Leaking oil need some advice
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Tipton Iowa
Leaking oil need some advice
This is the situation, Currently me and my bike are 1700 miles from home.r I trailered it from frozen Iowa to Arizona. I dont have many tools with me. I screwed up and left all my sockets home. My 2009 electra glide started leaking oil. I changed oil in all three holes before I left home and have rode it about 1200 miles since. It looks like it is transmission oil, as that is the only fluid that is low. Could not really narrow it down.
My plan is this.
If I can locate the right size socket I will make sure drain plug is tight. (As I rode it 1000 miles before I noticed any leak.) I think it was tight.
If it keeps leaking get a new o-ring and redo the fluid change.
My question is this , is there any else that I should check. And would like anyone's opinion if the plug could have started leaking because of the large range of temps. the bike has been exposed to in the last 15 days minus 7 to plus however warm it gets in 65 degree weather at 80 MPH.
Also as I may have to go buy a socket tomorrow can someone tell me what size socket that takes. I don,t remember.
thanks
My plan is this.
If I can locate the right size socket I will make sure drain plug is tight. (As I rode it 1000 miles before I noticed any leak.) I think it was tight.
If it keeps leaking get a new o-ring and redo the fluid change.
My question is this , is there any else that I should check. And would like anyone's opinion if the plug could have started leaking because of the large range of temps. the bike has been exposed to in the last 15 days minus 7 to plus however warm it gets in 65 degree weather at 80 MPH.
Also as I may have to go buy a socket tomorrow can someone tell me what size socket that takes. I don,t remember.
thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Frederick, CO
5/8 socket to check plug. I would wipe it off and let her set for a few see where it's coming from and just change that fluid. New o rings would probably help. those plugs dont have to be super tight just clean, sense it's a o-ring seal.
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
Likes: 20,116
From: Ft. Worth, TX
I don't think temperature has anything to do with your leak. Have an O-ring handy, pull the plug, do the little dutch boy thing with your finger in the hole and change the O-ring. You should lose minimal fluid. You should be able to get a full set of cheap-o sockets and ratchet for less than 10 bucks at a China-Mart or pawn shop.
Last edited by Juan L; Jan 13, 2013 at 08:41 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Have you looked under the bike to see where the leak is located or where it's coming from?
If it is from the transmission, it could be the two bolts that hold the header hanger. These bolts are the absolute two bottom middle bolts of the tranny cover. Temp fix is to take the end of a ball allen head (can't remember size) and snug them up. Permanent fix is to remove the header, replace the bolts with grade 8 allen head bolts with lock washers and red locktite. These bolts are notorious for coming loose and causing transmission oil to leak out of the bottom and run across and drip off the engine oil drain plug when on the side stand....thus causing you to think its that plug that's loose. There's no pressure in your transmission, so it's probably not the drain plug.
If it is from the transmission, it could be the two bolts that hold the header hanger. These bolts are the absolute two bottom middle bolts of the tranny cover. Temp fix is to take the end of a ball allen head (can't remember size) and snug them up. Permanent fix is to remove the header, replace the bolts with grade 8 allen head bolts with lock washers and red locktite. These bolts are notorious for coming loose and causing transmission oil to leak out of the bottom and run across and drip off the engine oil drain plug when on the side stand....thus causing you to think its that plug that's loose. There's no pressure in your transmission, so it's probably not the drain plug.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the 2 allens referenced above are 1/4".
a 1/4" drive screwdriver bit, butt end first, can be turned with a wrench to tighten those... they are notorius for loosening, HD changed the torque spec on those to 25 ftlbs.
( there "may" be pressure in the tranny if the vent is plugged- mud dauber wasps are known to do just that- but this is probably not your problem, worth a look though)
to locate the source of a leak, use drugstore spray on foot powder, it'll wash away from the source
If you get jammed up, pm me.
I am in North Phx near state route 51 and Shea blvd ( exit 9).
Mike
a 1/4" drive screwdriver bit, butt end first, can be turned with a wrench to tighten those... they are notorius for loosening, HD changed the torque spec on those to 25 ftlbs.
( there "may" be pressure in the tranny if the vent is plugged- mud dauber wasps are known to do just that- but this is probably not your problem, worth a look though)
to locate the source of a leak, use drugstore spray on foot powder, it'll wash away from the source
If you get jammed up, pm me.
I am in North Phx near state route 51 and Shea blvd ( exit 9).
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 13, 2013 at 08:46 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Oswego, IL
I hope I never need assistance out on the road but I am glad to see there are some who consistently help others.
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I have to agree this is a pretty good group!
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Tourer
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You can borrow tools from autozone also. They have a tool rental. I also had an issue last year where my belt was loose. I borrowed the tools they had and fixed it in the lot for free. The manager was pretty cool. I fixed it on the sidewalk in front if the store.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Tipton Iowa
This forum rocks, Several good ideas , I will try them. Mkguitar I am in Fountain Hills , looked you up on the map you are not to far away. I may need to take you up on your offer. I think my closest dealer is Scottsdale Harley , I can pick up a o-ring and oil there.
I can pick up some foot powder and will try to locate some tools.
I will report back in a day or so.
thanks again
I can pick up some foot powder and will try to locate some tools.
I will report back in a day or so.
thanks again
