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Engine gusset? Cracked case?

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Old Aug 12, 2018 | 02:16 PM
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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
 
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Old Aug 12, 2018 | 02:26 PM
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Can you get a picture directly in front of that?
 
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Old Aug 12, 2018 | 02:33 PM
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About as good as I can get. 2003 Softail by the way
 
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Old Aug 12, 2018 | 04:45 PM
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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.
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Old Aug 12, 2018 | 06:17 PM
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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?
 
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Old Aug 12, 2018 | 06:42 PM
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It is working weeping, but only minimal. The split/ crack worries me. Thanks for the info and pics, will keep my eyes on it.
 
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Old Aug 12, 2018 | 07:09 PM
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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.
 
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