Gear box, clutch, Drive shaft or final drive?

[F6Ghostrider VRCC #32501]

Thank you, thank you, thank you fellow Valkaholics for the exact diagnosis! It's been two weeks since my last posting, but you guys were right on! When I tore into my girls rear end, (no pun intended) the splines on the drive shaft and the pinion hub were dry, rusty and spun off. Not a spot of grease! What disappoints me though, (but not too surprised) is that about two thousand miles ago, I had the local stealer install a new back tire. I know the tech had to see that when he pulled it off! The more I see, the more I don't like going back there. So anyway, I have what I think is all the parts, including new o-rings, including the elusive 3rd o-ring. My u-joint seemed perfect, but since they are back ordered untill Feb. 2011, I will monitor closely and possibly replace in the spring or early summer. The only thing I did'nt get was new exhaust gaskets. I think it is still the original exhaust. So my question is, can I use a high temp silicone or do I need the gaskets? It doesn't seem to have any kind of a gasket. I plan on using plenty of MDB grease and anti-seize.
Thanks again and once I figure out how to add pictures to my postings, I'll toss in the before and afters.

Jeff

[Dave Weaver]

You really didn't need to remove exhaust, they will slide out of the way enough if you just unbolt the rear exhaust hangar bolts.  You can pry them out and hold them in place with a 2x4.  If you have removed the exhaust, I would definitely install new gaskets.  If you cannot find the old ones, look inside the headers.  The old gaskets have a habit of hiding in the exhaust when removed.  Be very careful when tightening the header nuts as they only require 7 ft/lb of torque.  Tighten them to proper amount, ride to warm  up, re-tighten, and repeat a few times to make sure of proper install.

[fudgie]

What dave said. 


Also did you let the stealer know all this? Let'm have it since you are spending $$ on what might have been prevented.

[Ricky-D]

It is not a usual practice when a dealer replaces a rear tire to inspect anything.

After all, he is only replacing a tire.  I think a lube to the drive spines can be expected but that's probably where it ends!  An inquire regarding 'O' rings will solve that additional item!

If you were presented with a bill that listed all the things you now think should have been performed by the dealer when simply all you asked for was a rear tire R&R; the chance are, a disagreement would have followed.

Removing the pumpkin is not usual practice when replacing the tire! Removing the pumpkin and then removing the drive shaft from the pumpkin is the only way to reveal the spines you are talking about.

So laying the blame on the dealer is unfair and not warranted!  Look to yourself for your problem!

***

[F6Ghostrider VRCC #32501]

You really didn't need to remove exhaust, they will slide out of the way enough if you just unbolt the rear exhaust hangar bolts.  You can pry them out and hold them in place with a 2x4.  If you have removed the exhaust, I would definitely install new gaskets.  If you cannot find the old ones, look inside the headers.  The old gaskets have a habit of hiding in the exhaust when removed.  Be very careful when tightening the header nuts as they only require 7 ft/lb of torque.  Tighten them to proper amount, ride to warm  up, re-tighten, and repeat a few times to make sure of proper install.

Thanks for your reply. I only removed the exhaust because I didn't really know where to start and what I was doing until I got there. That's great info re: the torque & proper install.

[franco6]

last time I removed the exhaust ,the gasckets were in place on the head. they are green if i remember correctly. just torque back the tubes , 7 ftlb, it should be fine (that was 2 years ago) they never leaked.

[hubcapsc]

last time I removed the exhaust ,the gasckets were in place on the head. they are green if i remember correctly. just torque back the tubes , 7 ftlb, it should be fine (that was 2 years ago) they never leaked.

OEM gaskets are hollow copper rings that get crushed on install... I haven't had good luck reusing them.
I guess these fiber ones might be more likely to work again...



-Mike

[RonW]

if you don't mind me asking, what are those?

[F6Ghostrider VRCC #32501]

Not real sure as to what they are. Looks like they could be an aftermarket exhaust gasket. I just purchased 6 new OEM's from the local Honda dealer. The new gaskets look like copper tubes.

[98valk]

http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=1597    used for different models

[RonW]

thankx, F6Ghostrider and CA ExhaustCoatings.

Those hollow copper rings gaskets sure are expensive for what the are.