07 KX450F Fork Leg Leaking from bottom

[abramztnk]

Gent,
I did not see any threads on this one.  I bought a used 07 and discovered that the right fork leg is leaking from the cartridge side.  Anybody had this problem and what do I need to do to fix it.  Expensive?  I don't have a Allen wrench that big, to just try to tighten it.

Thanks,

Tank

[KXcam22]

Abr,
  A leak shows that the base valve is loose. You will have to tighten it.  Hopefully the thin copper washer inside is intact (it most likely will be).  Don't sweat the large allen wrench, you can build one easy.  Take a reaonably long metric bolt with a bolt head large enough to fit. I recall the size is 14mm.  Then double-nut or even tripple-nut the threaded end of the bolt and then you can use a socket and ratchet to tighten.  Hope this helps. Cam.

explanation: double-nut is where you take two nut, put them on a threaded shaft and tighten them against each other so they don't spin on the shaft. Thripple nut is the same with a 3rd nut added.  Cam.

[Larry Wiechman]

abramztnk,
 You a run and gun tank driver?
 
Sometimes when you try to tighten the base valve bolt with hand tools, the valve inside will just spin. Get a cheap set of hex bit sockets form Harbor Freight (#93193/98229) for $12.99, even less if you grab a 20% off coupon out of the back of a Cycle World mag.
A quick shot with an air impact will usually pull it tight if no one has used LocTite on the bolt.
 
Larry

[abramztnk]

Gents, I really appreciate the info.  I will try the bolt.

Yes, have spent 20 years as a tanker, though the last few years not on tanks.  I fancy myself as more a Cavalryman, but since I commanded a tank platoon in war and a Tank company in peace....I cannot downplay my love of 70 tons of "Death-spitting Steel".

Thanks again, Fellows.

[abramztnk]

I used a bolt (13mm) and tightened it just like you said.  Worked like a champ.  48 hours, no leak.  Thanks.