Hi Knurl, Ive got that seal mate that I use to good effect, but I believed it was the seal itself that was the issue. There was no bug residue when I stripped it.
The issue is Ive been having seals going left right and center on my bike, from the valve cover to the water pump weep hole so I decided Ill replace the fork seal too. I had one of the early F3s. The items were going a little spongy so better to replace.
Wasnt a biggie, much easier than duel chamber fork.
Thanks silentservice, Ive got the manual hence my reference to a washer in each fork leg. Im not sure why the factory would have "forgoten" to put one of the washers in? That was the purpose of my post.
Anyway, Ive assembled it again the way I found it with new green SKF fork seals (nicer than the crappy marzochi ones). Motorex oil and Fingers crossed that it wont need the washer on the LHS.
I see the F3 800 also has green fork seals now so maybe MV learnt something.
I do recommend everyone does the front wheel bearings soon, mine were really dry so good thing I caught it in time!
Need to do the rear bearings now.