Oil spot on floor, Please take a look.

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Jan 16, 2009 | 06:33 PM

WARG

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From: The Lone Star State

Oil spot on floor, Please take a look.

I got my bike 3 years ago new from a dealer. Every now and then I find a small oil spot on the floor under the swing arm on the left side. Now there is a vent tube directly above the spot, right in front of the mudguard. When I first got the bike, I kind of freaked about it and had a couple dealers look at it. None found a leak, and I have since read on this forum that this is not uncommon on softails if the oil level rises or if the oil tank is overfilled. It has not done it in a long time, but after riding yesterday, I found another small spot. I know my oil level isn't overfilled. I actually keep it at the 3/4 (when hot) to prevent oil in the air filter, etc.

I dont' think it's leaking, b/c there is no oil trail. It's like it is puking it out the vent hose?

Any ideas?

I've never noticed a drop in oil level or anything like that.

Oil Spot

Vent Hose

Jan 16, 2009 | 06:51 PM

WARG

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From: The Lone Star State

Okay, I have been going through my service manual and the vent hose pictured above is the vent hose from the gas tank. So that can't be where the oil is coming from, right?

Jan 16, 2009 | 07:10 PM

I CUT 1

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From: Ruffin, North Carolina

Are we sure it's oil? What does it feel and smell like? To me it doesn't look like oil, looks like old gas that's turned to varnish, but hard to be sure since I ain't there to see for me self. Thr vent tube for the trans. isn't to far away ether. Run your hand around under neeth your ride to "feel" for anything wet. Could pull your hair out chasing this or take note that she's marking her teritory

Jan 16, 2009 | 07:47 PM

rbabos

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From: Woodstock, Ont , Can

Put it up on the lift and trace it uphill. It probably is dripping off the lowest point but starting somewhere else. Check the oil tank closely everywhere including removing the battery and looking in there if no other obvious oil film is detected on the frame rails or the back of the inner primary. You can also for those really minute leaks that take time to show, clean the whole bike completely and mist baby powder all over the areas that could be causing the leak. Go riding and look for a wet spot later. The power will wash off easily when done.
Ron

Jan 16, 2009 | 10:09 PM

WARG

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From: The Lone Star State

Well, after 90 minutes of searching, I got nothing. I took off the mudguard, which was way easier than I expected and everything is as dry as a bone.

I could not find that tranny vent anywhere. If anyone can direct me further I would appreciate it. Tranny plug is tight. No residue anywhere. Guess I'll just ride it. Or I could sell it and buy a new one, LOL.

Jan 17, 2009 | 12:52 PM

Renegade1

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From: New York

It's from the gas tank vent line. It runs from the right under the dash at the front top of the tank, down the frame and ending on the lower left hand frame. On a hot day with a full tank, it will drip some. Nothing to worry about.