Can I add oil to my 87 fj1200 forks as a band-aid?

[FJ_Hooligan]

Thanks Randy.

I keep forgetting that everyone doesn't still live in the stone age with me.

I made these tools about 20 years ago.  And I've only replaced 2 sets of FJ fork seals using them.  :-)

[Pat Conlon]

Hey David, holy moley you're right! How did I miss this?
We don't have a fork seal tutorial in our Suspension Files.

So....Would you mind if I copied and pasted your post for further reference in the Suspension Files ?

Cheers. Pat

[FJ_Hooligan]

Pat,
Why do you even ask?  :-)

Of course.  Isn't this considered public domain?  I would assume that anything I post here automatically becomes public and maybe even property of the site?

Don't all the pictures we post to the gallery get an FJ_OWNERS.COM ghost?

[FJ_Hooligan]

Pat,
I found it.  The instructions and tool descriptions are imbedded in the write up Chris P did for upgrading the early FJ forks for the 17 inch front wheel.

So, technically I may have plagiarized Chris.  Although those words look really familiar.  This may have been a collaboration.  I don't remember. 

[Pat Conlon]

After your post (reply #13) I did see Chris's (FJ Flyer) post on the late model fork conversion, but I think a dedicated topic on fork seal removal/replacement is a good idea.

David, I've been around FJ's for a few years and I think you, singlehandedly, are responsible for our most valuable information in the Flies.

We are fortunate to have you on our forum.

Hey Randy, I was thinking, next time you or Robert has a set of forks apart, could you snap some pictures for us? I can add them as needed. I know there are differences between early and late model forks regarding proper reassembly.
I'm thinking about the success we have with our clutch tutorial (notice the absence of clutch how to related questions?) and thought a similar File on fork seal replacement would be cool.

Cheers. Pat

[FJ_Hooligan]

Pat,

You are too kind and definitely prone to exaggeration

I've just tried to pull my weight and earn my spot.

Many others have contributed far more and deserve that kind of praise.

[whyzee79]

fork seal driver= pvc plumbing fitting that you can sand and fit to your application.  Pvc is easy on the new seals and won't mar the fork tubes.  Should cost about a buck. 

[FJ_Hooligan]

News flash!

[Ryankhitt]

All I want to do is add oil for now... How do I do that

[FJmonkey]

CuttterBill answered this on the previous page. Removing the fork caps will allow you add oil. Do one side at a time or support the front end. If the second cap is removed before the first one is back in place, it will allow the spring to release and the front will drop till the fork bottoms out.

[Pat Conlon]

Sure, just pour some oil in...question is, how much to add?
To do it right, you've got to measure the oil level.

To measure correctly, with the spring out, you have to collapse the lower leg. The oil level is measured with the lower leg collapsed...so..
To collapse the lower leg, the front wheel and axle and fender has to be removed...

Please explain: How are you going to do this by doing one fork, while the other fork supports the bike?

[FJ1100mjk]

Pat,

You are too kind and definitely prone to exaggeration

I've just tried to pull my weight and earn my spot.

Many others have contributed far more and deserve that kind of praise.

Yea, it's a good thing for this site that you knowledgeable die-hards still are active here. Helping out.

If it was left to the passive members, the ones that use members like you for their daily entertainment, this site would cease to exist in short order.

Many owe your types a big thanks for keeping this site and the interest for the FJ alive.