Oilleaking Radiadraulic front fork

[hoejmark]

Hi Members
When I restored my 1949 MK3 Sport few years ago, I fitted new oil seals to the leading links in the front fork. The oil seals were from the LDMCC's post war spares department.
Unfortunately both legs started to leak oil from the beginning, and it seem to be the oil seals, that are leaking. I use SAE 50 oil in the legs for damping.
Any good ideas how to stop or prevent the oilleaking? e.g. are there better types of oil seals now than the original ones?

Regards
Hoejmark

[eddie]

Hi Hoejmark,
                      If the faces of the links are rusted and worn, they will soon cut up the new seals. If this is the case, you could try cutting large washers (the same size as the faces) from about .1mm shim, and then glue them on with 2 part epoxy glue (Araldite). This would give a good surface for the seal to bear on. Another dodge I used many years ago on my Comp Douglas - reassemble the seals/links with a liberal smear of thick waterpump grease - on the Comp, it is still keeping the oil in after about 25 years!
                               Regards,
                                        Eddie.

[hoejmark]

Hi Eddie
Thanks for your swift reply and I am very happy with your reply. However I got interrupted in dismantling the front fork hence my late reply. I have now examined the faces, and there are some wear and pitting, and I therefore will consider what you propose about gluing thin washers to the faces. I understand, that the original types of oil seals should function well and should be able to keep oil tigth. My oil seals looks fine, even though I didn't grease them (they have only run about 2000 miles by now) . I shall remember to grease them,when I put them back in place.
Regards
Hoejmark

[tck]

Phweee! Blimey Eddie I have just fitted the bottom links on my forks and that waterpump grease may work but it certainly wiffs!
Thanks for all you build hints