1988 FLHS been chasing a leak and think I might have and found it. After cleaning and re cleaning the area it looks like oil is seeping very slowly from behind the oil pump. I've double checked all oil lines and fittings, checked torque on all related fasteners ( did find one slightly loose pump mounting bolt on the back side of pump ) but the only place I cannot get to is the side of the pump right next to the engine case. Can anyone tell me what part # 23 , plug and seal, is for? and is there any way it can be got to with out removing the pump? I think this is where my seep is coming from.

 

It's probably the old paper gasket that's leaking

 

the trick to removing and reinstalling the oil pump, is take the front lifter block off and installing a long screwdriver into the case and push the oil pumps drive shaft to the rear of the bike, you can then just pull the pump off the block and it dissembles as you do it, the end clip is a thing to get back on reason for the screwdriver is to hold the shaft in place - seal that bolt and replace the gaskets - rotate the engine around so the keys are ay 2 oclock is best - its tricky to do But if your handy its doable

the second way requires the exhaust and cam cover to come off with all the push rods and related stuff 3 times longer on a dresser at least

 

Either way, I'm going to have to remove the exhaust system at least, then my Carlini torque arm, and a few other parts just to get to that little bitch, probably the trans cover too just to get to the oil lines. Just replaced all the oil lines last winter when I did my trans overhaul, they are a bitch too. This leak started as soon as I changed my oil from 15/50 Mobile 1 SYN to 25/60 Spectro conventional for the summer heat. Oil pressure is higher because of the heavier oil, sure it's causing all the weak spots to show up. UGH, not looking forward to this. So, does anyone know what this " plug " is actually for?

 

I'm not sure what that plug is, but one possibilities is the old primary chain oiler feed. Done away with late '85.

 

Before I go tearing everything apart I'm going to change back to 20/50 conventional oil to see if the oil pressure goes back to normal ie: below 23+ lbs at idle warm. This thing never leaked a drop until I changed to 25/60 Spectro for the summer hot months just to try and quiet the engine down a bit. I know what they say" hope in one hand and **** in the other and see which one fills up first " but I'm hoping going back to a lighter weight oil will help. Dr. Hess, may very well be for the old chain oiler, FSM calls it a " plug."

 

its used to cross drill the inside of the pump and I never seen one leak but always a first time - gasket issues plenty

 

Well I changed out the 25/60 for some good ol 20/50 conventional oil, ran the bike with a big fan blowing on the cylinders ( raining , so I ran it in the shop ) got the oil temp up to 200 and the leak slowed to a single drop. Obviously I'm gonna need to really ride it and put some miles on it but this looks hopeful. Johnjzjz, I see your also in NJ, where abouts? I'm in Glendora.

 

your south east of philly I am north west up off rt 80 at 206 2 hours from each other going the back way rt 31