850 Fork Oil Seal

Which way is "up" for the fork oil seal: metal surface or rubber surface? The shop manual does not give direction on this "implicit" matter.

While we are at it, what is the purpose of the paper gasket that goes under the seal?

Cheers to all!
Stephen

The rubber side goes towards the oil.

I think that paper washer was originally some kind of oil deflector.

Greg

There may be an exception somewhere in the world but on oil seals with a "closed" side and an "open" side, (like the oem commando seal) the open side goes toward where the oil is located that you trying to prevent from leaving.

Thanks Greg & Mexico Mike,
Simple enough. I don't install many such seals so your advice is appreciated!
Stephen

MexicoMike said:

There may be an exception somewhere in the world but on oil seals with a "closed" side and an "open" side, (like the oem commando seal) the open side goes toward where the oil is located that you trying to prevent from leaving.

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Huh? I've always put them the other way, maybe that's why I've never much luck getting them to seal. I've removed previously installed ones from a couple bikes, my 850 Commando and a 650 SS and I'm pretty sure they were installed with the cupped end pointing up. That is, they were installed so that they would hold liquid in them, if you poured it on them. I've had better luck with the leak-proof brand seals.

-Eric