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Primary/Transmission/Driveline/ClutchFind answers to general powertrain, primary and transmission. Have clutch issues and need suggestions? Post them here.
I am reaching my frustration limit with a leaking derby cover. 2011 Road King with 26K.
Bought the bike with no leak. Then the clutch cable needed adjustment, and so I decided to adjust the clutch itself. Found that the adjustment lock nut had come off completely, so I put the derby cover back on until I had time to remove the primary. Put the derby cover back on with new gasket and it leaked. So I waited for my primary gasket set to come in. Removed the primary, replaced the adjuster lock nut with a larger nut, reinstalled the primary cover with new gasket, and reinstalled the derby cover. LEAKED AGAIN. I will be on my third gasket and I am beginning to think the derby cover is warped.
At this point what would you do? Buy new cover? Use some kind of silicone or gasket sealer? I have seen advice here about doubling the gasket, but I don't feel good about that. I just want to stop the leak and GET RIDING.
If I remove primary or derby covers I don't use new gaskets every time simply because of the cost. I clean the metal and gasket surfaces with brake cleaner and let dry. Then for reassembly I apply a very thin bead of RTV Silicon sealer to the metal surfaces and smear it evenly. Then install the removed gasket and lightly hand tighten the bolts just until they seat. Wait a few minutes then tighten down each bolt evenly in a criss-cross pattern. No leaks, no $35 primary gasket or $15 derby cover gasket and no silicon oozing out into the chain case. Also easy to get off next time with a minimum of cleanup required.
1. If it was not leaking before you removed the cover, then it is probably something you did/doing.
2. Where exactly is it leaking? Bottom, side, through the screws?
3. Did you replace the gasket with the same type? Flat or the modified orange O-ring type.
4. Sometimes the the o-ring type does not set in the grove correctly as it is square.
5. I used some gasket high-tack to hold my o-ring in place and let it dry. Have been using the same gasket for 40,000 miles with oil changes every 5K, no leaks.
I reuse my gasket multiple times and never have a leak. I also clean the surfaces and the gasket and assemble dry never even going to torque. I just use the one ugga dugga method with my hand. Maybe your Primary Fluid level is too high creating extra pressure inside?
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Advice on Leaking Derby Cover?
