When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 01 Softtail Standard. Original owner. I've been noticing now for several years that after a ride I'll see a little buildup on the primary cover where it mates to the inner, right where the gasket is. I've attached a few pics of this:
There isn't, nor has there ever been a leak that drips. There has NEVER been a drop of oil under this bike, ever. But as time accumulates between washes, I get this film built up on this area. When you touch it, it's like a fine black dust, very slightly oil/greasy.
Some Simple Green sprayed on, and let sit for a minute , then rinse and it comes right off.
So it's just like the gasket is soaking up enough oil from the primary that it allows any dirt/dust etc to stick there.
I've contemplated changing the gasket, (it is the ORIGINAL gasket), but like I said, it's not a leak really. To be completely honest I've read enough horror stories about broken bolts to leaks after changing the gasket that wasn't leaking in the first place, that I've avoided changing the gasket. (Translation: ... I'm chicken )
Has anyone else seen anything like this?
Right now I'm thinking I'm once again going to not change the gasket.
MAYBE check the torque on the bolts, MAYBE. But even that I'm reluctant to do.
Opinions/comments appreciated.
Mine with the cover off and laid back on without gasket rocks 1/16 front to back. It will pulldown however. Put just a film of RTV black on Harleys' three layer gasket (has a slight V in it)
Now hand snug from center out each direction with a socket and T driver thru between your fingers to just tweek it tight.
Let it dry over night and then and only then, roll of in and out that small black bead that came out like a small black rubber band
Now retweek center out. Fill to proper level with bike level to lower edge diaphragm spring. Drive it and recheck bolts hot.
Most likely an old gasket needing replacement... easy job..
Checking the torque on the gasket is another easy thing to do... just use the correct size hex bit... nothing to it...
As Ripsaw said, there are warped covers out there... if you test yours on a flat, level surface and it's warped... a new gasket may not help, depending on the size of the warp..
With a warped cover, if you don't want the expense of new cover, Ripsaw shared the method to seal it up well...
OR... since it's not actually dripping and losing oil, you can just ride as is... and clean it when it shows... it certainly isn't a problem that will leave you stranded on the side of the road...
I'm too OCD to leave an easily replaced gasket weeping or leaking, but that's my sickness ....
What to do is your choice... seems like the bike runs well, and that's the main thing..!
Just use an OEM gasket. You got 19 years out of the original one.
While you're in there, it would be a good time to check your clutch pack, stator and rotor, compensator nut, primary chain / tensioner shoe..... especially if it none of it has been checked in 19 years. (cover never been off)
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.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
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.
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.
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.
Primary cover 'weep'
)
