Road Toad kick starter shaft oil leak ????

[Alberta Mike]

Just joined up and a first time poster. Bought a 100cc Road Toad way back in about 1993, took it all apart, put 95% of it back together and then got into a variety of other hobbies ever since. I have finally promised my wife that I would finish it up this winter. It appears that I have a transmission oil leak and from what I can tell, it appears to be coming from around the shaft area of the kick starter. I have an owners manual and a parts manual but do not have a shop manual (OK, I know I should have one but I don't). From what I see in the parts diagrams, it appears as if there is an o-ring in there that would be the seal, is that correct? Or is there an actual housing anchored "seal" that I'm missing? And can anyone give me a basic idea of what is involved with replacing whatever it is that seals this shaft? I thought it would have been in the side cover but it appears as if it is a bit behind the right hand side cover. Thanks for the help with this .... Mike

[Dale]

It is indeed just an o-ring, but it is located in the bore of the right side case for the kick shaft. It requires the cases to be split to get to it. Is it possible that this o-ring was missed when it was apart the last time?

[Alberta Mike]

Thanks Dale ...... No, that was one area that was not dismantled, I took apart most of the bike for general checking and cleaning but the engine was left as is, but I did dismantle the top end for inspection. It only has 1100 original miles on it, the original Koito (is that the brand) tires are still on it with the little rubber nubs still there. The young guy I bought it from inherited it from his dad who lived up here in Canada but originally purchased it in Phoenix way back in the 70's when the old man used to winter in a mobile home park there. It's not like it is has oil pouring out but there is always a drip or drop showing. I think for now it would be best to leave it and once I get it being used next summer, keep a close eye on it. There are some "additives" (which I usually view with some suspicion) which supposedly swells rubber seals and rings, I had an old Ford Escort whose power steering used to benefit from using such stuff believe it or not. Splitting the cases is something that I would like to avoid unless absolutely necessary. Walla Walla .... my dad used to buy the onions and eat onion sandwiches even though people tended to shy away from him afterwards ... ha!!! Sounds like you know your Hodakas. If you are available for email contact and I have any questions as this thing moves along, send me a note at [email protected] and then I would have your email if that works for you.

[Dale]

If that is the only leak I too would just keep an eye on it. I wouldn't put any additives in it either. Post any questions that you might have. I can help with some things and there are others on here with even more experience. You can also email me through this forum

[viclioce]

Who knows. Maybe just the addition of fresh oil in the bike might even swell the o ring back up! Prolly not, but it's something to wish for!

There isn't a shop manual for the Road Toad, just a parts list. But there is a shop manual for the Wombats. Pretty much close enough. You would be able to do all the work needed to split the cases & replace the O ring, but if you're going to open her up, you should consider a complete seal, O rings & bearing replacement for it. There's no point in opening it and just replacing the 1 O ring. You can get a Wombat shop manual and an owners parts list booklet from SH on the home page. ; D Victor

[Alberta Mike]

Well, best to wait till it's used and see how bad the leak is and maybe it will fix itself ..... ha, I doubt that but sometimes using something is good medicine for an ailment.