Oil Cooler Leak
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 714
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From: Western,NC
Oil Cooler Leak
I've been having oil on my garage floor the last few days. Thought it was from the non HD oil filter working a little loose (1st time ever used) but changed the oil and installed new HD filter but I'm still getting a slow leak. Removed the bottom three bolts on the cooler and examined all the lines, couldn't really see a leak although oil was inside the chrome cover. I didn't completely remove the cooler but I am wondering could the cooler itself be leaking or since it's finally gotten cooler here in NC if it's thermostat related. the cooler is less than a year old and never had a problem although the bike has 54K on the clock. What's the best way to determine the problem? Thanks Guys!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
I've been having oil on my garage floor the last few days. Thought it was from the non HD oil filter working a little loose (1st time ever used) but changed the oil and installed new HD filter but I'm still getting a slow leak. Removed the bottom three bolts on the cooler and examined all the lines, couldn't really see a leak although oil was inside the chrome cover. I didn't completely remove the cooler but I am wondering could the cooler itself be leaking or since it's finally gotten cooler here in NC if it's thermostat related. the cooler is less than a year old and never had a problem although the bike has 54K on the clock. What's the best way to determine the problem? Thanks Guys!
Be sure to eliminate other possible leaks such as a loose hose clamp or pin hole in one of the lines. You'll have to get that area completely clean and dry before you can look for leaks and determine the source.
Hope this helps.
Steve
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
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From: Saint Augustine FL
I had the same problem, thought it was the filter, but it turned out to be the adapter for the oil cooler. Fortunately mine was under warranty, and on the third try the dealer figured it out. Good Luck!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
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From: Central Illinois
There is a possibility the large fitting that does double duty as the bolt that attaches the cooler adapter to the engine and also gets the oil filter screwed onto it, is somewhat loose. I believe it takes a 7/16" allen wrench/socket to tighten it. If you do not have a tool, take a 5/16" bolt, which has a 7/16 size head, screw 2 nuts on it and lock them together, then you can put the head of the bolt into the fitting and turn it with a 7/16 deep socket and ratchet on the nuts. If it was not put on tight enough in the beginning, removing the oil filter can cause it to loosen up.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
Good advice from the other guys. They're right, could be the adapter gasket. It would look like the filter is leaking because the area is so close to the filter. Really hard to see if it's on the bottom side.
The oil dye might be a good idea if you can't seem to see the leak after you clean it and run it. If you don't have a jack, you'll have to find a way to get under the bike with a flashlight.
If all else fails, off to the dealer or an indy to let them do the dirty work.
The oil dye might be a good idea if you can't seem to see the leak after you clean it and run it. If you don't have a jack, you'll have to find a way to get under the bike with a flashlight.
If all else fails, off to the dealer or an indy to let them do the dirty work.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
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From: Newport news, Virginia
I too have a leak but mine was traced to the oil filter adapter that is installed on the block. I plan on pulling it and installing a new gasket and adding a bead of silicone.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
Make sure you have the gasket positioned correctly and glue it in place with the Permatex or weather stripping cement. Do not put glue on both sides. Just one side to hold the gasket while you install the adapter.
There are a couple threads here concerning that gasket. You'll have to spend some time searching. (sorry, not enough time to do that for you). The gasket is kinda strange looking and can be installed incorrectly if you don't know the trick.
Can anyone else add to this or help more?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 5
i had the same problem and it turned out to the oil adapter and it was the long narrow piece at the top. and it wasnt any gasket. what happened was the 02 sensor was hitting the top of that narrow piece. its hard to see but they do hit what i had to do was remove the front exhaust take it down to the local muffler shop and move the 02 sensor bung up about 1/2 inch. problem solved hope this helps.
Rick
Rick