How big a deal is getting some oil on the front engine mount? I try to catch as much as possible during an oil change, but inevitably some makes it's way down to the mount and frame. The FXD shop service manual doesn't say a thing about it in the oil change section.

 

just try and clean it off as best as you can. If alot is left on, it could lead to early deterioration of the rubber

 

You need to get it off of there. The front mounts are questionable anyway, and oil deteriorates the rubber pretty quickly. I usually take a spray can of citrus based cleaner, give it a good shot down it's chin and rinse thoroughly.

'course I also use rags, and a 32oz pop bottle cut in half at an angle to catch the oil.... along with dropping the voltage regulator so I can get to the area unrestricted.

 

Are front motor mount failures on Dynas common?

 

I just had to replace my front mount at 22,000 mi. and suspect oil as the thing that did the majority of break down. I try to clean it with simple green at oil changes but thats the way it is. But I'll admit that burnouts and wheelies contribute.

 

The front motor mount generally has been found to have a preload on it. So a little oil to aid in deterioration, and you have the mix for a premature failure.

As well as the preload can add to the vibration you feel in your bike.

 

By 'preload' do you mean the rubber mount is under excessive compression and thereby unnecessarily transmits more engine vibration to the frame? The bike vibrates pretty good when it's idling, but it smooths out early at speed.

 

I am hijacking this thread to over here:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...ml#post6451892

Asking about replacing the engine mounts.

 

clean as soon as possible as said before. Harley now sells a nice catch tray for the oil change. Probably good idea to get one for the future. It's only 20 bucks.

 

I just ordered the Front MotorMount Stabilizer, bottom right in this picture, from my local Indy, after telling him I had to replace my front motor mount he said he'd used these on a number of bikes and it made an improvement in the shake at idle and over all smoothness and it took wieght off the mount which should improve the life of the mount. It's in the Custom Chrome cataloge.