I bought my '61 C15 this time last year. For most of that time I've been going over everything to make sure it was as it should be - engine, gearbox, oils, leaks etc. I've also sorted bad wiring and fitted a voltage regulator. The bike did had electronic ignition I discovered. Just setting the scene really.
Due to lockdowns etc I've only tootled around locally when permitted. I did go out for a ride of about 30 miles at the end of August. The bike went well but drifted a bit if cornering lent over especially if it needed a touch of brake.
The forks to checked and serviced was added to my list of future tasks. Yesterday turned out to be the day. I took the nearside cap off the top of the stanchion and the spring stuck out about 3/4". The other stanchion, the spring was below by about 1/2". Both springs are the same length on the bench, so something is amiss. I will find out though.
I removed the front wheel and mudguard and then dismantled the fork legs. The oil seal shrouds unscrewed beautifully with a c spanner. There seems to be a seal halfway down inside the seal holder. Does the seal housing separate and if so how?
In the course of the strip down I noticed the nearside stanchion had a runout when rotated. I put it up in the lathe and it runs out about 3/8" being "bent" at the point of the lower yoke. I intend to straighten it as I have straightened many a shaft etc over the years being an engineer by profession. However, I will not compromise and if I can't get it running true will replace. I assume it's ok just to replace the one? Shame really as there is no play in the bushes and apart from the damage - which I can't imagine how it happened but before I got it, all is in very good order. It much have been like that for a while as I noticed on the 2007 MOT is said rubbing on the fork seal housing was evident but not an issue. The bike was stored for many years after that.
Any thoughts and comments re the seal arrangement or stanchion would be appreciated.
Rick
Update.
I've managed to separate the parts of the seal holder and cover. They were a gentle interference fit. I notice I have 2 oil seals per leg i.e. one in the cover and one in the screwed seal retainer. Investigations show that they're later forks as earlier forks only had one seal.
I sorted the mystery re the spring sticking out the ns fork leg. The seating washer wouldn't fit over the restrictor rod spigot. It had just jammed on top. Easily remedied.
Getting there.
Update 2
Got the stanchion running with 0.039" TIR as an excercise. I'm sure that would probably be acceptable on the road but have decided to replace as the seal journal was worn out of round.
I assume it's ok to replace the one stanchion or should they done in pairs? The other one is in very good condiition. No weeps. Seals tight and no play in bushes.