Addressing fork oil level after leak

[Divot]

I had/have a leaking right fork seal ever since I purchased the bike.  I performed the film trick and around about then the fork quit leaking oil.  So, either the problem is temporarily fixed or the fork is completely out of oil.  I'm guessing its the later.  One thing for certain is that there is bound to be less oil in the fork than is called for. 

How do I go about determining the correct amount to refill the fork?  I can't use the volume method since I don't know what if any oil is left in the fork.  If I understand correctly from previous posts, to use the distance method the fork needs to be vertical and fully compressed.  However, I didn't see anything about the compressing of the fork in the shop manual in regard to measuring fork oil level. 

Is it as simple as just measuring the fork oil level as per the manual with the bike sitting vertical or even on the side stand?

[MP]

No, the measurement is fully compressed, then measure from the top.

MP

[hubcapsc]

However, I didn't see anything about the compressing of the fork in the shop manual in regard to measuring fork oil level. 

Is it as simple as just measuring the fork oil level as per the manual with the bike sitting vertical or even on the side stand?

As I remember, you have to have the springs out... I can't imagine trying to do this without
taking the forks off, and then there's even a special tool to get at removing one of the springs...

The Honda shop manual goes into great detail on this, you got a Clymer or something? Dag has
the OEM manual online at valkyrienorway.com...



That elbow isn't the special tool  ...

-Mike

[DFragn]

You're right. No way to know how much remains. Gotta measure the level and as mentioned Honda's fluid heights are with all components removed (except the Right fluid dampener) and fully compressed. It can be done on the bike but is tricky and possibly a little dangerous.

If you pull the forks to do fluid levels as per manual you may want to consider changing out the seals and bushings if worn at the same time. Depends on mileage to a degree also.

Without the left side special tool (or homemade - search archives) You cannot remove the Left leg components to facilitate an accurate fluid level.
It's a special 44mm lock nut socket about 7" tall. P/N 07VMA-MZ0010A

[asfltdncr]

And if you have an Interstate, it just wasn't worth the effort while on the bike.Removed suspension,upgraded to Progressive springs,replaced bushings,seals, put in prescribed amount of oil in manual-so far, so good.

If your mechanic isn't knowledgeable particularly with your bike, he may replace your seals without the bushing being replaced.

I learned the hard way but then again, I'm up in the sticks with hammer-mechanics so it's nice to do what maintenance you can yourself-it's kinda liberating when you understand your bike and able to troubleshoot and repair.I'm not all the way there yet.

[Quicksilver]

7. Pour the fork oil into the fork leg. (Since the forks were not completely disassembled a measured amount of fork oil will be too much) the dip stick method must be used.

Support the fork leg vertically and the fork compressed fully whenever measuring the fluid level.

Measure the fluid level from the top of the fork tube.

FORK FLUID LEVEL:

Right fork

GL1 5OOC/CT: 135 mm (5.3 in)

GL7500CF: 136 mm (5.4 in)

Left fork

GL1500C/CT: 142 mm (5.6 in)

GL1500CF: 148 mm (5.8 in)


Done by Scuba_Do

VRCC member

08/02/2008

[Quicksilver]

I compressed my forks by supporting bike on a bike jack and used straps to compress forks . I used a tie wrap small enough to fit beside the nut that looks like a castle on the left side. It wasn't fancy but it worked.

[DFragn]

7. Pour the fork oil into the fork leg. (Since the forks were not completely disassembled a measured amount of fork oil will be too much) the dip stick method must be used.

Support the fork leg vertically and the fork compressed fully whenever measuring the fluid level.

Measure the fluid level from the top of the fork tube.

FORK FLUID LEVEL:

Right fork

GL1 5OOC/CT: 135 mm (5.3 in)

GL7500CF: 136 mm (5.4 in)

Left fork

GL1500C/CT: 142 mm (5.6 in)

GL1500CF: 148 mm (5.8 in)


Done by Scuba_Do

VRCC member

08/02/2008

I be pretty sure those measurement are exactly relevant to the service manual and are the measured fill height to the fluid oz. fill. [OEM]
All components but the right dampener cartridge must be removed then fully compressed. Otherwise you're going to seriously short your fluid quantities.

If your slipping a zip tie past the rebound dampener  [left leg] how on earth did you fully compress the fork tube to get an accurate reading. Well, as accurate as the internal components being in place would allow. I ask because it sounds like nothing was done except to remove the fork caps.

Different measurements [non-Honda spec] are needed if components are left installed. I don't have exact ones but they're much heavier. Somewhere around 7" - 8" from the top [& compressed]. Maybe someone has them.

[Quicksilver]

All the components were in and yes all I did was remove the fork caps, the forks were on the bike at the time. I did have the front wheel off and used the axle with the straps to the cross member on the forks to compress the forks to bottom, so the measurement was with fully compressed forks. I used this method when I was replacing the fork seals not the inner springs so there was still some oil in there.

[MP]

So, some of you say WITH all components in, and some say with them REMOVED?  Quicksilvers post from the shop manual shows WITH them in, and that is the way I read my Honda shop manual too.  Please show where the Honda shop manual says to measure with them OUT.

Thanks.

MP

[Gryphon Rider]

So, some of you say WITH all components in, and some say with them REMOVED?  Quicksilvers post from the shop manual shows WITH them in, and that is the way I read my Honda shop manual too.  Please show where the Honda shop manual says to measure with them OUT.

Pages 13-24 and 13-32 are where they talk about measuring the fluid level.  This is part of the sections "Right Fork Assembly" and "Left Fork Assembly" where they go through the procedure step by step.  The next step after measuring the fluid level is installing the springs.

[MP]

Went and reviewed the manual. Everything BUT the springs are installed in the forks, then the oil added.  Then the springs.

MP