Noise after pulling primary
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: Cincinnati
Noise after pulling primary
Hey all. I just pulled the inner and outer primary to add forward controls to my 2010 FXDC. Put everything back together, adjusted the clutch like youre supposed to and now I have an issue. When I pull the clutch lever in, I get like a humming noise. I didnt have it before I pulled the primary. Also the little plug supplied with the HD kit, that goes into the side of the primary cover where the mid control shift arm came out, is leaking like crazy. I put locktite on it before I put it in and let it sit about 24 hours before filling the primary and test riding it. Any ideas on what the humming sound is and how I can get the leak to stop ? Thanks in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 11,080
From: San Diego, CA
Hey all. I just pulled the inner and outer primary to add forward controls to my 2010 FXDC. Put everything back together, adjusted the clutch like you’re supposed to and now I have an issue. When I pull the clutch lever in, I get like a humming noise. I didn’t have it before I pulled the primary. Also the little plug supplied with the HD kit, that goes into the side of the primary cover where the mid control shift arm came out, is leaking like crazy. I put locktite on it before I put it in and let it sit about 24 hours before filling the primary and test riding it. Any ideas on what the humming sound is and how I can get the leak to stop ? Thanks in advance.
There could be many ways to get that humming sound, clutch or primary chain adjustment, to name a few. You can check your work when you remove the outer primary cover to fix the primary oil leak....
That plug just covers an sealed passageway in between the two primary covers. There is no oil in that passageway, nor is that plug supposed to stop any oil...
I suspect you neglected to check and/or replace the small gasket that seals the two primary covers in that passageway. It fits between the outer primary cover and the inner primary cover. I believe it has adhesive on one side to hold it in place (or I'm confusing it with another small gasket). If it was damaged when taken apart, tweaked when put back together, or forgotten altogether.... then primary oil can get into, and leak out of that passageway.
I am referring to gasket #23 in the parts pic below..
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...e3f312ca2deb/y
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 17, 2023 at 09:55 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Pull the outer cover off, clean off the plug, clean the plug hole with some alcohol or some naptha, lacquer thinner, something that won't leave any residue, with the plug reinstalled apply oil resistant RTV/gasket maker sealing the plug from the inside and let it dry, 24 hrs.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 1,190
From: New Hampsha
Hattitude is correct. The plug only keeps dirt out f the passage and makes it look nice. It is otherwise not necessary. The gasket between the two halves of the case keeps oil from getting into the passage.
Last edited by John CC; Aug 17, 2023 at 03:25 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
From: Cincinnati
There could be many ways to get that humming sound, clutch or primary chain adjustment, to name a few. You can check your work when you remove the outer primary cover to fix the primary oil leak....
That plug just covers an sealed passageway in between the two primary covers. There is no oil in that passageway, nor is that plug supposed to stop any oil...
I suspect you neglected to check and/or replace the small gasket that seals the two primary covers in that passageway. It fits between the outer primary cover and the inner primary cover. I believe it has adhesive on one side to hold it in place (or I'm confusing it with another small gasket). If it was damaged when taken apart, tweaked when put back together, or forgotten altogether.... then primary oil can get into, and leak out of that passageway.
I am referring to gasket #23 in the parts pic below..
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...e3f312ca2deb/y
That plug just covers an sealed passageway in between the two primary covers. There is no oil in that passageway, nor is that plug supposed to stop any oil...
I suspect you neglected to check and/or replace the small gasket that seals the two primary covers in that passageway. It fits between the outer primary cover and the inner primary cover. I believe it has adhesive on one side to hold it in place (or I'm confusing it with another small gasket). If it was damaged when taken apart, tweaked when put back together, or forgotten altogether.... then primary oil can get into, and leak out of that passageway.
I am referring to gasket #23 in the parts pic below..
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...e3f312ca2deb/y
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
From: Cincinnati
yeah he is correct. This is my first time doing that amount of work to my bike. And I overlooked that gasket. In my mind it slipped over the mid control shifter. I feel like an idiot 😂
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 11,080
From: San Diego, CA
Not at all...
When doing things for the first time, these kinds of lessons are learned....
We all were new to this stuff at one time.... I know I wouldn't volunteer the stories of many of my lessons...
Look at how much much you learned on just this one job...
Kudos for trying, many just "punt" and take their bikes to a shop... while there's nothing wrong with that, I like doing things for myself...
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 17, 2023 at 07:13 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
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From: Cincinnati
Not at all...
When doing things for the first time, these kinds of lessons are learned....
We all were new to this stuff at one time.... I know I wouldn't volunteer the stories of many of my lessons...
Look at how much much you learned on just this one job...
Kudos for trying, many just "punt" and take their bikes to a shop... while there's nothing wrong with that, I like doing things for myself...
When doing things for the first time, these kinds of lessons are learned....
We all were new to this stuff at one time.... I know I wouldn't volunteer the stories of many of my lessons...
Look at how much much you learned on just this one job...
Kudos for trying, many just "punt" and take their bikes to a shop... while there's nothing wrong with that, I like doing things for myself...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 11,080
From: San Diego, CA
what made me try is Harley wanted over 1500 to do it, I bought the gasket kit, the forwards, and oil and I’m less then half. I also purchased the law abiding bikers video from Ryan urlacher and studied up. I saw the gasket in the kit, and the service manual, but not his video. I figured he knew more than me so I just set that gasket aside while i put it all back together
To save money and for personal satisfaction are big reasons many start working on their bikes. Another reason is when you pay a dealer good money for a job they mess up...
I have a factory service manual, electronic diagnostic manual, and parts catalog for every year/model Harley I own, and have owned in the past...
I also check out several videos when doing a first time job. However, I'm always following the factory service manual as a final word...
Many people will offer advice that doesn't exactly follow the Factory Service Manual. Some is valid, good advice based on technical knowledge and/or experience. Some is not...
Until you gain some knowledge and/or experience to to tell the difference, my advice would be to follow the Factory Service Manual when in doubt....
IMHO, the gasket mistake is minor, but a great learning experience.
Enjoy wrenching on your bike....!
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 18, 2023 at 09:04 AM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 48
Likes: 12
From: Cincinnati
Im gonna go back inside if it in a couple days. Im gonna take the clutch basket and comp off and definitely re torque the clutch basket. I think I got it a little tight. My torque wrench never clicked, but felt like I definitely went past the 80 foot pounds. Im hoping that gasket and that noise is an easy fix. I dont want to cave and go to a shop
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