*** 1984 Honda 200es rear differential question ***

[bkvette3]

Hello all,

Quick question - what causes the rear differential oil to drip out of the differential overflow tube??? :wondering I did not overfill the oil at the last oil change. Thanks in advance.

[tripledog]

I am not sure what causes it, but several shaft driven motorcycles that I have owned displayed the same problem when the air temperature dipped below 40 or 50 degrees (f).

[Chopsaw]

Does it have a vent ? If so maybe the vent is glogged .

[bkvette3]

Does it have a vent ? If so maybe the vent is glogged .

Hello Chopsaw - correct me if I am wrong. On my '84 200es, there is a tube that comes from the differential that goes up to the left side of the rear grab bar/ left rear fender area. This is the tube where I noticed drips of differential fluid coming from. Yellow fluid with that distinctive gear lube smell. I thought this was the vent or is this just an overflow tube??? What should I be looking for??? I appreciate the help/advice.

[leevarnado]

its a vent.

[coolpool]

From my experience and based on sound advice I got from this site, that diff takes a very small amount of oil, approx 3oz (check your manual) and no more. Don't fill it to the top of the threaded opening like most other machines. It will puke it out until it's at a happy level.

[leevarnado]

i fill my diffs with grease.

[bkvette3]

i fill my diffs with grease.

I use Honda SAE 80W90 hypoid gear oil in my differential.

[Devilsclaw]

It's actually the final drive gearbox as Hondas don't have differentials, and as someone else pointed out, it is a vent not an overflow tube. Several things can cause fluid to come out of the vent. Probably the most common is water being introduced which increases the level, but we hope that isn't the case. Extremely cold temps can make the gear oil "sling" more and hits the vent and exits. Of course overheating can cause it too. Extending the vent usually solves most of this type of problem with gearboxes. Good luck getting it fixed!

[Chopsaw]

7.4 oz of 80 weight gear oil is what the manual says . So if you put more than that , like coolpool said it will puke it out until its at the correct level .

[750mikeb]

Mine did that when cold I used auto 80 w 90 went to synthetic and it has not done it since