Starter Leaking Primary Oil
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Conclusion: The leaking starter on my '09 RKC is caused by a non-sealing bearing in the starter clutch. As pressure builds in the primary due to heat, oil is forced thru the non-sealing bearing and into the starter housing. It then seeps out onto the transmission and drive belt and drips to the ground. The leak is often mistaken as a transmission or drive-to-primary seal leak of some kind. But, removing the starter reveals the true cause. The starter is very easy to pull off and takes only about fifteen minutes to do.
Not all starters will have this problem. But many do. The solution is to replace the starter clutch with one that seals the bearing. HD sells one for $117 retail and All ***** Bearings has one for about $85. There are some on eBay for much less. But can't tell if they have the sealed bearing or not. Another thing that will help is to improve the venting of the primary somehow. One post suggested a transmission venting screw and hose kit. I'm considering that as well. My total DIY repair cost is about $95 and about 1 hour time.
Not all starters will have this problem. But many do. The solution is to replace the starter clutch with one that seals the bearing. HD sells one for $117 retail and All ***** Bearings has one for about $85. There are some on eBay for much less. But can't tell if they have the sealed bearing or not. Another thing that will help is to improve the venting of the primary somehow. One post suggested a transmission venting screw and hose kit. I'm considering that as well. My total DIY repair cost is about $95 and about 1 hour time.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 976
Likes: 49
From: New York
Conclusion: The leaking starter on my '09 RKC is caused by a non-sealing bearing in the starter clutch. As pressure builds in the primary due to heat, oil is forced thru the non-sealing bearing and into the starter housing. It then seeps out onto the transmission and drive belt and drips to the ground. The leak is often mistaken as a transmission or drive-to-primary seal leak of some kind. But, removing the starter reveals the true cause. The starter is very easy to pull off and takes only about fifteen minutes to do.
Not all starters will have this problem. But many do. The solution is to replace the starter clutch with one that seals the bearing. HD sells one for $117 retail and All ***** Bearings has one for about $85. There are some on eBay for much less. But can't tell if they have the sealed bearing or not. Another thing that will help is to improve the venting of the primary somehow. One post suggested a transmission venting screw and hose kit. I'm considering that as well. My total DIY repair cost is about $95 and about 1 hour time.
Not all starters will have this problem. But many do. The solution is to replace the starter clutch with one that seals the bearing. HD sells one for $117 retail and All ***** Bearings has one for about $85. There are some on eBay for much less. But can't tell if they have the sealed bearing or not. Another thing that will help is to improve the venting of the primary somehow. One post suggested a transmission venting screw and hose kit. I'm considering that as well. My total DIY repair cost is about $95 and about 1 hour time.
Hey, how much of a leak was it ? I have the same issue and I changed the inner primary deal I thought was the issue. Still leaking. Only once hot and riding awhile. Starter was changed a couple years ago and I'm pretty sure the leak started around then. I ordered an all ***** starter clutch. Thanks .
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 976
Likes: 49
From: New York
Conclusion: The leaking starter on my '09 RKC is caused by a non-sealing bearing in the starter clutch. As pressure builds in the primary due to heat, oil is forced thru the non-sealing bearing and into the starter housing. It then seeps out onto the transmission and drive belt and drips to the ground. The leak is often mistaken as a transmission or drive-to-primary seal leak of some kind. But, removing the starter reveals the true cause. The starter is very easy to pull off and takes only about fifteen minutes to do.
Not all starters will have this problem. But many do. The solution is to replace the starter clutch with one that seals the bearing. HD sells one for $117 retail and All ***** Bearings has one for about $85. There are some on eBay for much less. But can't tell if they have the sealed bearing or not. Another thing that will help is to improve the venting of the primary somehow. One post suggested a transmission venting screw and hose kit. I'm considering that as well. My total DIY repair cost is about $95 and about 1 hour time.
Not all starters will have this problem. But many do. The solution is to replace the starter clutch with one that seals the bearing. HD sells one for $117 retail and All ***** Bearings has one for about $85. There are some on eBay for much less. But can't tell if they have the sealed bearing or not. Another thing that will help is to improve the venting of the primary somehow. One post suggested a transmission venting screw and hose kit. I'm considering that as well. My total DIY repair cost is about $95 and about 1 hour time.
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