How Typical is it . . . .
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Broomfield CO
How Typical is it . . . .
a lower cylinder seal going bad? My 2000 Sportster 1200S is in the Harley shop as we speak getting a new lower cylinder seal replaced and I was wondering. Got 14k miles and very well taken care of before I got it, I'm trying to keep that up. There are some things that it doesn't seem like we should see go wrong, I thought the cylinder seals were one of them.
How common is it for upper or lower cylinder seals to (more than alittle) leak?
How common is it for upper or lower cylinder seals to (more than alittle) leak?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Wheeling, WV
Uhhhhh, by "upper or lower cylinder seals", do you mean the base & head gaskets, or do you mean upper & lower rocker box gaskets? I've never heard them refered to as "cylinder seals". Two entirely different things, & the rocker box gaskets are prone to leaking more often than the base/head gaskets. 
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Broomfield CO
I knew I wouldn't describe it right. It's the base gasket, the one low on the cylinder. I take right off, I don't wait long. I an conscious to not rev the engine for a few miles, but maybe that's not enough. I'm waiting for the bad news from Harley now, they said between $300-$680, depending on what they find.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
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From: Colorado
Mine seeps a tiny bit, after a week it may be noticeable like "wet" and need wiped off, but it isn't leaking/pooling. Until it is much worse I'm not concerned- just mindful and keeping an eye on it, as with all the spots that seem to seep. If it was garage ornament or show bike I'd be more concerned, but I ride. 13.5k miles.
Is yours pooling, or just seeping?
Is yours pooling, or just seeping?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,387
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From: Saint George, Utah
When you get her buttoned up, make sure you let her get warm before jumpin on her. Harley's are like women, they must be warmed up before you get your thrills or they'll throw fits and you won't get to ride'em as much. 
Good rule of thumb: Let her idle until it's too hot to keep your hand on the head, not singing hot but too hot to leave it there.
Good rule of thumb: Let her idle until it's too hot to keep your hand on the head, not singing hot but too hot to leave it there.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,906
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From: Grottoes Va.
Pretty normal for that year scoot. the gaskets that the Moco used were not the best. Usually aftermarket ones do a better job and last alot longer. Warming the scooter up before a ride does help things too.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Broomfield CO
It pools. I kept a close eye on it and on the oil level. I probably would've let it go longer but we're trying to do more riding this summer. Figured it's time.
Harley is buttoning it back up, I'll pick it up tonight.
Thanks guys. . .
Harley is buttoning it back up, I'll pick it up tonight.
Thanks guys. . .