Leaking oil
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
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From: S.E. MO
Leaking oil
Well I pulled back into the garage this afternoon and when I got off the bike I noticed a couple drops of oil on the floor. Got to get it cleaned up as a lot of is wet with oil as I rode with some sport bike guys last night and was running it pretty hard. It is coming from around the oil filter somewhere. The filter is tight so dont think it is the filter its self. Any ideas or common issues to look for.
I am not looking forward to taking it to the dealer as they couldnt even get the outer fairing back on tight when replacing the radio under warranty.
I am not looking forward to taking it to the dealer as they couldnt even get the outer fairing back on tight when replacing the radio under warranty.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
to find the location of an oil leak, spray the suspected area with drug store foot powder.
any leaks will wash away the foot power
year and model of your bike might make it easier for someone to help you, also any mods, such as screamin' eagle air cleaner---?
any oil residue around the air filter, air cleaner housing? or around filler/ dipstick?
if over filled, oil will be blown out on these areas. ( and sometimes, dipstick will be blown out and away, which is way messy
run a pint low if that is the problem
mike
any leaks will wash away the foot power
year and model of your bike might make it easier for someone to help you, also any mods, such as screamin' eagle air cleaner---?
any oil residue around the air filter, air cleaner housing? or around filler/ dipstick?
if over filled, oil will be blown out on these areas. ( and sometimes, dipstick will be blown out and away, which is way messy
run a pint low if that is the problem
mike
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
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From: S.E. MO
2011 Street Glide - 8000 miles - just slip-ons
Still have the stock air cleaner and it isnt blow-by. It is definately coming from around the oil filter somewhere. Got it soaking now to clean everything up so i can keep a closer eye on it and see were it starts.
Still have the stock air cleaner and it isnt blow-by. It is definately coming from around the oil filter somewhere. Got it soaking now to clean everything up so i can keep a closer eye on it and see were it starts.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 17,717
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From: NY
Great idea. I don't have any leaks but should one surface I'll use this method to locate it. THanks
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: S.E. MO
Got it all cleaned up but will probally be tomorrow before I can take it out for a ride and see where it leaks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Puyallup Wa.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: S.E. MO
The oil cooler seems fine but hopefully tomorrow I can narrow down the area a little better.
Did talk to a guy today with a 2011 RGC and he had a leak in the same area and it was the from a gasket behind the piece the oil filter screws on to. Really looks like mine maybe from the same gasket.
Did talk to a guy today with a 2011 RGC and he had a leak in the same area and it was the from a gasket behind the piece the oil filter screws on to. Really looks like mine maybe from the same gasket.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Nevada
Good tip. I once had a leak in this area. Tightening the two allen head screws was the fix.