I have a 97 FXDS-c and I noticed around the case split line it appears to
have a small line of clear silicone.
Did Harley use this or have my cases been apart?
Thanks

 

The stuff Harley uses is usually grey....or gray...depending on where you live ;-)

 

I've never seen clear silicone there. Even engine builders don't use that.

 

Clear silicone doesn't sound good ..... but ... if it isn't leaking don't worry .... to answer your question I would make an educated guess that it has been apart before.

 

I have pictures but the flash makes it look darker than it is.

 

I just walked out and looked at my '86 EVO.

It looks like factory colors and bonding adhesive to me.

 

+1 I agree ... " A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words"

 

If it's gray and hard, it's probably factory. If it's clear silicone (soft), someone's been in there and they probably didn't know what they were doing, or they would have used Yamabond or something similar. Do the oil hoses have worm clamps or the original spring crimp clamps? Rebuilders very rarely use factory style clamps, but the factory clamps can be replaced over the years, so it is just a further hint.

 

It is soft and I can pull it like a rubber band, the oil hose clamps are the factory
crimp style.
I am trying to determine what would cause the nasty viabration at about 1,800 to
2,000 and comes in again at 2,800 RPM,
it is a high frequency vibe that actualy hurts (not a typical HD shake).

 

Check your engine mounts and head steady.