Generator Leak!!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Generator Leak!!
What do I need to do to stop a leak from the generator!!?? \\; Leaks and then blows all over the primary and side of bike!! \\; I've tried to tighten it up, new gasket, gasket and silicone...nothing so far is working. \\; Any suggestions?? \\; Thanks for your help!
[IMG]local://upfiles/66392/20EC240EBD024F8C8F42074EE4434D2F.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/66392/20EC240EBD024F8C8F42074EE4434D2F.jpg[/IMG]
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: Generator Leak!!
That is not a normal problem in my experience. The generator is held on with the 2 hex head bolts on the nose of the timing cover and the gasket is a wide flat one between the generator and the case.
All I can suggest is to remove the generator, clean both metal surfaces to remove all oil.
Install a new gasket and coat both sides with Permatex #3, the non-hardening gasket sealer. Bolt it up snug and that should not leak at all. I would never use silicone sealer on this location myself.
If you have removed any wires when you take the generator off, be sure to flash the fields before you start the bike up..............pg
All I can suggest is to remove the generator, clean both metal surfaces to remove all oil.
Install a new gasket and coat both sides with Permatex #3, the non-hardening gasket sealer. Bolt it up snug and that should not leak at all. I would never use silicone sealer on this location myself.
If you have removed any wires when you take the generator off, be sure to flash the fields before you start the bike up..............pg
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Generator Leak!!
Thanks Pionion! \\; The silicone I referred to was an automotive gasket sealer silicone, not general adhesive silicone...not sure why it's still leaking. \\; Gonna try permatex #3 like you said. \\; I'll let you know!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 905
Likes: 207
From: Minneapolis
RE: Generator Leak!!
it may be leaking fromthe seal that is insides the bearing \\; you have to pull the armature to replace that seal \\; \\; the seal presses into the cap from the inside
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Generator Leak!!
I \\;HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ON MY 71 XLCH. \\; I HAD TOO MUCH OIL IN THE TANK AND THE OIL HAD TO GO SOMEWHERE. \\; SUCKED SOME OUT AND NO MORE LEAK. \\; SIMPLE FIX AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO OTHER ISSUES WITH THE OIL FLOW.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 82
From: nj
RE: Generator Leak!!
Hey piniongear what do you mean by flashing the gen? I have a 84 ironhead and I would like to know different things about the generater since their is one on mine Thanks \\; \\;
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
RE: Generator Leak!!
Briefly make contact between the A (armature) lead on the Gen and the +batt terminal with a \\;length of wire. You'll see a \\;small spark (flash) when you make the contact. It puts the magnetic field in the correct polarity. The manual calls it "polarizing the generator".
 \\;
Rich
 \\;
Rich
Trending Topics
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: Generator Leak!!
Hey Redbull, I think that may be my issue too. \\; Gonna drop the level and see what happens.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: Generator Leak!!
Whenever you have ever disconnected any wire from the bike or the battery you should 'flash' the generator field coils before starting up the bike.
Otherwise, there is a possibility on burning up the contact points in the voltage regulator.
You flash the field by momentarily touching a jumper wire from the Batt terminal to the Gen terminal on the regulator.............pg
Otherwise, there is a possibility on burning up the contact points in the voltage regulator.
You flash the field by momentarily touching a jumper wire from the Batt terminal to the Gen terminal on the regulator.............pg
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 82
From: nj
RE: Generator Leak!!
I just disconnected the battary on my bike to fix the connection and did not realize this. Do I connect to any part of gen I have a red and green wire on the gen to the + side of the battary to flash. Is there any other stuff I have to be aware of. I want to add blinkers to the bike Now It is just a bobber for now.