B33 Fork Seal & Holder Issues

[brackenfel]

Dear All,
It's been quite a while since I was here so apologies for my absence!   As you can guess I need some advice or to benefit from your experience...
1954 B33.. A while ago I hit a rock in the road kindly dumped by a local quarry which took out my front wheel rim (but luckily I managed to stay upright!)..
I did a typical "while I am at it" job, the fork seals had been leaking gently so I thought I would replace them at the same time as getting the wheel sorted..  New seals went in and in no time they were leaking worse than the original ones. One leg is worse than the other - strangely on the one with the slightly  better stanchion!

The seal were the metal encased type , the originals were just rubber.
The holder threads were wrapped in PTFE to attempt to seal them.

The holders have what looks like a join in the area where the seal fits - I am not sure if it really is a join or not. The holders do however seem to be leaking from this area. In theory the "join" should be above the seal and therefore dry..

3 questions please :-

1) has anyone else had this trouible?
2) Which seals are best - metal case or rubber?
3) Supplier Recommendations please for a decent pair of seals and / or holders..

Many thanks,
Adrian
Bristol UK

[RDfella]

Have fitted many forks / oil seals to BSA's over the decades, the last time during my GF restoration. I fitted stainless fork seal holders but, despite sealing the threads, they leak badly. I suspect the seal is not being clamped properly by the holder. Maybe the recess is too deep? Can't be bothered at present to look into it, but probably will when I get to strip the engine again to fit new conrods. BTW, I prefer rubber seals as I believe they seal better on the outside.

[chaterlea25]

Hi All
I use double lip rubber seals, these help keep the water out

John

[brackenfel]

Thanks for the replies so far, appreciated...
I'll try and find some all rubber seals and maybe have a word with Draganfly - I don't really want to be doing tis job for a third time..

Cheers,
Adrian
Bristol UK