When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
That oil seal is installed in the main drive gear, it seals the space between the main drive gear and the mainshaft (which passes through the main drive gear).
Here`s a pic of that seal, and the main drive gear.
Is that behind the nut? Where would oil come from?
what Dan89 showed and said above.
Also it would be behind the belt sprocket/pulley, the race for the primary seal needs to be removed from the shaft to get to it. Check the back side of that pulley if it's wet that seal would need replaced.
I've seen several chase a leak thinking it was primary and turns out to be this seal.
worth looking into
If the seal in the end of the main drive gear is leaking, the oil will be on the outboard side of the sprocket.
If there is oil on the inboard side of the sprocket, it is probably leaking at the big oil seal behind the sprocket.
If the big oil seal is leaking, replace the sprocket spacer, the quad seal, and the big oil seal.
If I go through the trouble of pulling an inner primary cover, I replace all the seals and the sprocket spacer on the transmission, and both oil seals on the inner primary cover.
Are you working with a Factory Service Manual?
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 27, 2022 at 09:48 AM.
If the seal in the end of the main drive gear is leaking, the oil will be on the outboard side of the sprocket.
If there is oil on the inboard side of the sprocket, it is probably leaking at the big oil seal behind the sprocket.
If the big oil seal is leaking, replace the sprocket spacer, the quad seal, and the big oil seal.
If I go through the trouble of pulling an inner primary cover, I replace all the seals and the sprocket spacer on the transmission, and both oil seals on the inner primary cover.
Are you working with a Factory Service Manual?
Thanks I had that mixed up. (Memory gone bad, lol)
Just kidding. Ok, tore down to the main shaft bearing go to clean up and start back together probably tomorrow. I have new sprocket spacer inner o-ring and the main shaft seal. I bought a new nut for the pulley as well. Question. I have 2 inner primary seals. A James and a HD. The James actually fits the bearing race tighter than the HD seal. Any suggestions? Also, someone posted to replace both inner primary seals? Are you talking about the started jackshaft seal Or am I missingsomething? I also have a new stator o ring too. Are James inner primary bolt o rings a good idea? J/curious . One thing I'll add is the rear of pulley was dry. Anything else please let me know. I want this to be last time I take that inner cover off for a while anyway. I looked everything over and one more question. The gap between the inner bearing race and the gear is so small how do you get the puller behind it to remove it? There isn't maybe a price of paper or 2 thickness? Any ideas?
Last edited by clevelandpat1960; May 31, 2022 at 07:02 PM.
Reason: Left something out
If the gap is that small, it likely walked in a little. In that case the regular removal tool will not fit. I've always used James or Cometic Gaskets and seals with good success.
Video of bearing removal with tips on what to do if it has walked in.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
