Replaced primary derby cover
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 53
From: VA
Replaced primary derby cover
I noticed a little seepage coming from the primary when I bought the bike. Pulled it up in the garage today to clean a little better, and avoid the forecast rain to come. In just about an hour, it had dripped enough to make a dime sized puddle. The trail started at the bottom of the derby cover, but had the under side covered in oil. When I pulled the cover off, level was way down. So off I went to the dealer for more primary oil. When I got there, they had a new one just like the one that was on my bike. Pulled that out of the box,,,,,there was the cause of the leak. The old one was pulled at each bolt hole (I guessing was way over tightened at some point). Filled the primary back up, took over half the bottle. But a quick shake down,,no more leak.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 53
From: VA
I have no idea how that was possible. The bolts weren't super tight. Could have just been a weak bunch of covers. No idea when they put that one on, but the new one had a beefier mating surface. Both are the harley "live to ride" covers.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
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From: poway
You probably put too much oil in it.. Oil only needs to touch the bottom of the clutch basket with the bike upright and level.
Screws are 1/4-20
Since there is no gasket, only a O ring, either something likely got caught between the cover and case during tightening.
Screws are 1/4-20
Since there is no gasket, only a O ring, either something likely got caught between the cover and case during tightening.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 53
From: VA
When it was on the stand, I could just see oil down at the bottom. When stood upright, it was no where close to the basket. I was reading about touching the springs, so I have it filled up just past the bottom of the clutch basket. I'll just drain and fill next weekend (my weekends are in the middle of the week). Was planning on doing a full 3 hole on it anyway. The original owner kept really good records, but the guy I got it from just rode it. It seems to have only been checked out when he was with the original owner(they are friends). The only record I could find since 2017, was tires, 3 hole, and a few o-rings in 2018. No idea if any of the fluids have been changed since that service. The levels on the trans and engine are good, and both seem really clean for 2 years.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Im thinking....
Cheaper and thinner cover....they look nice, but definitely not as thick as stock.
Maybe it was warped all along.....manufactures defect.
Or
Something in the primary came lose and hit the cover, therefore screwing it up. However, they usually crack if hit. Ive had the magnet come off the drain plug and hit the cover. It stayed warped a few more rides before it cracked.
I would remove the primary cover for inspection. Wont cost anything other than maybe a new gasket. Peace of mind
Cheaper and thinner cover....they look nice, but definitely not as thick as stock.
Maybe it was warped all along.....manufactures defect.
Or
Something in the primary came lose and hit the cover, therefore screwing it up. However, they usually crack if hit. Ive had the magnet come off the drain plug and hit the cover. It stayed warped a few more rides before it cracked.
I would remove the primary cover for inspection. Wont cost anything other than maybe a new gasket. Peace of mind