Alton Primary Oil Leak... Finally found

olympus

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Hi all, i think i have finally located where this allusive & bloody annoying primary oil leak is coming from, like a lot of things on the Norton due to installation/location of components observation/operation of components can be at times extremely limited & difficult.
But with the aid of a small torch & mirror positioned against the cradle & between the inner primary housing i spotted this. (2 pictures)
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It appears that ATF is dripping from either the starter motor or the intermediate gear housing, its then dropping onto the alternator cables and running down the inner primary case & forming a small pool on the floor.
After speaking with Laurent at Alton, he suggests that some oil leaking in this area is quite possible due to there being so seals, joints, gaskets or "O" rings around the intermediate shaft or housing, and when they've had returned units its not unusual to have oil run out of the starter motor housing!!
Now i understand that some lubrication is required to the intermediate gears and this may enter the starter, but having it leaking out like i have isn't right?

Can i ask of forum members who have the Alton system fitted, Do you have any leaks, or dampness on the underside of the intermediate case??
I'd be interested to know as Alton are wanting the inner case & starter motor back for investigation ....and at my cost!!.... which isn't cheap. This is when i wish I'd kept the box & packaging.
My other option is to discuss the warranty position with RGM from whom i bought it, but i think there'll have slippery shoulders on the matter and get me to deal direct with Alton..... either way a large box, packaging and cost will be involved
 
I have an Alton fitted and have no leakage of ATM from the primary case. Try 5 oz rather than 7 oz . When I had to open
it up due to little fiber pins shearing, I found ATM dripping everywhere inside the primary. The intermediate gears are used
so little that worrying about their lubrication isn’t necessary.
 
Can i ask of forum members who have the Alton system fitted, Do you have any leaks, or dampness on the underside of the intermediate case??

I installed an Alton E-start in 2012, no leaks associated with it so far...
 
Just as an update on my oil leaking Alton primary housing
After a lengthy conversation with Laurent at Alton, the primary housing has been removed, boxed up and today has been sent back to France for investigation/rectification..... and this is where i wish I'd retained the original box & packaging it came with:oops:
I will keep you posted with progress
Alton Primary Oil Leak... Finally found
 

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Can you remove the "triangular plate" to inspect the surfaces and carefully examine if the surfaces flawed or porous or ?
I see brass bush and shaft, Is there a seal on it ? The picture is not clear as to the whole picture. For sealing surfaces Yamabond and similar sealers are great and for porous or serious stuff and cracks, JB weld. I would definitely do what I had to do to expose hidden surfaces and seals that are hidden or under different parts first. All the exposed machined surfaces are quite rough/ crude, I can see many ways for oil to leak from the surfaces if they are not sealed.
 
Alton are of the initial opinion that after a lengthy chat & reviewing many photos i sent them, that the idler shaft and or bushing (which you can see) are not to tolerance and this is where the oil is leaking from... it appears there is no seal or "O" ring to stop oil from leaking out, so the tight tolerance is important
 
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