I purchased my 1980 FLH Shovel last year after it sat for several years. I switched over to Synthetic Oil when I changed the oil. At the end of last riding season the bike started leaking pretty bad. Is the primarly inner and outer covers usually to blame for this? I saw a kit to replace those gaskets on JPcycle for around $40... Also are there any tips to keep it from leaking once these are replaced? I know people say ALL shovels leak, just wondering what has worked best for people. All input is appreciated.

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I have heard that synthetic oils cause more leaks than dino oil. Put it back in the the leaks slow down again. Personally, I have no use for synthetic oils. JMHO,YMMV, etc.

Bob

 

My experience has been that the primary is usually pretty easy to seal up and not what leaks (at least, less frequently than the trans). Usually, the trans is the source of leaks for me. The mainseal or the little skinny seal between the input and main drive gear shafts. It is not too bad a job but its been a while for me so I'd better not try to go through all the steps (there are a few tricks to getting it to seal up)...I'd probably miss/forget something and you would still have a leak. I'm sure there is a thread in the DIY section for the tranny leak issue. You will still need all the seal/gasket stuff for the primary if you have to go after a tranny leak.
You have a nice looking bike, I would not tolerate it leaking.

 

Very nice bike. I have heard the same about synthetic oils on older motors.Theory being that the sythetic oil cleans out the residue created by normal oilthat prevents would be leaks. Don't know how much truth there is to that though because I have never used synthetic. If it is the case though, doesn't sound like replacing the synthetic with normal oil will help.

Mine did leak from the outer primary gasket when I bought the bike, but replaced theprimary chain with belt shortly after I bought the bike. Best case to find your leak is to clean itwell with a degreaser and then look to see where its leaking overnight and then after each ride.

 

Thanks for the input, I think while I have it apart I will seal off the primary like most suggest. I will definetly look at the Tranny and see if that is what is leaking, I didn't even think of that!

I can't ride it right now cause it is COLD!!!
Plus one of my plans is to replace the gas tank since, it is pretty bad on the inside, and have the whole bike painted. New tank came with the bike last year.

 

Hi Tim

Nice looking bike. I remember your post before you bought it.

I think you got a good deal. My 2 cents, get a beaded gasket.

I also use a thin bead of permatex gasket sealer. Sealing the

tranny is easy, and does not cost much. Getting to the

transmission is the hardest part.

 

How does a beaded gasket compare to a regular gasket??
I ordered a trans and primary gasket set from JPcycles already..UUGH..

 

Probably just as good as beaded, if you run a bead of permatex

(I use Ultra Copper) on both sides of the gasket. I use beaded

gasket and sealant just to be sure. A quick tip. If you use a

gasket sealer. Buy a 3/16" dowel rod (cost 50 cents) Put a

small piece in every primary hole, to hold the gasket and guide

the cover on. Makes it a lot easier and less mess.

 

Ah, ok... Good advise, thanks...
My next questions is which permatex to use... Ultra copper it is...

 

Nice ride to begin with as I too bought an 80/80 last spring. It would leak profusily and sling the fluid about from the rear wheel. I thought it was the primary as well but to find out it was the trans seal. The seal is a very thin seal and should be replaced to minimize the leakage. I put on a beaded gasket on the primary and it helped there but the leak was from the transcheck your trans fluid and see if it isn't low. My bet it is. I agree NOT to use synthetic fluids on this bike as it does tend to leak more. I removed and replaced all seals and gaskets from the trans out and now for the time it has no leaks. Good luck