What should I replace?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 539
Likes: 284
From: Coldstream B.C. CA.
From your pick it kind of looks like it may be coming from that drain plug area. I'd get some de-graser, spray everything under there and hose it off then give it a little run and see if the culprit manifests. I always try the easy stuff first.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,211
From: San Diego, CA
That's a good leak.... 
Been there, done that... I know how frustrating that can be...
Definitely worth checking the engine oil plug that is dripping in the pic...
Just thinking out loud....
Could you have put the inner primary seal in backwards?
Did you put some electrical tape over the trans shaft splines before you slide the inner primary cover onto the shaft, over those splines? It protects the new inner primary seal surface from being nicked/cut during assembly...
Other than that, I got nothing...
Been there, done that... I know how frustrating that can be...
Definitely worth checking the engine oil plug that is dripping in the pic...
Just thinking out loud....
Could you have put the inner primary seal in backwards?
Did you put some electrical tape over the trans shaft splines before you slide the inner primary cover onto the shaft, over those splines? It protects the new inner primary seal surface from being nicked/cut during assembly...
Other than that, I got nothing...
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Originally Posted by hattitude
That's a good leak....
Been there, done that... I know how frustrating that can be...
Definitely worth checking the engine oil plug that is dripping in the pic...
Just thinking out loud....
Could you have put the inner primary seal in backwards?
Did you put some electrical tape over the trans shaft splines before you slide the inner primary cover onto the shaft, over those splines? It protects the new inner primary seal surface from being nicked/cut during assembly...
Other than that, I got nothing...
Been there, done that... I know how frustrating that can be...
Definitely worth checking the engine oil plug that is dripping in the pic...
Just thinking out loud....
Could you have put the inner primary seal in backwards?
Did you put some electrical tape over the trans shaft splines before you slide the inner primary cover onto the shaft, over those splines? It protects the new inner primary seal surface from being nicked/cut during assembly...
Other than that, I got nothing...
I didn't put the inner primary seal in. I took the inner primary to the local dealer and had them press it in. Yes, I absolutely coved the splines on the main shaft when I very gently reinstalled the inner primary.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Originally Posted by Dan89FLSTC
Did you replace the oil seal that goes into the main drive gear, seals the space between the mainshaft and the main drive gear?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Originally Posted by xcbullet
There is three seals in that area that can leak and you only changed one? I thought you changed 2 .
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,211
From: San Diego, CA
Nothing to be disgusted about..... Some people won't even change their own oil. You took on a pretty big job.
Over the years I have done several "redos" on projects I took on for the first time.
I'm too stubborn to throw in the towel, although I have almost gone to a shop on a couple of occasions out of frustration. Usually I can walk away for a day or two, then go back at it with a clear head.
Make sure you tell the shop you would like to know what they found to be leaking.... That way you can learn from this experience....
Good luck with your repair..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 304
From: mid Michigan
I have redone jobs many times, the second time is easier and goes faster. To get thAt pulley off does require a special socket. though. I made one out of a regular socket and had it welded at work.
In fact that big seal I had to do twice do to the baker seal not lasting long at all
I bet you could buy that socket cheaper than having it done . There's time before riding season really starts for us too.
In fact that big seal I had to do twice do to the baker seal not lasting long at all
I bet you could buy that socket cheaper than having it done . There's time before riding season really starts for us too.
Last edited by xcbullet; Feb 13, 2026 at 08:41 AM.