Chrome Primary Cover leak
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, TX
Chrome Primary Cover leak
I bought my '85 FXRS last April and replaced the clutches soon after. When I put it all back together I put a brand new gasket on the primary cover. By the time I stored it for the winter it had started leaking on the bottom. I'm not sure if the chrome cover is stock or was put on later. Anyone know how to check if it's warped? If it's not warped, anyone have any tips to prevent it from leaking again once I put on a new gasket?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Northern Ontario
And welcome to the site.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 5
The best way to check the cover to see if it is warped, or bent, is to stop at the local hardware dealer, ask to look at the discarded glass section, and purchased an old piece to use. My local guy in town has lots of old windows that have been changed out. Usually can get a piece for about five bucks. Lay your cover down after you've cleaned out all gasket material and visually check for gaps. You can even spray paint the glass flat black, and leave a small circle unpainted to shine a flashlight through from below. Gaps show up very easily. You may then try to take out the warp... or use a local machine shop to plane it for you. Best of luck. I also use the best gaskets I can anymore, usually aftermarket, such as James or Cometic for all my work. I am NOT a fan of any gasket sealants, but it is only a personal preference.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
The best way to check the cover to see if it is warped, or bent, is to stop at the local hardware dealer, ask to look at the discarded glass section, and purchased an old piece to use. My local guy in town has lots of old windows that have been changed out. Usually can get a piece for about five bucks. Lay your cover down after you've cleaned out all gasket material and visually check for gaps. You can even spray paint the glass flat black, and leave a small circle unpainted to shine a flashlight through from below. Gaps show up very easily. You may then try to take out the warp... or use a local machine shop to plane it for you. Best of luck. I also use the best gaskets I can anymore, usually aftermarket, such as James or Cometic for all my work. I am NOT a fan of any gasket sealants, but it is only a personal preference.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, TX
I'm sure I didn't even think of that last year. Harley virgin at the time and didn't even have a manual. Next trip to Lowe's will result in the purchase of a torque wrench. Thanks.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 350
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From: Reidsville, NC
My service manual says after you have put all the primary covers on insert a fitting into the drain and put 5-8 psi air into the primary and check for leaks with soapy water. I've never done it but it could save you a quart of ATF.
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From: Haslet Texas
If you didn't put anything on the drain plug when you reinstalled it then it is probably the drain plug. I use Teflon Paste Thread Sealant every time I pull the drain plug. It is available at any hardware store.