Case Leak
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 286
From: Buford, GA
Case Leak
I have an oil leak on my 91 FLSTC with an EVO 1340. It appears to be leaking at the bottom of the motor where the 2 case halves meet. My indy mechanic told me he’d just ride it and add oil as needed since it’s not a big leak and to split the case to seal it would involve an engine re-build. He did a compression test and a leak down test and said the motor is still strong, so he can’t see putting the money into it. But it does wind up blowing some oil back on the side of the bike and the white walls when I ride.
Any idea how I might be able to stop the leak without splitting the case? I was thinking maybe clean it real good with brake fluid on a q-tip to get the paint off around the seam, clean with a tooth brush and brake clean or starting fluid and then use a good silicone sealant or gasket maker? I’ve heard that Permatex Flowable Windshield Sealer is good, but I don’t think that will work since the seam is on the bottom. Or Permatex Ultra Black Hi Temp RTV Silicone Gasket.
Any idea how I might be able to stop the leak without splitting the case? I was thinking maybe clean it real good with brake fluid on a q-tip to get the paint off around the seam, clean with a tooth brush and brake clean or starting fluid and then use a good silicone sealant or gasket maker? I’ve heard that Permatex Flowable Windshield Sealer is good, but I don’t think that will work since the seam is on the bottom. Or Permatex Ultra Black Hi Temp RTV Silicone Gasket.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,849
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From: Florida
True^
I thought the same thing with my 1988 motor and it ended up being the oil pump gasket was leaking and the oil would run down to the seam in the cases where it would drip. It was also going over to where my case vent looked like it was puking a little out. If that is in fact your leak casue your idea will work well for awhile and then it will leak again. Just don't so anything like putting jb weld on it
I thought the same thing with my 1988 motor and it ended up being the oil pump gasket was leaking and the oil would run down to the seam in the cases where it would drip. It was also going over to where my case vent looked like it was puking a little out. If that is in fact your leak casue your idea will work well for awhile and then it will leak again. Just don't so anything like putting jb weld on it
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
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From: Farmington ,MS
While not impossible, it most likely not leaking from the cases....that is just where most leaks drip from. Clean the motor really well and and coat it with Arrid extra dry deodorant. Yep I just said "paint" your whole motor with powdered deodorant....fire it up, drive a few miles...and you will see where the leak is coming from.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
FWIW, I'm not the guy that ignores the leak. I'd try everything to find the leak and fix it. I don't like stuff leaking and it always freaks me out to have oil spraying on a rear tire. I'm sure it's safe and would not cause a slip in the rear but something about oil + rear wheel makes to uneasy. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: la la land jerzey
Plus 1 on the brake out the 2 -1/2 inch wrenches after riding it a good 45 min < that is when i would try and tighten it up < than leave it 24 hours to cool - and the oil pump and make sure its not the oil fittings on the oil filter mount, or the filter is loose, or the o ring on the front of the primary, or the stator plug, or the base gaskets, -- it happens the cases leak but most times its something else - johnjzjz
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
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From: Buford, GA
Thanks for the tips. I'll get the torque specs, ride it and then torque the case bolts. Also check the other items. Clean it, hit it with powdered deodorant and see if that took care of it. I'll post my findings.
Thanks again!
Tony
Thanks again!
Tony
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
It would be next to impossible to seal it from the outside as there is always oil dripping through that seam (if that is where its leaking from) and so you can clean it until you are blue in the face but oil will always seep into the sealant before its cured.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
First challenge is to confirm the actual source of the leak, as suggested already. Oil is sneaky stuff and will find its way where ever it can get to! If you have a jack, to hold the bike upright, simply put newspaper under the bike to catch drips, to see if that helps identify the culprit, otherwise resort to Tom's Arrid!