Beginner Questions

[Mike_Berkshire]

Hi, I have a couple of questions that are probably really basic but I don't want to damage anything due to lack of understanding in what Im doing. Im polishing the clutch casing and thought it makes sense to replace the 2 oil seals in it. Do I remove these by simply prying them out and push-fit some new ones? Also, I want to clean the oil strainer that sits above the sump pan (funnel shaped thing with a fine mesh in it). Does the wire mesh just pull out of the funnel shaped casting, it looks as if it has a black plastic ring at the edge. Thanks

[Nurse Julie]

Yes, the strainer mesh is detachable and as you say the mesh has a plastic edge around it. It just pulls off of the funnel.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I would take care trying to remove the mesh unit as the outer rubber section  might have  become brittle with age.
Mine was full of filter mesh that cleaned off easily enough by squirting down cleaning fluid from the top.
IIRC if the seal part breaks  replacements might not be available.

This was mine - cleaned easiy without removal - assuming yours is like mine.
.500 mesh filter by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

[Mike_Berkshire]

Yes that’s it Ted. Thanks for the tip. Thanks for the reply too Julie; did the ‘yes, refer to the removal/ replacement of the oil seals. Mike

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

The strainers are £22 plus postage from DS - they were not listed when I cleaned mine probably a couple of years ago.

[Bryanj]

Exactly what bike is this, 500 only has 1 seal in clutch cover

[Nurse Julie]

The strainers are £22 plus postage from DS - they were not listed when I cleaned mine probably a couple of years ago.

No, I haven't answered the question about the seals as I can't remember ☺️☺️. I also have the strainers in stock if yours doesn't clean up OK or is knackered.
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[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

It's interesting that quite a few parts that seemed unavailable only a couple of years back are now being produced again, either that or I didn't look hard enough. That seems to be true for 400 & 500 parts.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Going back to the clutch casing oil seals my 500 had one for the  gear shaft, the second one was on the end of the clutch mechanism. The seal on the alloy section is I believe to keep water etc out of the coarse threaded actuator part. I managed to break mine when removing the seal that fits on the outside by being clumsy. Ash kindly sent me a replacement part.
I know the clutch mechanism was improved so your 550 might be different.

[Bryanj]

550 is completely different Ted, the operating mechanism is all in the clutch cover and only a very short pushrod, which is why i asked exactly which bike it was

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

It's always confusing with the 500 & 550 being banded together when they are quite different in so many ways aside from the 50cc or so in cubic capacity.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Just saw your post Bryan. It’s. 76 K2 550

[Bryanj]

Change the kickstart seal, they tiny one on clutch mechanism rarely leaks and that mechanism can be a swine

[Mike_Berkshire]

Thanks Bryan. What is the best way to take out/replace the kickstart seal? Tge only seal I’ve replaced before is the fork seal.

[Bryanj]

Once the casing is off just lever out with large flat screwdiver being carefull not to gouge the casing hole