Replaced the Quad seal this weekend

[bikerider58]

About 5 months ago I pulled the primary to strip the old chrome, bead blast and paint it.  Before putting it back together, I thought about replacing the quad seal, but it wasn't leaking so way mess with it.  Of course, about a month or two later it started to leak.

Over the last couple months the slow leak went from a drop or two over night to a small puddle.  So I decided to pull the primary and take care of that quad seal.  I found that the oil seal had worn a groove in the the spacer, so I had to take another trip to the dealer.  They had the part in stock! 

It was chilly when I put the primary back together, and during the test ride I could hear the primary chain noise, so adjusted it (added slack) and all is well.   

No leaks!  So, I did it correctly...or...forgot to put oil in it!  (No, I didn't forget.)

[Buddy WMC]

If you ever have to do this job again, replace that stock spacer with a hardened one from Baker. It will not groove out like what you described.

[bikerider58]

Thanks for the input. When (not if) it starts to leak again, I'll order the spacer and have it in hand before touching it.

[riden2low]

And use a Jims retainer nut. My old one loosen up and caused a big leak. Jims retainer nut with locking ring is made as one and can't back off as some has done like mine did.

[attachment removed after 60 days by system]

[Buddy WMC]

No Problem,
Baker also makes a Hi Torque inner primary bearing that comes with a new seal. It eliminates the mainshaft bearing race that can walk on the transmission shaft. I would also suggest that if you have a pre 93 model, that you update to the 94 and later style pulley. Harley has an update kit or they are available from Baker, BDL, Primo and so forth. Good luck as it's a job that no one wnts to do too often.

[bikerider58]

I have the late model pulley and spacers as well as a better lock ring.

Okay, all was good until today when I noticed a few drops of oil.  There is still dye in the trans so it is a trans leak.

I'm guessing I messed up in some way.  Maybe too tight?  Not tight enough?

Any suggestions?

[Buddy WMC]

Did you check and make sure that it's not residual oil from doing the job or coming from the overflow vent? If not I'm afraid that the job must be done again. There is a possiblility that the new quad seal was not installed squarely or was twisted. I'd order new Genuine James double lipped seals, a quad seal and the Baker parts I mentioned earlier. This should solve your problem.

I have a spare Baker inner primary Hi-Torque bearing and seal kit and I think a spare hardened spacer if you can't find one in a hurry. It will require a special tool to remove the existing primary bearing mainshaft race that maybe you could borrow. There is also an upgraded starter shaft seal now available that has a teflon wiper. It cleans the starter shaft everytime it is engaged and keep the shaft clean.

Best of luck,
Buddy....

[rdkng]

I've had my trans puke a time or two with no other problems afterwards.

Plus dont forget to tape up the splines on the shaft when putting the primary on.
it can slice up that new seal quickly. 
good luck.. at least its winter 
rdkng   

[Buddy WMC]

BUDDY
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[JohnS_Rosamond]

I second the use of Jim's supernut for the front pulley.  A one-time fix if there ever was one.
John S,

[riden2low]

I have the late model pulley and spacers as well as a better lock ring.

Okay, all was good until today when I noticed a few drops of oil.  There is still dye in the trans so it is a trans leak.

I'm guessing I messed up in some way.  Maybe too tight?  Not tight enough?

Any suggestions?

When I replace my seals, I seem to remember I had a leak for a day or so and then it stopped. I am kind of thinking it was just excess oil that I didn't get all off when I put it back together. I had put oil on every thing to make sure it all slide back in place nice and easy. One, you might have pinched the quad seal, two, did you replaced the inner primary seal. Smell the oil. The trans oil has a different smell from engine oil

[bikerider58]

Thanks for all the input.  It is still leaking and I'm still riding it every day.

I'm going to add bags (at least a top case) to my V-rod so it can become the commuter bike.  Once I do this, I'll fix the leak and probably sell the FLHT.  I've picked up a second V-rod for a project bike (it is a salvage) and I don't have room for all the bikes.

[les]

Are you sure your main drive gear seal is not the one that's leaking?  It is unusual but perhaps the main bearing seal is leaking.