Primary leak
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 479
Likes: 441
From: Lithgow NSW Australia
Primary leak
G'day Fellas.
1988 FXST
I've been banging my head trying to stop a leak. I thought it was the lowest cover screw that a previous owner had either snapped the screw or stripped the thread and in repairing had drilled the hole at an angle.
After filling the elongated hole with JB Weld and re-threading and using new gaskets 3 times, with and without sealer (#3 Permatex & RTV Silastic) she still marks her spot. Today after a ride I got down low with a torch (flashlight) and noticed it was wet up the inside of the inner primary towards the mainshaft. BUGGA looks like it's the inner primary seal.
Question. Is there anything I have to watch out for or be careful about. Never had one of these apart before.
Cheers.
Musky
1988 FXST
I've been banging my head trying to stop a leak. I thought it was the lowest cover screw that a previous owner had either snapped the screw or stripped the thread and in repairing had drilled the hole at an angle.
After filling the elongated hole with JB Weld and re-threading and using new gaskets 3 times, with and without sealer (#3 Permatex & RTV Silastic) she still marks her spot. Today after a ride I got down low with a torch (flashlight) and noticed it was wet up the inside of the inner primary towards the mainshaft. BUGGA looks like it's the inner primary seal.
Question. Is there anything I have to watch out for or be careful about. Never had one of these apart before.
Cheers.
Musky
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
If you're going to open up the primary, the first thing you want to do is disconnect the battery or you could be in for a surprise if you monkey around the jackshaft. I highly recommend you get yourself an HD service manual and the parts manual for reference. THere are some special tools required also.
carl
carl
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
If you're going to open up the primary, the first thing you want to do is disconnect the battery or you could be in for a surprise if you monkey around the jackshaft. I highly recommend you get yourself an HD service manual and the parts manual for reference. THere are some special tools required also.
carl
carl
A determined disciplined novice can do it as long as the service manual instructions are carefully followed. You'll need a clutch puller tool. You can buy one. Or if you're
handy you can make one.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 479
Likes: 441
From: Lithgow NSW Australia
G'day Fellas, thanks for your replies.
Carl, I have d/loaded the 87-88 parts list and the w/shop manual. I have a "better than most" tool selection.
Bingee, I'm a fitter & turner by trade and work as a small engine mechanic (lawn mowers, small tractors etc) and twisting spanners on bikes for 50 years. This is my 1st HD although have worked on mates HD's. I'll make a puller.
Tommy, definitely red ATF I use in there.
My assumption of the lowest cover screw due to the previous owner muffing the hole. I road to work the long way to get her hot and have a good look. Drops from lowest point of the primary. Then I got down on the ground on the other side and saw she was damp up towards the sprocket. I should have realized as it only leaks on the move, not when parked! Bugga.
So far my parts needed list are. seal 12052, O ring 25416-84, gasket 60539-86, O ring 11147, gasket 60567-86A. Anything missed?
Cheers
Carl, I have d/loaded the 87-88 parts list and the w/shop manual. I have a "better than most" tool selection.
Bingee, I'm a fitter & turner by trade and work as a small engine mechanic (lawn mowers, small tractors etc) and twisting spanners on bikes for 50 years. This is my 1st HD although have worked on mates HD's. I'll make a puller.
Tommy, definitely red ATF I use in there.
My assumption of the lowest cover screw due to the previous owner muffing the hole. I road to work the long way to get her hot and have a good look. Drops from lowest point of the primary. Then I got down on the ground on the other side and saw she was damp up towards the sprocket. I should have realized as it only leaks on the move, not when parked! Bugga.
So far my parts needed list are. seal 12052, O ring 25416-84, gasket 60539-86, O ring 11147, gasket 60567-86A. Anything missed?
Cheers
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 2,570
From: NC USA
Change the primary bearing inner race on the main shaft, (the seal rides on it also) else you'll be back in there to do it all over again. You will need a special puller/installer for that.
Race 34091-85A
Race 34091-85A
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 12,550
From: South Carolina
Also replace the main drive gear seal, shifter shaft oil seal
I recommend you look into installing the later design transmission sprocket and hardware.
Transmission sprocket, spacer, oil seal, retaining nut and lockplate.
The sprocket upgraded hardware is available as a kit: 40210-85D
I recommend you look into installing the later design transmission sprocket and hardware.
Transmission sprocket, spacer, oil seal, retaining nut and lockplate.
The sprocket upgraded hardware is available as a kit: 40210-85D
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 6, 2022 at 05:03 PM.
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From: East Coast, USA
EDIT: WOW!! That stuff is VERY expensive. Maybe red is the more economical choice??
https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/...ctite_620.html
A less expensive choice:
https://www.permatex.com/products/th...retainer-6-ml/
Last edited by LQQK_OUT; Sep 7, 2022 at 11:14 AM. Reason: Pricey