Fork Trouble?

[twocycle]

When changing fork oil and springs in my 89KDX, I noticed there
was very little oil in one of the tubes, about 8 oz. There was also
some aluminum bits, not a huge amount, in the oil which was very black. The action of the tube with no spring or oil has less friction than the other tube. I see no signs of oil leakage. I flushed it out with clean oil. Is there anything I should check before putting it back together? I bought the bike used with 600 miles on it and I have only put an additional 100 or so on it.

Thanks

 

[rethnal]

If it's a 89.... I can almost guarantee it has a lot more than 600 miles on it. The aluminum bits are probably springs flaking which is common. At a minimum, replace the oil once a year but more like twice a year would be better. I bet it has never been changed.

 

[wibby]

You better change your seals.
Sure they may not be showing any leakage now but wait 'til you fill 'em up.
That oil went somewhere.....

 

[rethnal]

Yeah...what wibby sez..... with 8oz....it'd be hard to leak!

 

[twocycle]

Thanks for replies. What is involved with replacing them?

 

[twocycle]

I just pulled the gator off the fork and took a look at the seal. The seal, and the inside of the gator are completely dry of any oil. Everything looks like new. I know it is hard to believe but when I bought the bike it really had 600 miles on it. It still has the original tires. I am starting to think that this is the way it left the dealer. You would think if the bike had lost 12 oz of fork oil it would make a considerable mess inside the gator and seal area.

Thanks again

 

[JasonWho]

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[rethnal]

I was in the same boat too.... 36 miles on my 92 when I bought it a year ago. It is like new... better than new now that I found this site! Thanks All!

 

[twocycle]

Finally got the bike together and tested. The low oil situation was as I had
suspected, the dealer must have sent it out like that. Boy what a difference
with the oil change, sag adjustment and new stiffer springs. Where the bike would wallow and dive it now justs breezes right through at much higher speeds. I am going to adjust the dampers to fine it.

Thanks again for the help.