Looks to me like I've got a leak around that primary drain plug. Noticed it a couple of months ago, but it's a very, very small leak, so I haven't worried about it. Just changed the fluids last night and noticed that there was crusty teflon tape on the primary drain plug from the last owner. I got most of that off and screwed it back in without any teflon tape. Took a 200 mile ride today and the leak is still there.

Does that teflon tape stuff work well? Do you guys suggest I fix it that way or are there other ways? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

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Teflon tape is the deal. Best if you don't over do it (2.5 wraps) and by all means don't wrap it backwards, else it'll just unwind itself as you screw the plug into the threads. And whatever you leave hanging beyond the inner (magnet) end of the plug will stay in the cover and build up over time - but no big deal, just clean it out whenever you have the primary off.

Cool, thanks. I think I'll have to take care of this soon.

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FYI...make sure you take a good look at this leak. I also had a leak that I thought was coming from the primary drain plug but found out it was actually coming from the derby cover. It was running down from the bottom of the cover and onto the plug so it looked like it was coming from the plug. Only a few drips after a ride because the fluid would splash onto the inside of the derby cover and alittle bit would leak past the oring for the cover. The fluid is pretty much clear so it was hard to see against the chrome when it would run from the cover to the plug. Just a thought......

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Take a look at the primary drive sprocket.Is it leaking from that area and running down.Did you over fill your primary or tranny?

I definitely didn't overfill the primary or tranny. It's very possible that the leak is from somewhere else, but just appears to be from the primary drain plug. That's the lowest spot around there and leaks from other areas could run down to that spot and make it look like it's the drain plug (that wasa great point, Tbird.)

Like I said, this tiny leak was around before I changed the fluids Friday night, so I didn't introduce it.

Okay, this will sound weird and could be totally unrelated, but I'll mention it anyway. When I noticed this leak months ago, I added a little more primary fluid and somehow the leak seemed to stop? Then when I changed the fluid, I put in the recommended amount. I'm tempted to add a little more and see if that stops the leak again. Does that make sense AT ALL or is it just a coincidence that the leak stopped after I added more fluid?

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When you added a bit more, did you add it through the derby cover or the inspection cover?
Sounds like you got the o-ring or gasket to seal beter that time, and there is possibly where your leak is coming from.

Check your transmission pulley to make sure it isn't loose. When the bike is upright and the mainseal is good it doesn't leak, but on the sidestand a little oil will seep past the quad seal behind the pulley spacer. If it is leaking upgrade to the pulley with longer splines and a shorter spacer and all new seals. Harley has a kit with all the necessary parts.

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AJ

I added it through the derby cover. What you said makes complete sense and for some reason, I never thought of that. Thanks!

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Teflon tape on drain plug...If it's the newer style primary cover with the 5 bolt derby, there is an o-ring on the drain plug.