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Pierced clutch cable, leaking!

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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 12:10 PM
  #11  
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Now you did it ^
 
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by cvaria
not to muddy the water and i still cant prove it but, i'm pretty sure a busted clutch cable let out my sportster primary fluid.

there's no other explanation for it disappearing.
I can't prove it either but after cleaning everything up the fluid still seems to be coming form the clutch cable. Just dropped the bike at the shop this morning, they'll install a longer cable and confirm or deny if the oil coming from the trans.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 02:26 PM
  #13  
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With the positioning of the oil on the clutch cable, and right after the 1k service, I'd have bet a 6-pack that it was oil weeping out of the front mount.

Do keep us updated... very interesting...
 
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 02:48 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by JuanderBoy
I can't prove it either but after cleaning everything up the fluid still seems to be coming form the clutch cable. Just dropped the bike at the shop this morning, they'll install a longer cable and confirm or deny if the oil coming from the trans.
I had this exact same problem and it turned out to be a small cut in the outer sheath of the clutch cable.

I don't over fill and my vents are not blocked. The oil level in your tranny is definitely above where the cable enters the release cover.

Have a look at your service manual, CLUTCH RELEASE COVER. Mine is pages 6.6 through 6.9.

You should also see where it bolts up to called the "Side Door". Note openings directly into the main transmission housing. There is nothing stopping oil getting into the clutch cable at least to the point where it rises above the level of oil in the transmission.

WRAP SOME ELECTRICAL TAPE AROUND THE DAMAGE ON YOUR CABLE AND SEE IF THAT STOPS THE LEAK.

I did that 3K miles ago and haven't seen a drop since. Waiting for a good excuse to change out the cable but not willing to invent one ... :-).
 
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Old Jan 4, 2018 | 07:38 PM
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Yes, the trans oil may travel into the cable sheath. It may rise slightly past the level of the oil in the transmission because of capillary action.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 09:35 AM
  #16  
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I had this happen to me this summer. It ended up being that my clutch cable had rubbed against front engine mount and wore a hole through the outer exposing the actual cable threads.


I took it off from the handlebar housing and put marine grade shrink wrap around the cable and rerouted it, no problems ever since.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2018 | 04:49 PM
  #17  
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Transmission breather is often overlooked when there is a tranny leak from the clutch cable.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2018 | 10:25 AM
  #18  
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humm, a self lubricating clutch cable.... Brilliant!
 
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Old Jan 6, 2018 | 12:28 PM
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I’ve had tranny oil leak out of clutch cables before, the oil level is above the cable entrance.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2018 | 01:48 PM
  #20  
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Mystery solved...

The clutch cable was too short and rubbed against the isolator causing the leak.
The dealer ordered and install a new and longer cable. They honored the 1 year warranty and didn't charge me a dime. That's was cool.

Thanks again for all the replies.
 
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