Primary Leak.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: WACO
Primary Leak.
1995 Road King. Figured it might be primary gasket. Replaced gasket. It is leaking more now than before. It is coming from primary. Judging by the oil. Been chasing this leak. I think it is narrowed down to a leak between inner primary and engine case. Oil is on the lower frame rail which is inboard of the outer primary. As you all know. Dammit. **** ain't never easy.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
If you are pretty sure it's primary fluid, then you might have a bad inner primary bearing seal. The inner primary bolts that connects IP to engine and tranny can also leak, so a light RTV on the bolts upon reassembly will take care of that. You should also replace IP to case o-ring too.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: WACO
daven9113. Thanks for the input. Yeah. The oil leak after replacement of primary gasket is definitely coming from the primary. Fresh oil. I will replace all that you mentioned and more. If needed. My Panhead does not leak that much.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 942
Likes: 323
From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
Very nice Panhead for sure. I probably have the same primary leak, but I'm just too lazy to take all that off just to fix a little leak. Some guys just can't stand any leaks, and I can understand that. When the IP has to come off for some other fix, I'll do that. Normally, it the shifter shaft seal that starts leaking and that's when folks go in that deep. I see you have a Panhead, Shovelhead, and Evo...you are living the dream. 
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: WACO
For any one that is keeping up. I have pinpointed the source of my leak. After spraying with Gunk and brake cleaner fluid to thoughly clean all under neath engine and primary. Jacked up on my stand and put piece of card board . Leak is coming from inner primary and engine case. Well That sucks.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: WACO
I finally pinpointed the leak. Between the inner primary and the engine case,. Sounds 
like a lot of fun.
like a lot of fun.
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Brighton, MI
As mentioned, double check the bolt holes for the chain adjuster bolts. Those are drilled thru the inner cover and are siliconed from the outside by the factory. Had a leak at the bolt on mine, and I just cleaned it with brake clean, a small wire brush, and reapplied a dab of silicone. All from the outside of the inner cover. Held up fine.
Last edited by Yankee Dog; Apr 30, 2021 at 04:37 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: WACO
Yankee Dog. Thanks for the advice. The leak is at the lowest point of where the inner primary and the engine meet. I am never so lucky. Just going to have to bite the bullet and pull it down and do it right. Not my first rodeo. Thanks to all for the advice and input. Will be calling for ya'll in the future for your knowledge and advice. Keep the shiney side up and the rubber side down.
