLLLL will one of my bikes EVER be on a board again!!!!!!!!!

[Steve0]

Ouch Chuck! To be clear the engines was always coming out. The bike is officially in bits.........

I intend to take off the centre stand and just have a side stand so the board trick won't be for me, thanks anyway

[JTGS850GL]

I don't understand why all the fuss over draining a little oil out. Open the drain plug and dump some oil. Why risk knocking over the bike for a few minutes of wrenching. Hell, consider it a prime time to replace the oil with fresh stuff. I'm with chuck on this one.

[chuck hahn]

I posted my comment and pictures because SADLY there isnt much FULL EXPLANATIONS of the possible problems associated with giving out advice. See theres a lot of regurgitated advice around here.

I am all for someone giving advice but GOD DAMMMMED IT give full disclosure and not just a response thats says "do This!! If you read my posts in any of the forums I actually TAKE THE TIME to write WHY.

I bitch beacuse I took that advice not knowing that the bike is now LEANING disproprtionately to the right and is then very tippy with someone pressing a screw driver in and trying to loosen the bolts.....and over it went!!!!

[posplayr]

I hear tell you can balance a 1000C on the head of a pin if everything is perfect and Murphy is not around.

[Steve]

Sorry about your luck, Chuck, but I have even used the (hand) impact driver while the bike was "on the board".

Maybe I was using a newer "2x4" that is only 1 1/2 x 3 1/2, so it wasn't leaning quite as far?

All I know, it has worked for me SEVERAL TIMES, and I will continue to do it.





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[Sandy]

Jeez Chuck that sucks big time. I hate precariously balanced or perched stuff. Guys, just lose a little oil or lean the right handlebar against a workbench, wall or something stable.