convert fork seal leak again

[gearman]

My pristeen convert is leaking both fork seals. I rebuilt the forks about five years ago.Also the rubber boots were changed. The boots now are bigger by one eighth inch at the fork.Is there a problem with the rubber that they are made of? I don't think that the things should gth this quickly. Also there seems to be a kidney pounding sharpness when hitting highway up rises at 50 mph.The shocks were new at the same time. Ideas?The bike is always stored indoors.

[pete mcgee]

Is there any pitting/chips on the staunions?
A lot of dirt under the boot sitting on top of the seals, can water get under the boot and just sit there?
Photos of the issue?
Were the seals new or new old stock when fitted?

Rear shocks, what type are they, spring weights, what adjustability.
 Google/search YouTube for setting sag on motorcycle suspension, are your settings close?

That's my best guesses from 16,000 km away, good luck with the fork rebuilds.
 Cheers

[gearman]

  I have noticed that we don't get much mechanical responses any more. Is the latest crop of members Less familiar with the older bikes?Only one response.I did say the bike was pristeen.The chrome on the forks has a pattern that is visible but factory .Just wondering if others have had short seal life. See the sloppy dust boot fit?

[SmithSwede]

I'd remove the dust cover, then try hooking a piece of 35 mm film under the fork seal to clean out any dirt that is causing a leak. 

Or get one of those cheap Seal Saver gizmos. 

See if you can spray some WD-40 into the gap to flush out any accumulated grit.

[pete mcgee]

I'd would remove the rubber dust boot and replace them with a set of gaiters.
They have to come off anyway to change the fork seals and if the are a loose fit aren't doing their job.
I go 21 years out of my last set of fork seals, they weren't leaking when I got the forks fitted with gold valves but thought it prudent, this was with gaiters fitted.
Before the gaiters I get maybe 8 months out of a set of fork seals, mind you back then I was doing over 30,000 miles a year on all types of Australian roads. Problem stopped when the gaiters were fitted.

[antmanbee]

What on earth is 35mm film and where would you get it?

[chuck peterson]

Still using  two of them or just one in each leg?

[gearman]

Still using  two of them or just one in each leg?

Two seals in each leg I believe. As to dirt, the bike really isn't exposed to it.I was thinking of putting something like a gold wing style dust boot and seal where the the wiper is much smaller and might be spring loaded.

[gearman]

Still using  two of them or just one in each leg?

Is that a problem?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Is that a problem?

I use one dual-lipped seal in each leg and haven't had any issues with leaking.
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79&products_id=1361

Never had any issues with the Ariete dust boots:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_199&products_id=551
but have with the "economy" boots.

[gearman]

I use one dual-lipped seal in each leg and haven't had any issues with leaking.
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79&products_id=1361

Never had any issues with the Ariete dust boots:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_199&products_id=551
but have with the "economy" boots.

the boots were 14524500  Dust  covers from Harpers bought in 2008.$16.83 ea.Maybe they have changed since then. Thanks

[redrider90]

Assuming that you are using ATF as a lubricant I suggest adding some STP to the mix and thicken the mixture. Obviously you need to delete some ATF but the thicker mix of ATF + STP is very slick and the increase in viscosity improves greatly weeping fork seals.
You stanchion tubes look sick to me. I'd replace them. Mille's were notorious for pitting stanchion tubes and even with new seals mine leaked.
New Forks by Frank fixed that issue. I still add some STP to ATF before reassembling the fork tubes.

[chuck peterson]

Is that a problem?

Just curious...when I did mine I used two old stock, but I knew there were replacements where you used one...mullendore has the singles listed and wondered if they worked

[gearman]

We need a response. Curious minds want to know.  I took my forks apart and there were two seals per side  installed.Oil did not drain out of the drain screws but when I un did the bottom fork bolt I got 45 cc of oil out of each leg.Hmm.