Bike: 2000 XL1200 sporty
In my process of changing all my control lines to SS a few weeks ago i changed out my stock vinyl clutch cable to a Stainless steel version. Looks great but it leaked oil from the start small drips amounting to 2" circle at the end of the day. At first i thought it had some tortional force on it causing it to loosen after riding it. I initially installed it loosely on the clutch cover and mounted it on the bars than tightened it all up. This theory was due to it being loose by a 1/4 turn everytime i checked it. Last week I took if off the bars loosened it up and applied Blue thread lock to the threads going to the clutch cover, inspected the O-ring and was in good shape.

It still leaks now but only the size of a quarter each day and only when its on the stand and the oil is againt the inspection cover. ARRRRRRRRGGGGG

My buddy told me that it is normal for SS lines to leak like that? I don't think that is the case but would like to hear from others. This was a new cable that i got off ebay at a great price (that could be it also). The cable also does not have a clear vinyl coating on the outside.

thanks for your input and suggestions.

 

Is it the fitting to the cover that's leaking or the cable itself ?

 

I believe it is the line that is leaking but really hard to tell i will need to look at it more tonight and get back to you.

 

Where are your oil levels at? Are you actually getting low because you're losing oil? Could be just blow-off from over-filling too, in which case the "leak" could be getting smaller and occurring only when the bike is on the stand at this point because your level is now getting closer to where it actually should be. Just something to think about....

 

ratbike Mike,
That was a thought I also had my only counter to the logic was it didn't happen with the vinyl line. The oil level is about half way up the clutch plate on the usable cluch surface.

 

Could be a defective line or o-ring then, even though it looks to be ok. Pretty common problem (though I wouldn't call it "normal"). I'd consider putting a new o-ring in and/or add a little RTV 108 to help seal it. If that doesn't work, see if the seller will exchange it.

 

I'll try that thanks

 

looks like it is coming from between the casing and the fitting that screws into the cover. I'll seal off the screw in part as you suggested. do you thing putting clear shrink tube on the bottom half of cable.

 

WooHooo looks like i got it stopped. It still has a little on the line but no drops on the floor since 2 days ago. It was a combination of being to full and the fitting not being screwed into the clutch housing enough. Lets hope this continues and no more leak. Thanks Rat Bike Mike for the input.

 

Cool. Glad ya got it under control.