A spot
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
From: Huntington Beach, California
A spot
I have developed a small leak and can't find the source. It is only about a drop or so each day; however, the color is black, appears to come from the primary side (had fluid changes 700 miles ago) and really bothers me.
Blow it off or look hard for the source?
Blow it off or look hard for the source?
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 197
From: Texas
Not sure if it's the same on an 08, but I had a similar hard to find leak on my 99. Turned out to be the nut for the primary chain adjuster. The nut has a built in nylon bushing that is tightened against the primary case like an upside down locknut. If that nylon bushing is worn, it will leak. BTW, that nut runs about $6 from HD.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,828
Likes: 8
Coolant? 
Seriously though, stick your finger in it and take a look. If it is oil it will appear brown on your finger. Could also be road debris or even some carbon from the exhaust blowing up under the frame and getting wet.
Seriously though, stick your finger in it and take a look. If it is oil it will appear brown on your finger. Could also be road debris or even some carbon from the exhaust blowing up under the frame and getting wet.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Ogden, Utah
Check all your fluid levels, and keep an eye on the leak. When you park it overnight, put a clean sheet of paper under your bike to see if the leak gets worse. I would not worry about fixing it right now,unless it gets worse; keep running it and keep checking oil levels. About once a week should be ok. Put a mirror under your bike so you can see the underside of the powertrain, this may help in locating the leak. And look right above the drop. Check all the fasteners for tightness too. Start looking for leaks from the top down, and clean things up, when dirt starts sticking again, look for the leak there. Could be that your scooter is just marking it territory.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 2
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
From: Huntington Beach, California
I thought I checked every possible orifice that oil could have possibly leaked from. I thought that maybe road debris coupled with leftover rain caused the ugly spot(s). There had been no leaks for two day and decided to take a nice 80 mile putt down PCH today, let it sit for a few minutes and check for drips. I happily began the after-ride wipedown after finding no oil whatsoever. And then......
There was oil on the cases and blown onto the horn cover. Where was it coming from? Closer inspection revealed a screw that attaches the engine bracket to the engine (pg 2.26 in the manual) almost completely backed out. Moreover, it was covered in oil. I retorqued it and checked every other engine mounting and stabilizing bolt.
I can't believe that oil is blowing through the hole and I hope it is not a blown gasket on the top end.
Bike runs great and the oil in the tank is clean. I am a bit bummed now.
There was oil on the cases and blown onto the horn cover. Where was it coming from? Closer inspection revealed a screw that attaches the engine bracket to the engine (pg 2.26 in the manual) almost completely backed out. Moreover, it was covered in oil. I retorqued it and checked every other engine mounting and stabilizing bolt.
I can't believe that oil is blowing through the hole and I hope it is not a blown gasket on the top end.
Bike runs great and the oil in the tank is clean. I am a bit bummed now.