BSA C15 - Front forks still leak

[@bonnyladrollo3102]

Hi Hugh, I had a A7 which leaked oil in the same way. I changed the fibre washers to aluminium and used ptfe tape on the threads of the fork seal holders. I regret not having that bike anymore. All the best

[@hughferrier5837]

You get frustrated at vehicles and give up on them. Then you have regrets. You enjoyed while you had it and now someone else is enjoying it. That's not much of a comfort though.

[@stockyport]

Don't despair on the bike and the oil leaks. You will regret if you sell it, particularly after all the work you have put in. As for your blown muscle. You might want to get it checked. i had the same issue trying to start my A65 and got mad at it and kept on trying. I ended up going to the doctor who was most concerned that I had caused some major issue. Sent me off for ultra sounds to check no clots. All was good. but if you keep on hurting it would not be a bad idea to get it seen.

[@hughferrier5837]

Thanks for your encouragement. Most of the time it doesn't hurt now only if it's overstretched so I walk with short steps!! I'm getting old.

[@ianyonok]

Hylomar is good stuff but I only use it on inspection caps. I've found that it doesn't seal that well. Permatex Ultra Grey stays flexible, seals very well and easy enough to remove when needed.

[@hughferrier5837]

I've given up on Hylomar Blue. Every part of a C15 is difficult to seal. Thanks for the advice.

[@ianyonok]

I am building a '65 C15 from an abused barn find. Quite a challenge. May take a few years. Your videos are interesting and helpful, thank you. This C15 will be the ninth Triumph / BSA restoration, so I've picked up some tips. Hope to have the C15 done before I get too old for the big twins.

[@hughferrier5837]

@@ianyonok All the very best with that Ian. You have more tenacity than me. This getting old is not good!

[@bsimpson6204]

Loctite make a PTFE cord 'Loctite 55' that I've had good result with sealing leaking threads, it's quite fine as a cord and might work in this application. Hope you leg gets better and your back on the road this spring.

[@hughferrier5837]

That has been suggested on the BSA C15 Restoration & Preservation Group. It seems a great idea. If they still leak (and I think I'm starting to feel it) I will try this. My leg is improving but I'll be scared to try kicking it. Thanks for the advice.

[@markdale1720]

I guess your leg got better as you have the riding videos from 2023 - and you clearly kept the bike! Did the final fork fix keep them leak free? Hylomar on the seal holder threads, dowty washer on the drain plug, Fibre washer on the damper cone?

[@hughferrier5837]

Hello Mark thank for commenting. My leg did get better and I enjoyed trips out on the wee bike. I tried to keep running the engine over the winter but then I couldn't get it to start and kicked too much again. So I haven't started it since Xmas. You just get old and your knees are shot. The forks are sealed now. New stanchions and seals. Dowty washers on the drain plugs, PTFE string on the seal holder thread. It's my only success at dealing with leaks. I don't have a fibre washer on the damper cone as far as I'm aware. I'm longing for Spring to get out on it again. A few jobs to do.

[@47dirtyden]

After sealing don’t add oil for a week; perhaps bushes are worn seals should be in chrome covers or try string I had a C15 for 30 years never had this issue Re engine leaks are all the small internal springs & balls in place seems like start of wet sumping, if gearbox leaks try ep90 gear oil

[@morrion00]

Apologies. I commented before I’d watched all of the film.

[@glyn829]

Mine leaks from the drain plugs Hugh I've tried everything it still leaks 🤔 a slightly heavier oil fixed the oil seal on the forks, ps mines a devil to start to after the winter but fine afterwards 👍

[@hughferrier5837]

That is encouraging in one way, to hear that we both have the same problems. Getting it started a couple of weeks ago was an utter nightmare. I'm sure it was 100 kicks. I wasn't calling it very nice names!

[@alanlake5220]

Dont giv up on the C15 just yet, let your leg heal and see how you feel in the spring . I can understand your frustration in not being able to get on top of the never ending oil leaks. I think it's just how they are .

[@hughferrier5837]

Alan that is a kind response. I will take your good advice. The amount of oil leaked is quite something.

[@nickbarber2080]

The surface of the fork stanchions as found is really bad. This rips the delicate lip of the seal to shreds. I have often considered having BSA fork stanchions hard-chromed and ground to size,like modern bikes are.

[@hughferrier5837]

Nick that is sense. They are new stanchions but do feel rough. I am going to make another short video with better news!

[@morrion00]

I hate to add to your woes by being unintentionally impertinent, but I assume that you’ve tried new fibre washers? I bought a bag of mixed imperial sizes off eBay (5.99) and my forks are now completely leak free. P.S. Being mixed sizes, they’ve come in very handy as I’ve worked on the old girl (the bike that is, not the missus).

[@hughferrier5837]

Your not being impertinent, you are offering help from your experience and I really appreciate that. The drain plugs seem to be sealed with the dowry washers. I wouldn't be in the least surprised if it changed it's mind once I drive it.

[@frankboff8185]

Frustrating when jobs don’t go to plan, I have had a whole winter of this so I feel your pain, as to the other Question will you regret it ?

[@hughferrier5837]

C15s are so frustrating but when they go and you are out for a run - sheer pleasure. I have to remember that.

[@sidneybolt1099]

Hugh, as per usual, great videos. I have looked at fork oil capacity and the general consensus is 100ml. I am wondering if the 180/190ml you have added is too much? Also, is that a choke or advance lever you have on the handlebar? Best regards and keep the videos coming. Sid

[@hughferrier5837]

Hello Sidney you are spot on. Check this other film I made kzbin.info/www/bejne/l365h6x9gr-ompYsi=r0B_EGU1z5ZJ9E9N. It was a choke lever on the handlebar. I had an Amal Concentric on it when I bought the bike. I have now fitted a Monobloc and no longer have the choke lever. Thank you so much for commenting and trying to help.

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Lovely characterful, charming bikes when they're running. Trouble is they, and especially the power unit were a flawed inadequate design in the first place i.e., vertically split crankcases with too narrow mating surfaces (to save on material), with too few fasteners to clamp them together properly, made worse with not up to the job mains/big ends and pathetic filtration system etc etc. And all this compounded by poor build quality and cheap and nasty components with extra cost cutting thrown in for good measure!! Wonder why they went bankrupt??🤔🙄😊

[@hughferrier5837]

Dennis that is all so true. I will hang onto your first sentence, grimly!!

[@audioorigami]

:)

[@audioorigami]

we made a little tool to tighten the fork seals a bit more than hand tight

[@hughferrier5837]

@@audioorigami The rubber gardening gloves get it pretty tight. The Spring weather is coming John. You and your dad have to get out!