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Well, I went for a ride (2019 SGS, Stage II) yesterday but before I pulled out my clutch wasn't releasing so I checked the fluid and it was low. Topped it off, got the bubbles out as best I could and clutch/shift all good. I get back from a nice ride about an hour later, no issues. Clutch worked fine, transmission shifted good. This am, I noticed a puddle of fluid (maybe a cup spread out) below the transmission, drivers side. A few more tiny (dollar size) drops on the concrete below the passenger side slip on. It had fluid on the underside. The cross pipe is discolored and slick with fluid. I check the oil, and it is full. I check the transmission dip stick, nothing, not even wet. The only thing I can see is most of the fluid came from above the cross member plate below the transmission/engine. The passenger side bolts/cover to the transmission are dry so no leak there. Any thoughts? Not sure when the leak occurred on the ride, how long I rode with low/no oil or if the transmission is toast.
I posted this under HD Engines, M8 but then thought, this is a transmission issue so posting here.
Well, I went for a ride (2019 SGS, Stage II) yesterday but before I pulled out my clutch wasn't releasing so I checked the fluid and it was low. Topped it off, got the bubbles out as best I could and clutch/shift all good. I get back from a nice ride about an hour later, no issues. Clutch worked fine, transmission shifted good. This am, I noticed a puddle of fluid (see pic) below the transmission, drivers side. A few more tiny (dollar size) drops on the concrete below the passenger side slip on. The slip-on is coated with fluid on the underside. The cross pipe is discolored and slick with fluid. I checked the oil, and it's full. I checked the transmission dip stick, nothing, not even wet. The only thing I can see is most of the fluid came from above the cross member plate below the transmission/engine. The passenger side bolts/cover to the transmission are dry so no leak there. Any thoughts? Not sure when the leak started on the ride, how long I rode with low/no oil or if the transmission is toast.
Who changed the trans fluid last? I don't let shops do mine now - the dealer cross threaded the oil drain plug and an indy shop cracked the transmission pan. I use Teflon paste per my FSM so I torque by feel as a torque wrench would overtighten - Never had an issue that way.
I know the newer bikes have fluid transfer issues so it may be that but the cases are delicate.
Last edited by Ultra103; Dec 22, 2024 at 03:35 PM.
Have you gotten down on the floor and looked up, or used a mirror to see where it is wet? You could tell that way far better than any of us looking at your picture.
Ultra - Had the dealer change fluids a year ago. No leaks until yesterday. The fluid transfer issue was repaired via a breather vent tube a few years back.
BT - Yes. The engine forward of the oil drain plug is a little wet but not bad. The transmission drain plug area as well as the oil drain plug are wet. It appears really wet around the transmission base. I checked the tightness of the trans plug. It was tight but I was able to turn it less than a 1/4 turn to tighten. Not sure if that loosened position was enough to cause all the fluid to come out that fast. The belt isn't wet either.
1. Doubt that your transmission suffered any if it had fluid to leak when you got back.
2. Prudent thing to do is put a pan under it and pull the transmission drain plug and see what comes out.
3. Inspect the drain plug magnet to see if there are any large flakes, if not and only minor stuff, would not worry.
4. Inspect oil ring as stated above and get a new one.
5. Clean area thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect with a mirror and good flashlight for any cracks etc. around the drain plug.
6. Check all transmission cover mounting screws to ensure they are tight within spec. Use a mirror and a flashlight.
7. It is a pain but you should check the torque on the transmission pan bolts/screws to ensure none are loose. NOTE:
The above information, while credible, is worth what you paid for it and should not be considered gospel.
Do due diligence, research and have a H-D Field Service Manual before working on your bike.
You will probably have many opinions and suggestions presented; make sure you research the person providing the helpful information as there are some who provide good information that is useful and some who speak out of other orifices with gibberish. You will figure out this quickly.
Boy that sucks, like others said, check that primary make sure it's good, then pull that trany plug like Cool said, replace o-ring top off properly, use proper torque. Clean everything underneath real good then see what ya got. Seems like a lot of fluid for a drain plug seeping. Hope it's that easy for ya, what a pita these bikes sometimes. After you run it again you should know what's up after checking fluids again and looking underneath. Keep us posted.
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Transmission Dry
