78 hondamatic hawk 400 leaking oil like crazy?

[merc4now]

Hey guys picked up another project ontop of all the ones I have 1978 Honda cb400A hondamatic Hawk. but this one may be ready to ride in a few weeks provided this oil leak isn't anything more then the oil filter gasket leaKing, here's a few pics of when I picked it up... once again I'm not the lucky ass guy who gets one for free but for a few hundred I'd like to play with a 2 speed scooter in motorcycle form. Pulled the carbs and they werent bad at all but i think someone tried cleaning them and put cable on backwards. Although now it's not smooth and has to be pushed back to idle so I guess cables will come fully off and lubed up to see if that helps. My main concern before I test drive it is the oil leak from the i filter area. Pulled it off checked it out, looked good clean no goughes. rubber seal didn't look worn but I did note that it wasn't even close to being above the casing if held level like it was recessed and it's a flat contact.

 

[merc4now]

Not digging the seat or the crazy windjammer.

 

[merc4now]

So anyone ever used RTV around a engine casing area thats directly related to the oil filter sump area? I don't mean a drip or too once it's running it's a mess. I tried cleaning as best I could and trying to pinpoin leak but it's got to be the oil filter casing or what ever the casing is above it.

 

[cxman]

you might have the wrong length filter bolt or filter housing

 

[merc4now]

Side note and far in the futre any ideal if a cb450 will bolt right in as I have one awating rebuild.

 

[merc4now]

it's chinches up pretty tight, but that's true could be PO wa very vague said he tried chaning oil and figured he just pinched the seal, but no such luck. is this casing so common it could be mized with another?

 

[Brodie]

If the seal is just an o-ring get a thicker one that does sit above the casting recess. Should do the trick.
Personally I would not use RTV near the oil filter.

 

[merc4now]

It's an odd quarter circle triangle deal.

 

[merc4now]

New seal solved the problem easy enough.

Now on to tires and sizes. I picked up a cheap reaplacement for the front (guy bought some then decided he wanted a more original look which is cool but I actually need this a a spare commuter for now). Thing is I cant find a good rear. I found a awesome deal on a brand new (wrongly ordered 120/70 S18 avon for $100 maybe cheaper, but will that fit and allow chain and such to function safely?