| Author | Message | ||
     Bernd |
Generally I don't bother wheelying my street bikes, but it was just one of those days I guess. After about a 1/2 dozen first gear throttle wheelies (bouncing off the rev limiter, ouch) I noticed much oil leaking down the left side primary cover. After cleaning it off and riding home with my tail between my legs there was no more leak. Put the bike in for winter after that. It appears to be coming from around the starter motor. Anybody want to hazard a guess? | ||
| Hippyjoe |
What kind of oil was it? If you have over 28 oz in the primary it will tend to puke out the alternator plug and puddle up below the starter. If you blew a fork seal landing wheel stands the wind may have blown fork oil back on the bike. You may have a leak at the top of the oil bag above the primary where the breather hose plugs in. Those would be my guesses. Hope it helps. | ||
| Bernd |
Thanx Hippyjoe, not fork oil but the other ones I'll check out. | ||
| Buellistic |
First of all forget about what some say about the capacity of the transmission, either 1 quart or 28 oz. ... The proper level for the trans. oil or lube is with the bike on level ground and in the up-right position, the oil or lube should just touch the bottom of the SPRING,diaphragm(clutch) ... | ||
| Bad_karma |
Berni I would assume the leak is from either the transmission vent or the starter gasket. The new starter gaskets are nice and will seal it up tight. Maybe a new clamp or hose if it is coming from the transmission vent. Joe | ||
| Mr_wizard |
oh yea that starter gasket is a lot of fun to do! Uhg | ||
| Bernd |
Thanx for the tips everybody. Gasket is on order. This'll be my first task on the new elcheapo hydraulic work table. Possibly I will be erect when I'm done. | ||
| Hippyjoe |
Easy way to remove some primary fluid is pull the clutch cover, flip the kickstand up, lean her over and drain out the fluid until the level's right. If you're going to replace the fluid altogether then 28 oz. is about what it takes. If somebody dumped a full quart in there before then it'll tend to leak at the alternator plug. Just getting the level right will keep it from puddling, although it will still probably seep out. I'd check the level, dry off the top of the case under the starter, and ride it for a bit and keep an eye on it to see for sure where it's coming from before pulling things apart. Really you should dry off everyplace that's wet, get in there with a can of brakeleen and some air so you can be sure where it's coming from. At one point Sanchez or somebody used talcum powder or something and found a mysterious engine leak. Also in my experience synthetic "super lubes" tend to blow past Harley seals, I've always had good results with Harley oil but everyone has a different idea about that. Good luck. | ||
| Buellistic |
Do not forget that the the primary sprocket drive shaft SEAL PN 35151-74A does go bad ... If you are running anything but engine oil in you transmission, "IT WILL GET INTO YOUR ENGINE" if this seal goes bad !!! | ||
| Bernd |
Wow, thanx guys. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Yea Hippyjoe reminded me of the alternator cable plug, could be the source also, and would be easy to inspect and/or seal with the starter out of the way.  View from the inside showing starter bolts and alternator plug  Alternator plug viewed from outside primary case Joe | ||
| Bernd |
thumbs up, this should be no problem to solve btw I love the way the parts book is layed out....easy peasy to find that oul seal | ||
| Hippyjoe |
Well if you're hell-bent on pulling the primary cover you may as well look into updating your clutch plates. If your bike was made before July 00 you can expect to replace the tensioner while you're in there. Again I'd try to determine just where it's leaking before tearing into it though.... | ||
| Buellistic |
Be sure to adjust your primary chain to 3/4 inch on the tight spot ... The FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL is wrong ... There are those that are going to say 3/4 inch is too loose, "WELL" the proof of the pudding is if the PLASTIC on the adjusted shoe is grooved, it is obvious to the most casual observer that the primary chain has or is being adjusted TOO TIGHT !!! |
