Leaking Primary?? HELP!
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta
Leaking Primary?? HELP!
So I found the second drop of oil on the floor after a long ride on Monday. The fluid is grayish, almost gear-oil looking. I recently changed my trans to ShockProof (which is red so unless the old that was left over is hiding the red I do not think thats it, right???) Also, just changed motor oil which still looks clean, so this leaves primary. Does that make sense for it to be a grayish color? I know you need to know where its coming from but I need to put it on a lift or something to see under there. Looks like its under the left side or left-rear-middleish side haha of the motor. From what I am describing should I start with thinking it is the primary fluid?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 97
From: Northern VA
First thing to do is clean everything down there with some degreaser, like Simple Green Aircraft
. It's safer on metals.
Then go for a ride, get it on the lift, and get in there with a good flashlight. If it is leaking, there are several places it can come from. It could be the shifter jackshaft, or the starter, or the inner primary, or the main drive gear (2 seals here. .). Any of these could drip down to the primary.
Then go for a ride, get it on the lift, and get in there with a good flashlight. If it is leaking, there are several places it can come from. It could be the shifter jackshaft, or the starter, or the inner primary, or the main drive gear (2 seals here. .). Any of these could drip down to the primary.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 97
From: Northern VA
You can read through my (mis)adventures here: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...l#post11989208
Keeping in mind I have a 6 speed and slightly different primary than you.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,132
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From: South Carolina
First make sure it is not engine oil leaking down from a rocker box or base gasket.
You could drain your primary and refill with automatic transmission fluid, if the primary is leaking there will be no question (ATF will work fine in the primary).
The important thing is don`t jump in and remove the primary and replace seals and re assemble, only to find out the leak is actually coming from the transmission. Be sure the problem is only the primary.
Since you serviced the transmission with Pepto Bismol (EDIT: actually serviced with shockproof), you should know pretty quickly if the transmission is the culprit.
The simple green aircraft cleaner is great stuff.
You could drain your primary and refill with automatic transmission fluid, if the primary is leaking there will be no question (ATF will work fine in the primary).
The important thing is don`t jump in and remove the primary and replace seals and re assemble, only to find out the leak is actually coming from the transmission. Be sure the problem is only the primary.
Since you serviced the transmission with Pepto Bismol (EDIT: actually serviced with shockproof), you should know pretty quickly if the transmission is the culprit.
The simple green aircraft cleaner is great stuff.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 28, 2014 at 12:51 PM.
i wouold bet the bank on shifter shaft seal, you can feel behind the inner primary and see oil there or feel it, as stated clean then ride and check.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 266
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From: Atlanta
Thanks for the help guys, I gotta trace this down as I cant stand the thought of my bike leaking!
If it is the shifter shaft seal, where is this and which fluid would this be leaking? Primary fluid or trans fluid?
If it is the shifter shaft seal, where is this and which fluid would this be leaking? Primary fluid or trans fluid?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,132
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From: South Carolina
Kustrud, I misread your first post, I thought you were running Redline Heavy Shockproof in the transmission, the stuff that looks like Pepto Bismol...when that stuff leaks it is easy to spot.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 28, 2014 at 12:52 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Southern Oregon
If you dont have a lift and your bike is too low to lay on your back and look under get a mirror and a flashlight. Gray indicates oil- water contamination. Whens the last time you changed your fluids... Do you do a lot of short trips or ocassional startups during storage months? Start by checking around all your drain plugs and change your lubes if it has been awhlie since ladt service