today I noticed some oil accumulation around the primary drain plug so I wiped it up, snugged up the drain plug, and the bolts on the outer primary cover and rode a little more and had another look. It appears the oil is running down from the center of the cogged pulley area on the backside of the primary. After checking the manual it looks like it could be the jackshaft or main shaft oil seal leaking. I just took a closer look at things and the leak is coming from main shaft oil seal area. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how much of a PITA is it to replace. Sounds like a good job for the local INDY, but I might give it a shot.

 

Just be careful not to over tighten those drain plugs others have stripped them out over tightening them.

Not sure about your problem. Would find a buddy or a shop that knows about Harley's. I am still learning.

 

Yup, I've think I've got the exact same leak. I've been meaning to fix it for two years now, but never seem to have the spare $$$ laying around. I was quoted about $400-$500 for the repair from my indy. All labor and about a $2.00 part + gaskets, but while you're in there, they say to change all the seals out.

I think my first forum post was about this. Seriously considered fixing it myself. Figured I could buy the special tools needed for less than what it would cost to have a shop do it. But so far, I've just learned to live with it. Different opinions on whether this is harming your bike. I figured as long as it wasn't getting on your belt, you're okay. I just put a pie tin under it after a ride. Drips about 6 or 7 drops whiles it's hot than stops. I top off the transmission once a month or so, takes a few ounces. Use less than a quart a year.

So....$6.00 a year for extra tranny oil and the taking the ribbing from my metric friends on my leaking Harley vs. spending $500 for the fix.

Keep us informed on how you make out, what it was and how much to fix, and most importantly, if allowing the bike to leak is causing any harm.


Here's the pic I posted when I discovered the problem.

 

Check out this thread too: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/prima...at-dealer.html

 

What a Harley leaking oil??? You guys are pulling my leg...

 

Hello , just had the sane problem, with almost new bike, i had my bike by dealer for 3weeks, luckly i stil h ave warrenty, as coccodealer told was1500 euro Job, apparently is a gasket, that is not really gasket But glie and they can only do it, But don, t forget i'm a coll. So everything they tell me abot engineering it is the sane as i don't know, plus as extra the mecchanic genuis scratch my bike and damage the grip, and of corse was lke that when i had bring the bike. To' him. Food luci and Happy Easter. Max

 

I had the same issue and it eventually started pouring tons of oil. My leak was coming from the shifter shaft seal between the primary and transmission. I did nothing for several years and then finally teh flood gates open. Pulled the indner primary and replaced the seal and put it back together and it was still leaking. I finally let our shop mechanic have at it and he fixed it.

He claimed it was from running redline in my tranny, so I never run Redline anymore.

Drew

 

Thanks for the link. Lots of good information there. I'm thinking I may just keep riding since mine doesn't leak much and doesn't do it all the time but it'll be on my to do list. Probably a job for next winter.

 

Yup, that's what I've been sayin' for the last two winters. Maybe this winter?

 

What does Redline have to do with it?