82 GS850L Oil Leak from Tac Cable

[Sniper]

Ok, now that my petcock is fixed \\/, I'm moving on to the next issue (as there are many little annoying issues to take care of on my bike). This one has me a little baffled as I am new to the bike repair scene.
As the title says, there is oil leaking from the connection point where the Tachometer cable connects to the engine. The first thing I thought was it is loose, but that is not the case as I grabbed it with some pliers to check it. However, there is a little slop between the cable and the connecting insert.
Is this something I should replace, or is there something I can do to stop the leak (new o-ring)? I have yet to pull it off to look at it as I haven’t had the time, and I returned the repair manual I was using to the library. I’ll see what you guys have to say then I’ll probably pull it off to take a look. Any past experience with a similar problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[t3rmin]

Common problem!

Go to Bikebandit.com, find the microfiche for the tach gear, and order the o-ring and oil seal. The oil seal seals between the gear and the o-ring seals the holder to the valve cover. Cheap parts and easy install, too.

[Sniper]

I thought there was probably some sort of o-ring seal that needed to be replaced. Thanks, I'll be odering new seals tomorrow.

[kurifu]

Can it be done without removing the cam cover?

[rphillips]

Do you have a repair manual??? They tell most everything.

[bwringer]

The complete answer in pictures and easy-to-follow instructions. Part numbers, even:

http://bwringer.com/gs/tachcableseals.html

Also:

http://bwringer.com/gs/intakeorings.html

http://bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

[t3rmin]

Can it be done without removing the cam cover?

Yep. Just remove the retaining clip thingy and pop out the whole assembly.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Pay attention to the seal- don't put it in backwards

[BassCliff]

Just a "Me too!"

I've ordered my parts from Bike Bandit. I'll be fixing my tach cable leak soon. My thanks to Mr. bwringer for putting up a page with excellent detailed instructions and awesome pictures. I've looked at it so often, I've just about got it memorized. :shock:

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Sumo514]

Wow you guys kick ass. Cant beleve all the info on this forum.:-D

[Kcwiro]

The complete answer in pictures and easy-to-follow instructions. Part numbers, even:

http://bwringer.com/gs/tachcableseals.html

Also:

http://bwringer.com/gs/intakeorings.html

http://bwringer.com/gs/camchaintens.html

Bwringer... you are the man! Came on looking for help on my issue good ol search brought this thread up..and your website tutorials sheesh! Now if only you lived closer to washington state :-D Thanks!

[whiteboyslo]

FYI, those were the same PNs for my 79 GS1000. now, if i could just get the retaining screw out, i'd be in the mix (damn stripped screws!)

Mike