Suzuki GT500 clutch casing oil seal

[badgereng]

I've just noticed the small clutch pushrod oil seal that fits into the clutch cover / casing on my Suzuki GT500 is missing. Not sure if its never been fitted or it fell out when I stripped the engine. Anyway, ordered one and its on the way.

I have no reference as to which way it should fit? The parts diagrams don't show clearly enough. Could anyone help?

a) Does the flat'ish face of the seal with the dimensions on face towards the clutch basket (Lip spring would be closest the engine cover)

OR

b) Does the flat face with the dimensions on butt up to the engine cover (Lip spring closest to the clutch basket)

Appreciate the help..... Cheers

[jsjays1]

I took a look at the parts diagram as well and agree that it's not easy to tell which direction the seal is installed. I believe I placed the spring-side of the seal toward the clutch cover (away from the clutch assembly) on my T350 when I replaced it, but I may have done it incorrectly.

However, I had the idea to check pictures in a few eBay listings for used clutch covers to see if some folks left the seal installed when they posted it up for sale. It looks like all four of these show the spring toward the clutch cover, away from the clutch assembly:

1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/256391210836?_ ... R767l4-kZQ

2. https://www.ebay.com/itm/235676620420?_ ... R_7W9I6kZQ

3. https://www.ebay.com/itm/162404516386?_ ... R_zW9I6kZQ

4. https://www.ebay.com/itm/375630253201?_ ... BM-tb0jqRl

Of course, it's possible they're all installed wrong, but I'd guess most of these used covers have never had that seal messed with.

Hopefully that's of some use to you while you make a decision

Regards,

Jim

[badgereng]

Thanks Jim,,,, you should change your name to Sherlock Holmes

I never thought to look at some used ones on eBay. Great idea.

I normally photograph the living daylights out of the bike(s) I disassemble but I missed that particular pic on both this bike and a previous GT380 rebuild.

I have no idea what the true purpose of that seal is for but it made zero sense fitted in one direction and made some sense in the other.
So, I just went ahead and fitted it when it arrived yesterday as per your thoughts and the eBay pics. Looks like I’m a good guesser

Engine is now back in the bike and moving onto other challenges.

Thanks again for your input and forensic work.

Pete

[jsjays1]

No problem Pete! I've used that eBay trick before to get some difficult to obtain information; it comes in handy!

I think the seal might prevent oil in the transmission/clutch area from leaking back through to the other side of the engine (through the push-rod bore) where the clutch engagement screw is, but it's been several years since I've had one of these engines apart so I'm not 100% confident.

[badgereng]

I did replace the same seal on a 380 about 3 years ago and the bike ran like a dream up to selling it but memories being what they are…… I just can’t remember it’s orientation.

I’ll let you know in a month or so if the choice was a good ‘un. I’m sure it’ll be the least of my concerns.

Thanks again