EVO engine case drip
If I was in the market right now, a 25k mile, unmolested engine example would be exactly what I'm looking for.
Use the drip to beat him up on the price, of course, but I'd buy the bike with confidence.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 653
From: Potter County, PA
I never said cold cracking. I said moisture (water) collecting in the bottom of the crankcase and that freezing and cracking the case. I would venture a guess that that could happen at +20F. I have seen car engine blocks destroyed @ +20F when they had water and no anti-freeze.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,026
Likes: 12,548
From: South Carolina
I never said cold cracking. I said moisture (water) collecting in the bottom of the crankcase and that freezing and cracking the case. I would venture a guess that that could happen at +20F. I have seen car engine blocks destroyed @ +20F when they had water and no anti-freeze.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jan 24, 2023 at 03:43 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 2,202
From: College Station, TX
I know you said the top was dry, but the most common leak on EVO's is from the cylinder base gaskets. It's usually more of a seep and can get worse over time, but gravity along with heat and wind can move it around and accumulate making it difficult to diagnose.
Clean it really good and run it long enough to get it hot and circulate the oil. If it is the case halves leaking, tightening the bolts is not likely to help because there is no gasket or seal between the halves. They use a sealer. If you do have to reseal the case halves, hondabond is an excellent sealer.
Paul
Clean it really good and run it long enough to get it hot and circulate the oil. If it is the case halves leaking, tightening the bolts is not likely to help because there is no gasket or seal between the halves. They use a sealer. If you do have to reseal the case halves, hondabond is an excellent sealer.
Paul
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 653
From: Potter County, PA
Ok I checked it out real good; actually a blind man could have diagnosed it. The Transmission drain plug was loose. They just looked under the bike, neve bothering to peer upwards for the source! The cases were bone dry everywhere. The only oil anywhere was I am assuming from changing the oil filter; the front rubber mount area was oily - nothing fresh though.
I did notice on the Transmission bottom pan, it had what appeared to be two separate drain plugs. The leaking one was on the right side about center front and rear and the other was on the left side towards the rear. I know nothing about any 5 speed transmission, much less a 1998 5 speed. Did they have two drains for the Transmission or what does the other one drain? I can't see where there is a partition in that bottom pan of the Transmission.
This is a 1998 Wide Glide. My 1984 has either two drains or the drain is in two locations on 1984's depending on the model. I can't remember if I have two or not and I am too lazy to go look! LOL. Mine uses the rear facing drain, a 1984 FXEF 4 Speed Shovelhead. Some 1984 4 Speeds have the drain at the bottom of the Transmission like most other 4 Speeds.
I did notice on the Transmission bottom pan, it had what appeared to be two separate drain plugs. The leaking one was on the right side about center front and rear and the other was on the left side towards the rear. I know nothing about any 5 speed transmission, much less a 1998 5 speed. Did they have two drains for the Transmission or what does the other one drain? I can't see where there is a partition in that bottom pan of the Transmission.
This is a 1998 Wide Glide. My 1984 has either two drains or the drain is in two locations on 1984's depending on the model. I can't remember if I have two or not and I am too lazy to go look! LOL. Mine uses the rear facing drain, a 1984 FXEF 4 Speed Shovelhead. Some 1984 4 Speeds have the drain at the bottom of the Transmission like most other 4 Speeds.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 230
Likes: 447
From: SW Florida
Not sure about a Dyna but on the 1993 and up touring bikes, one drain plug is for the transmission and the other is for the engine oil.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 158
From: Alberta
You don't mention the year of EVO, but on my 98 this is the location of the drain plugs. I'm pretty sure they are the same for anything with a 5 speed. The drain plug for the engine is at the bottom right of the pan as you look from the oil pump side of the engine. The transmission drain bolt is on the left side of the oil pan and up beside the frame, again on the right side of the bike as you sit on the bike or on the left side as you look from the front to the rear of the bike. If you get a small mirror you can see them better. Glad you got your leak figured out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post