Uh Oh!
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
Uh Oh!
My new Fat Boy FI is leaking under the engine. It appears to be clear engine oil but, at this point, I can't say for sure (the spots are no larger than a nickel on the concrete whether I leave it overnight after a ride or for several days and have no smell to them). I can't even be sure that the oil isn't tracking down the metal to the lowest point before it falls. I am still waiting for the service manual from the dealer so no help there.
I have less than 275 miles on this puppy. The dealer says that it is probably nothing because such a small amount is leaking and they will look into it "as soon as they can" - whatever that means. He's just giving me the runaround, I guess. I haven't noticed a drop in any of my oil levels when I do my pre-ride checks though I think my gas mileage is lousy - 35 to 40 mpg highway. Should I park the pup for God only knows how long? Can I keep riding? Man this is frustrating! Any info or opinions would be appreciated.
I have less than 275 miles on this puppy. The dealer says that it is probably nothing because such a small amount is leaking and they will look into it "as soon as they can" - whatever that means. He's just giving me the runaround, I guess. I haven't noticed a drop in any of my oil levels when I do my pre-ride checks though I think my gas mileage is lousy - 35 to 40 mpg highway. Should I park the pup for God only knows how long? Can I keep riding? Man this is frustrating! Any info or opinions would be appreciated.
RE: Uh Oh!
Ride it like you stole it. You ain't leakin enouth to hurt anything. I would think that it is draining down from your air cleaner. Stick your hand around the bottom of the air cleaner and see if there is any oil.
What type of mods do you have on your bike so far. Your milage could be due to what mods you have. It will get better after it is broken in but you should be getting better than what you are getting now.
What type of mods do you have on your bike so far. Your milage could be due to what mods you have. It will get better after it is broken in but you should be getting better than what you are getting now.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: Uh Oh!
Thanks for the quick reply. I'll check the air cleaner first thing tomorrow and follow up with what I find. As for modifications, sadly none yet to report though it's now a toss-up between V&H Big Shots (staggered) and Sampson Big Guns Rip Saws. Don't know whether either will improve the gas mileage though.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
RE: Uh Oh!
I feel your pain. I found dime size oil drops on the floor under my 06 FI fatboy the first week. I took it to two dealers. The first could
not find anything after a day or two of checking. They said to ride it until it got worse. The second was more proactive, they kept the bike a week and put about 80 miles on it. No leaking at all. They put dye in the oil that shows up under a black light. They still found nothing. I had noticed on my own that my oil level was about 1/2 inch over the full line even when the bike was cold. The dealer said this was too high. So they drained the oil level down about an inch. The oil level is now within specs. I have put about 100 miles on the bike and they put on 80 with no leaks since. I am very glad because like you, I was frustrated. Hope this helps. I would definately check the oil level.
not find anything after a day or two of checking. They said to ride it until it got worse. The second was more proactive, they kept the bike a week and put about 80 miles on it. No leaking at all. They put dye in the oil that shows up under a black light. They still found nothing. I had noticed on my own that my oil level was about 1/2 inch over the full line even when the bike was cold. The dealer said this was too high. So they drained the oil level down about an inch. The oil level is now within specs. I have put about 100 miles on the bike and they put on 80 with no leaks since. I am very glad because like you, I was frustrated. Hope this helps. I would definately check the oil level.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: Uh Oh!
You may be on to something. I've noticed that the oil level seemed a wee bit high. The cold level is at the full mark - something the owners manual says shouldn't be. I hope I don't muck up the works as I keep on riding.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Uh Oh!
Your mileage will increase as the motor breaks in.
Mine was REAL bad for first tank, and got better with each until about 1500 miles.
I get about 40 now, which is far below others, but i figure between the hills and my added weight...
I had a leaky gasket on the oval inspection cover (sorry, I don't know the correct name for that one)
Mine was REAL bad for first tank, and got better with each until about 1500 miles.
I get about 40 now, which is far below others, but i figure between the hills and my added weight...
I had a leaky gasket on the oval inspection cover (sorry, I don't know the correct name for that one)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,783
Likes: 0
From: Tasmania, Australia
RE: Uh Oh!
Chain inspection cover, mine weeps on that too - a lot of them do, not worth worring about.
Mine ('05 Standard) weeped around the barrel gaskets when the 95 kit went in but it dissapeared after a while. My old Heritage used to leak around the primary cover, seen a lot of them do this too.
ORIGINAL: Rhubarb
I had a leaky gasket on the oval inspection cover (sorry, I don't know the correct name for that one)
I had a leaky gasket on the oval inspection cover (sorry, I don't know the correct name for that one)
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
RE: Uh Oh!
If its leaking under the primary cover; it could be trans seal leak, pretty common. your mileage is ok. my 04 fatboy with stage one gets around 42-44 fine by me.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: Uh Oh!
My 05 Heritage hasn't leaked yet (knock on wood). A friend of mine bought his softail standard 2 days after I got mine. He had a small leak around the transmission shaft. The dealer installed a new seal and all is well. We've had the bikes for almost a year now.