I would like some input
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: 46th State, USA
I would like some input
I haven't ridden my Ultra Classic in about 1 month. It needed washing so I got it out as I have many time and hand washed it. Dried it off and took it for a short ride to blow some water off it in some of those hard to get to places. The weather temperature is about 83*. After about a 20 minute ride and after getting home and stopping the scoot I smelled something. I got off and noticed smoke coming from the exhaust support bracket directly under the transmission 6 speed cover almost like a small amount of oil had gotten on it. I couldn't recognize any particular smell. If it had been water from the wash job it would have been steam and not smoke. Ive always hand wash the bike and this is the first time for this experience.
I did check the transmission oil and it appeared to be full but it had lots of bubbles in it and on the dip-stick. I had never notice that before and was wondering if that was normal. I've used Amsoil Severe Gear for about 1-1/2 years. I might mention there wer no oil spots on the floor or on the bottom side of the transmission.
Any input will be appreciated.
I did check the transmission oil and it appeared to be full but it had lots of bubbles in it and on the dip-stick. I had never notice that before and was wondering if that was normal. I've used Amsoil Severe Gear for about 1-1/2 years. I might mention there wer no oil spots on the floor or on the bottom side of the transmission.
Any input will be appreciated.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: NJ
I'm no professional mechanic but here is what I would do.
1) lay out a few paper towels under there regardless of what you said about there being nothing on the floor.
2) bubbles? Could that be water that got in there and mixed with the transmission fluid?
When in doubt I'd change it out.
3) smoke by exhaust bracket. Spill any motor oil recently that could have been washed out of a concealed area and onto the exhaust bracket?
At the end of the day I'd change out the transmission fluid due to those bubbles and just keep an eye on things for a week. Jmo
Yup what spider pig said....the two most bottom Allen wrench type bolts that bolt the bracket to the transmission housing do get loose and cause a leak. Big 10-4
1) lay out a few paper towels under there regardless of what you said about there being nothing on the floor.
2) bubbles? Could that be water that got in there and mixed with the transmission fluid?
When in doubt I'd change it out.
3) smoke by exhaust bracket. Spill any motor oil recently that could have been washed out of a concealed area and onto the exhaust bracket?
At the end of the day I'd change out the transmission fluid due to those bubbles and just keep an eye on things for a week. Jmo
Yup what spider pig said....the two most bottom Allen wrench type bolts that bolt the bracket to the transmission housing do get loose and cause a leak. Big 10-4
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Air bubbles are normal. We did a test on this while back. Unlike a auto transmission or motor that should not have levels up in spinning part, the gears in this transmission are all meshed and spinning. Like the primary, its a dishwasher going on in there. Water spinning will turn it yellowish to milkey looking depending on amount. Pretty clean oil will look light golden with the air bubbles in it.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 17, 2011 at 02:38 PM.
Did you by chance check your rear break fluid level? Is the rear break switch in that neighborhood,they have been known to leak..
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
and my take is: tighten the tranny end cover bolts- new spec per H-D is 20 to 23 pounds.
fresh locktite too-- that's for the top easy to get at bolts. I'm waiting until I have reason to pull the exhaust to get the other bolts.
the lower bolts can be tightened easily by inserting a 1/4" phillips bit, butt end into the allen- and turning it with a 1/4" open end wrench.
that may well be the source
for finding sources of leaks, spray the area with drugstore foot powder. leaking fluid will wash it away from the source
mike
fresh locktite too-- that's for the top easy to get at bolts. I'm waiting until I have reason to pull the exhaust to get the other bolts.
the lower bolts can be tightened easily by inserting a 1/4" phillips bit, butt end into the allen- and turning it with a 1/4" open end wrench.
that may well be the source
for finding sources of leaks, spray the area with drugstore foot powder. leaking fluid will wash it away from the source
mike
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: 46th State, USA
Anyone know what the torque spec's are for those 2 bolts?
I guess the Motor Company had no alternative other than have through holes into the transmission oil reservoir.
I guess I need to replace the donuts on the headers when I remove them? I might should just take it to the dealer maybe.
Thanks for all of the suggestions.
Last edited by shortride; Sep 17, 2011 at 05:13 PM.
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From: Earth
Not necessarily if you are careful you should be able to reinstall without getting new ones.
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From: virginia
and my take is: tighten the tranny end cover bolts- new spec per H-D is 20 to 23 pounds.
fresh locktite too-- that's for the top easy to get at bolts. I'm waiting until I have reason to pull the exhaust to get the other bolts.
the lower bolts can be tightened easily by inserting a 1/4" phillips bit, butt end into the allen- and turning it with a 1/4" open end wrench.
that may well be the source
for finding sources of leaks, spray the area with drugstore foot powder. leaking fluid will wash it away from the source
mike
fresh locktite too-- that's for the top easy to get at bolts. I'm waiting until I have reason to pull the exhaust to get the other bolts.
the lower bolts can be tightened easily by inserting a 1/4" phillips bit, butt end into the allen- and turning it with a 1/4" open end wrench.
that may well be the source
for finding sources of leaks, spray the area with drugstore foot powder. leaking fluid will wash it away from the source
mike