OEM Shift Rod Boot: Drain holes?

[kevinm]

I was working on the shift linkage and noticed that the factory shift rod boot (020301261A) has tiny drain holes at the peaks of the shift bellows. I never noticed this before and don't believe the aftermarket parts have this feature.

Here's the factory part:

Note the holes in the bellows. Do you think these are intended to drain water, or instead is it an acknowledgement that the selector shaft seal eventually leaks oil?

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90 Syncro Westy, "Ludwig"

[Sodo]

Interesting observation.
Perhaps Air holes?

This boot would reflate / unflate when you move the shifter left/right real fast in the neutral area of your shift pattern.
Keep in mind some fellers can be “rather energetic” when shifting.
Going from reverse to 1st “real fast” with a couple extra dunka-dunks.
You know the type.
It could just “pull off” the boot - if unable to re-flate.

Never know what kinda funky thing some feller gonna do with his shifter boot.

( feasible….. but written as an “Ode to Duncan” )
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'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb

[E1]

Inflate-deflate makes sense, especially if a cheaper rubber blend that’s prone to cracking.

Or maybe the holes are to get lube in there, though am unsure of orientation… which way’s up?
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If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s

AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans

[MarkWard]

Holes down. Pressure equalizing makes the most sense. The shift shaft seal would have to be completely worn out for it to leak. I doubt the engineers designed a boot with a lube letter outer for a failure well beyond the warranty distance.

[E1]

Thanks Mark.
_________________
If ever twice as rich, we’re gettin’ a double-wide
’84 “Westfailure”/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s

AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans

[zerotofifty]

Yes, water drain holes. That is why there is a hole at each low point assuming you orientate the holes down. If for air only, then the holes would not need placed on each low point. Their location indicates water drainage was a consideration. Point the holes down. Of course water drain holes will also serve for air venting, but for air venting, the holes need not be at each low point.
Dual function.
_________________
Sorry About That Chief.

Give Peace a Chance.

Words to live by.

[Sodo]

At the bottom is the most logical location to clear.
90wt oil would plug the holes (for air) on cold days.

They are likely for both air and oil.

I suspect kevinm is making the connection to water pumps
which almost always have weep holes to inform you that the bearing is getting wobbly and a new waterpump should be planned.
_________________


'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb

[Sodo]

[Van den Broke]

The shifter rod boot on my old Ford Escort has similar holes in it, so I think this is standard engineering practice.

[zerotofifty]