Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine gusset? Cracked case?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 12, 2018 | 02:16 PM
  #1  
2003flstfi's Avatar
2003flstfi
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Arkie
Default Engine gusset? Cracked case?



Doing a little polishing after a ride I discovered this crack. Not able to find any information in the service manual thought maybe somebody here had some thoughts on the issue. Any input would be appreciated
 
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2018 | 02:26 PM
  #2  
Bubby's Avatar
Bubby
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 240
Likes: 90
From: Pittsburgh
Default

Can you get a picture directly in front of that?
 
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2018 | 02:33 PM
  #3  
2003flstfi's Avatar
2003flstfi
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Arkie
Default



About as good as I can get. 2003 Softail by the way
 
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2018 | 04:45 PM
  #4  
Pitbull_Dallas's Avatar
Pitbull_Dallas
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 852
Likes: 54
From: Dallas tx
Default

If you're talking about that rectangular hole, it's made that way. My 07 has the exact same feature on the block/casing below the rear cylinder. And that bright line/step in the case is a mismatch in the manufacturing casting mold. Mine has it too. They machine the casing, leaving the bright line. On yours it looks like they didn't quite finish the machining and left a whisker up near the cylinder. If you look close at the whisker you'll see why they machine it.

Image..

https://images.search.yahoo.com/imag...arch.yahoo.com
 

Last edited by Pitbull_Dallas; Aug 12, 2018 at 06:26 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2018 | 06:17 PM
  #5  
Shawry's Avatar
Shawry
Advanced
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 16
From: Australia
Default

That is fine. The rectangular hole is there to put a lever in to help when splitting the cases.
There were some issues in later model bikes where due to the case sealant not being applied properly, oil would weep from this hole.
Is yours weeping oil?
 
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2018 | 06:42 PM
  #6  
2003flstfi's Avatar
2003flstfi
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Arkie
Default

It is working weeping, but only minimal. The split/ crack worries me. Thanks for the info and pics, will keep my eyes on it.
 
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2018 | 07:09 PM
  #7  
Pitbull_Dallas's Avatar
Pitbull_Dallas
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 852
Likes: 54
From: Dallas tx
Default

Originally Posted by 2003flstfi
It is working weeping, but only minimal. The split/ crack worries me. Thanks for the info and pics, will keep my eyes on it.
If its weeping oil, I'd seriously consider trading it in another bike. That's a very expensive and involved problem to fix.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BobRR
General Harley Davidson Chat
86
Apr 8, 2019 12:44 PM
Stick_FSMC
Engine Mechanical Topics
8
Mar 16, 2017 07:56 AM
kino44
EVO
23
Jul 1, 2014 03:20 PM
xrayv65
Engine Mechanical Topics
3
Aug 20, 2009 03:16 AM
1968FL
Shovelhead
6
Jun 25, 2009 10:16 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:09 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE