Primary Seepage/leak!

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Aug 16, 2012 | 11:41 PM

85-FXWG

Thread Starter

Stage IV

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 4

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From: Indiana

Primary Seepage/leak!

Hey guys... the outer primary gasket seeps or leaks a bit but mainly after longer rides and higher rpms, in town riding doesnt seem to make any difference. ive got an 85 fxwg 1340 evo with a 4 speed. it even seeps outta the top side of the primary and a little bit from the bolts! I'm always wipin down the residue. But ive been keepin a close eye on the fluid level and as far as i can tell it has not lowered whatsoever! I did put a new clutch in this past february but was told by the local shop that the gasket(which is not stock) was "re-useable"!! I'm thinkin i just need to replace the gasket since no fluid level was lost, but any advice from ppl with similar issues would b appreciated! Thanks ya'll!

Aug 17, 2012 | 12:08 AM

vincentostapowich

Tourer

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 290

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From: Manitoba

I think you answered your own question

Aug 17, 2012 | 02:34 AM

elev8rguy

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2011

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Quote:

Originally Posted by vincentostapowich

I think you answered your own question

Yes Sir!

Aug 17, 2012 | 03:15 AM

Spanners39

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 7,736

Likes: 1,524

From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand

Also run a tap down the threads where the allen bolts go in to make sure they are not bottoming out on crud in the holes.

Aug 17, 2012 | 09:52 AM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,065

Likes: 4,561

From: Haslet Texas

Whenever you take apart your bike use new gasket and seals.
It's just good insurance.

Aug 20, 2012 | 03:38 AM

85-FXWG

Thread Starter

Stage IV

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

From: Indiana

Thanks for the input guys, i know i did kinda of answer my own question but tend to second guess myself sometimes.... anyway got the new gasket, should the solve the problem!

Aug 20, 2012 | 07:45 PM

Piper54

Novice

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 18

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From: Cumming, Ga.

Just a note and possible tip to you guys with primary leaks. I had one......seemed to be coming from the bottom screw area on the primary cover. After changing the &#%@ gasket twice, and re-torquing the screws to perfect manual specs, changing oil twice (thought it might be leaking because of synthetic oil), hunting for leaks in engine, etc. etc. etc., I finally opened the primary several weekends ago. I removed the chain tension bracket and checked the attachment bolts from inner primary to engine. I noticed that the lock down tabs on the washers weren't locked down tightly. I opened the tabs with needle nose pliers and lo and behold.......the nuts weren't torqued properly. I tightened the nuts to proper torque and locked down the washer tabs properly, re-installed the chain tensioner, and closed it back up. Filled with 20w50 and rode for 10 miles or so. NO LEAKS!!!!!! I have been watching the bike for that damn quarter- size oil leak in the same place for a while now....3 weeks, and have ridden for several 150 mile trips and still no leaks.
Maybe fixing your leak will be as satisfying and easy.
Sam

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Aug 22, 2012 | 11:46 AM

JohnnyC

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 2,706

Likes: 14

From: Near Frankenmuth, MI

Sam, I think I have the same issue you mentioned, or the tech that worked on my bike didn't get the solenoid boot back in place correctly. It's only a drip at the end of a good long ride, and the primary doesn't loose a lot in a few thousand miles. I've been waiting for a "better reason" to open it because it never fails you fix a leak another one, often worse, can magically appear.

BTW it started with the seal between the input / output shaft on the tranny which looked like the inner primary was leaking. Then they damaged the main seal on the inner primary by cutting it on the bearing's race and had to open it up again. They reused my expensive gasket the first time then used a fresh gasket the second time, but reused the cheaper gasket a second time due to damaging the seal. I';ve got a good gasket waiting to be installed but I'm riding too much right now to want to tear into it ... maybe soon as the weather cools I'll dig into again ... UGH!