Oil Leak from Push Rod Area
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 1,884
Start simlpe, drop your push rod tubes, make sure o rings are not pinched. Clean o rings as best you can. Reinstall tubes. If the oil is coming from tappet blocks try snugging up bolts. If all else fails, new lifters and cam time.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 57
The Harley manual says to use locktite on the rocker cover bolts. Do you guys do this?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 234
Likes: 320
From: Netherlands
yes. Loctite and the correct torq
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
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From: SW Ohio
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 255
From: From Long Island, now in So. Cal
I also had a minor leak that I thought was coming from the pushrod tubes, turned out to be the rocker cover gasket to the heads. Take a closer look at the forward side of the lower rocker box to the head for any wetting / seepage .
Rocker Box Oil Leak:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showt...eferrerid=9012
.
Rocker Box Oil Leak:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showt...eferrerid=9012
.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 57
Just replaced the lower o-rings on the push rod tubes. There was no point in replacing all three as the leak was definitely coming from down low. Also tightened up the four bolts on the lifter cover. They were really loose - barely more than finger tight. The Harley manual calls out for 90-120 in-lbs which isn't very much and there is not room to even get a socket on the back two bolts.. Barely enough for a small allen wrench. Using a small allen wrench I just applied my favorite german torque spec - 'gundentite'. Maybe I should have replace the gasket, but just tried tightening up the bolts. Worst case - I get to do it again. I also checked the breather valve.
Everything seemed OK. I foam filter was not plugged up and the rubber 'valve' seemed pliable enough. Was not sure what else to check for so I just reinstalled.
Have not had time to ride the bike yet but after I get a couple of miles I'll post of this took care of it or not.
Everything seemed OK. I foam filter was not plugged up and the rubber 'valve' seemed pliable enough. Was not sure what else to check for so I just reinstalled.
Have not had time to ride the bike yet but after I get a couple of miles I'll post of this took care of it or not.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 57
Just replaced the lower o-rings on the push rod tubes. There was no point in replacing all three as the leak was definitely coming from down low. Also tightened up the four bolts on the lifter cover. They were really loose - barely more than finger tight. The Harley manual calls out for 90-120 in-lbs which isn't very much and there is not room to even get a socket on the back two bolts.. Barely enough for a small allen wrench. Using a small allen wrench I just applied my favorite german torque spec - 'gundentite'. Maybe I should have replace the gasket, but just tried tightening up the bolts. Worst case - I get to do it again. I also checked the breather valve.
Everything seemed OK. I foam filter was not plugged up and the rubber 'valve' seemed pliable enough. Was not sure what else to check for so I just reinstalled.
Have not had time to ride the bike yet but after I get a couple of miles I'll post of this took care of it or not.
Everything seemed OK. I foam filter was not plugged up and the rubber 'valve' seemed pliable enough. Was not sure what else to check for so I just reinstalled.
Have not had time to ride the bike yet but after I get a couple of miles I'll post of this took care of it or not.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 57
I also had a minor leak that I thought was coming from the pushrod tubes, turned out to be the rocker cover gasket to the heads. Take a closer look at the forward side of the lower rocker box to the head for any wetting / seepage .
Rocker Box Oil Leak:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showt...eferrerid=9012
.
Rocker Box Oil Leak:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showt...eferrerid=9012
.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 900
From: Philly Suburbs
That seems unlikely to me, but I'm only an expert on my own engine (and not really an "expert"). Maybe it's different with base gaskets, but my cylinders are o-ringed at the base. I don't see how oil could leak there, without the engine barely running. The cylinders are held tight purely by the head bolts. If they were loose, an oil leak at the base wouldn't be your primary concern.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 57
That seems unlikely to me, but I'm only an expert on my own engine (and not really an "expert"). Maybe it's different with base gaskets, but my cylinders are o-ringed at the base. I don't see how oil could leak there, without the engine barely running. The cylinders are held tight purely by the head bolts. If they were loose, an oil leak at the base wouldn't be your primary concern.