Amateur with a leak...

[SixShooter14]

Alright, I'm new around here and even newer to bikes. I seem to have a "small" leak.

This is on a '92 FXSTC. The front lower of the engine.

I don't know all the terminology, so please be as specific as possible.

What fluid would leak from here?
What would cause the leak?
How to fix it?









Btw, I have a service manual in the mail.

[pumpguy68]

In your first pict just to the left of center is that a crack or paint peeling off?

From what I can tell it looks like the cases are leaking where they are mated together.

Ray m

[Tynker]

Alright, I'm new around here and even newer to bikes. I seem to have a "small" leak.

This is on a '92 FXSTC. The front lower of the engine.

I don't know all the terminology, so please be as specific as possible.

What fluid would leak from here?
What would cause the leak?
How to fix it?









Btw, I have a service manual in the mail.

Looks like the "O" ring between the inner primary, and the case

[pumpguy68]

Could very well be the oring.

Best way to tell is 1st clean all the dirt and oil off so you can see where it's coming from.
2nd check primary fluid and see if it's low.

Ray m

[SixShooter14]

Yep, will be cleaning and degreasing in the morning.

Will try to take some more pics then.

Thanks for the quick responses

[mr. pitts]

You will need to get the whole area spotlessly clean & then ride it some to try & see where the oil is coming from. A light mist wouldn't be too great a cause for concern, but if yer gettin' drips on the floor, then it needs a lookin' at.

[codyshop]

Looks like the stator connection to the voltage regulator. 

[SixShooter14]

Ok, so I degreased it...





Then rode about 2 miles...got up to 2nd gear. Is this far enough?





Not noticing the leak yet, but will let it sit a bit.

[SixShooter14]

Alright now....let it sit a couple hours and no dripping, no oily spots....wth, did I plug the leak when running a towel over it?

So I took her out for about 15 miles, got up to 75 through all 5 gears. It does feel a little hard shifting through 1-3 and back down. But into 4th and 5th is smooth as butter....

I will try to check primary fluid and tranny fluid. Being the first fluid change since I've owned it, I don't know how much of each the previous owners put in. Nor when they last changed the fluids. I will write down how much of each I put in and see if any leaks afterwards.



Also, what was dripping seemed rather thin (almost watery thin) and rather light brown. Wonder if gas could have run down and picked up grease and turned brown. I'll be looking at the fuel lines and petcock for any cracked or loose spots.

[FSG]

Has the engine/frame taken a hit as it sure looks odd in the area circled.

[SixShooter14]

Has the engine/frame taken a hit as it sure looks odd in the area circled.

Not that I'm aware of. But who knows.

[Wicked]

Looks like the "O" ring between the inner primary, and the case

! Looks like seepage there....enough buildup and it will drip.  You got'er good n clean so should be no problem to locate it...
Paul

[SixShooter14]

Looks like the "O" ring between the inner primary, and the case

! Looks like seepage there....enough buildup and it will drip.  You got'er good n clean so should be no problem to locate it...
Paul

Thanks, I'll keep a close eye on it and go from there.

[pumpguy68]

Has the engine/frame taken a hit as it sure looks odd in the area circled.

That does look a bit odd now that you pointed it out.

Not sure how one would bend the frame there without damage elsewhere.

Ray m

[Flhfxd]

      Frame doesn't look bent to me. That bolt looks a bit suspect though. Had a similar leak on an EVO. The sealer on the case halves just deteriorated over time. If I cleaned it up, it would take quite a while to come back. Rode it like that for years. Its ugly but won't hurt anything.

[JohnFlorida]

If youre running syn oil try switching back to regular. Synthtic has a way of wicking past older gaskets .

[SixShooter14]

If youre running syn oil try switching back to regular. Synthtic has a way of wicking past older gaskets .

The engine oil is non-syn. But I haven't changed the primary or tranny fluids in the 2 weeks I've owned it.

[nibroc]

keep after it---you'll learn---nuttin wrong with the snyc oil

[apes]

sometimes you can mist a little flour ( as in baking ) on the suspected area and the seeping oil will form a trai
l leading to the leak

[hillcat]

Has the engine/frame taken a hit as it sure looks odd in the area circled.

That does look a bit odd now that you pointed it out.

Not sure how one would bend the frame there without damage elsewhere.

Ray m

Sometimes a collision with an animal will cause some unusual damage.

[yankee dog]

sometimes you can mist a little flour ( as in baking ) on the suspected area and the seeping oil will form a trai
l leading to the leak

Foot deodorant spray (the white stuff) works good also. If it is stator plug (pretty common problem do a search, tons of info and a few simple remedies that might work)) then consider yourself lucky...YD

[SixShooter14]

Alrighty folks....

Enlighten me:

[SixShooter14]

sometimes you can mist a little flour ( as in baking ) on the suspected area and the seeping oil will form a trai
l leading to the leak

Foot deodorant spray (the white stuff) works good also. If it is stator plug (pretty common problem do a search, tons of info and a few simple remedies that might work)) then consider yourself lucky...YD

The plug with the 2 wires coming from the crankcase??

Looking at my last pic, the area around there seems clean. I'm thinking it's below there between the primary case and crank.

Btw, I don't know all the proper terminology so if I misuse a name, please let me know.

Thanks

[pumpguy68]

There is a oring in between the motor and the inner primary that is what is leaking.

That sucks play doe won't fix that. The primary has to come off to put the new oring in.

Ray m

[SixShooter14]

There is a oring in between the motor and the inner primary that is what is leaking.

That sucks play doe won't fix that. The primary has to come off to put the new oring in.

Ray m

10-4...I was afraid of that.

How big of a job is something like that? I'm quite adept with tools and mechanically inclined. But I don't have a shop, so it'll be "shadetree mechanicing".


I'll try to get a co-worker who's worked on a few Harleys and has a garage to help.

[pumpguy68]

If you're good with a wrench it's not really hard. You will need a few special tools.

While you have it apart I would change all the bearings,seals and gaskets.


Ray m

[mr. pitts]

For a temporary fix, clean the leaky area up surgically clean & apply a bead of silicone sealer over the affected area. The leak should be done properly, but this will buy you a little time until you're in a position to get it done right.

[hbkeith]

 get a Factory Service Repair Manual before you try to tear anything apart, and you should be way past 2nd gear in a mile

[SixShooter14]

get a Factory Service Repair Manual before you try to tear anything apart, and you should be way past 2nd gear in a mile

Service Manual is in the mail, should be here tmrw. The speed limit is 25 here with 3 stops in less than a mile before I get to the interstate.

[SixShooter14]

Manual is here...will be checking the primary level tonight

[SixShooter14]

Primary is perfect, tranny is perfect, but engine oil is at approx. The red line shown:


This is with a cold engine.

[pumpguy68]

Hard to tell oil level by a picture of a dip stick as long as it's below the vent you should be fine.

I going to gues that the primary had to much oil to begin with.

Ray m

[SixShooter14]

Hard to tell oil level by a picture of a dip stick as long as it's below the vent you should be fine.

I going to gues that the primary had to much oil to begin with.

Ray m

Ooh.....that could be....if overfilled, will it build pressure when hot?

[SixShooter14]

Hard to tell oil level by a picture of a dip stick as long as it's below the vent you should be fine.

I going to gues that the primary had to much oil to begin with.

Ray m

For another "bad" pic...

Primary fluid was at approx The red line:

[pumpguy68]

That's about right for the primary fluid.

The fluid being to high probably would not add to the pressure build up unless it was really over full. Which is almost impossible unless you laid the bike on its side

The primary vents through the pushrod on your clutch into the transmission and out the transmission vent.

Ray m

[SixShooter14]

That's about right for the primary fluid.

The fluid being to high probably would not add to the pressure build up unless it was really over full. Which is almost impossible unless you laid the bike on its side

The primary vents through the pushrod on your clutch into the transmission and out the transmission vent.

Ray m

I could see that, taking off the derby cover the fluid level looked just like the pic in the manual...

But I was surprised at the engine oil. Seemed like a lot, but I guess not.

The tranny fluid was pretty much right in between the lines.

I'll definitely keep a close eye on the levels and try to get the bike home where I can work on it. I'm at my apartment now it's about 140 miles home, so I was a little worried.

Thanks for all the help.

[pumpguy68]

You're welcome.

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions!

There is a wealth of knowledge here on HTT and the members here are the best and always willing to help.

Ray m

[Tynker]

That's about right for the primary fluid.

The fluid being to high probably would not add to the pressure build up unless it was really over full. Which is almost impossible unless you laid the bike on its side

The primary vents through the pushrod on your clutch into the transmission and out the transmission vent.

Ray m

I could see that, taking off the derby cover the fluid level looked just like the pic in the manual...

But I was surprised at the engine oil. Seemed like a lot, but I guess not.

The tranny fluid was pretty much right in between the lines.

I'll definitely keep a close eye on the levels and try to get the bike home where I can work on it. I'm at my apartment now it's about 140 miles home, so I was a little worried.

Thanks for all the help.

You do know that the engine oil is checked while on the kickstand, and the tranny & primary oil is checked with the bike level, right.

[SixShooter14]

That's about right for the primary fluid.

The fluid being to high probably would not add to the pressure build up unless it was really over full. Which is almost impossible unless you laid the bike on its side

The primary vents through the pushrod on your clutch into the transmission and out the transmission vent.

Ray m

I could see that, taking off the derby cover the fluid level looked just like the pic in the manual...

But I was surprised at the engine oil. Seemed like a lot, but I guess not.

The tranny fluid was pretty much right in between the lines.

I'll definitely keep a close eye on the levels and try to get the bike home where I can work on it. I'm at my apartment now it's about 140 miles home, so I was a little worried.

Thanks for all the help.

You do know that the engine oil is checked while on the kickstand, and the tranny & primary oil is checked with the bike level, right.

Yes sir

[rhd47]

Primary is perfect, tranny is perfect, but engine oil is at approx. The red line shown:


This is with a cold engine.

Don't you have " HOT " and " COLD " markings on your dip stick......??   

[SixShooter14]

Primary is perfect, tranny is perfect, but engine oil is at approx. The red line shown:


This is with a cold engine.

Don't you have " HOT " and " COLD " markings on your dip stick......??   

I didn't see them? Btw, the pic is not of my dipstick. Just one I found to illustrate the level.

[JC 92FXRS]

Way too much oil...if that's a cold stick.
Jeff

[JC 92FXRS]

Too much if hot as well.

[SixShooter14]

Way too much oil...if that's a cold stick.
Jeff

I'll check it again tmrw and try to get a pic of my stick. I don't remember wiping the stick before reading it...will update tmrw.

[rageglide]

My advice, Don't use a dipstick for determining the oil level.  Use your eyes. 

Sit on the bike holding it upright, hot, oil should just be at the bottom of the filler neck , which leaves a visible vent space.  Fill it higher it's going to find a way out, either the breather or pop the oil tank filler plug!  Wipe the plug before you reinsert unless you like a dribble on the oil tank...

Your leak looks like primary o ring as others said.  Very easy job on a 92. 

[SixShooter14]

Wipe the plug before you reinsert unless you like a dribble on the oil tank...

Yes sir, usually do. Will make that always do.

[Hossamania]

I would consider that leak pretty minor, but that's just me. Being a generally lazy person, I'd clean it up occasionally and ride it. If, after cleaning it up and taking an hour ride, it starts to drip on the floor, then I would repair it. But if it took quite a few rides to leak enough to drip, I'd just run it.

[SixShooter14]

I would consider that leak pretty minor, but that's just me. Being a generally lazy person, I'd clean it up occasionally and ride it. If, after cleaning it up and taking an hour ride, it starts to drip on the floor, then I would repair it. But if it took quite a few rides to leak enough to drip, I'd just run it.

That's what I'll do until winter and I can get it to my brother's house. He has a small shop where I can tear into it.

[SixShooter14]

Ruh roh....another, more substantial, leak.

I'll get y'all more details tmrw. But it looks like it's high and on the front left side.

[pumpguy68]

If it's at the top where the chrome meets the cast it's probably a rocker box gasket.

Ray m

[SixShooter14]

If it's at the top where the chrome meets the cast it's probably a rocker box gasket.

Ray m

Hmm....I'll definitely look into that. Thanks...

It just started today. I let her warm up then went out for about 15miles and noticed the smell of oil. Back to the house I went. Too dark now, I'll get a better look at it tmrw.

[SixShooter14]

If it's at the top where the chrome meets the cast it's probably a rocker box gasket.

Ray m

I think you're right. I snapped these on my way to work this morning.

[mr. pitts]

Looks like a rocker box gasket has failed to me. At least it's the front pot. I did this job on the rear pot of my Electra, & clearances made it a bit of a pig to do. Fairly straight forward to fix, you just need to be careful of bleeding the lifters down when it all goes back together. I used a James Gaskets kit, excellent quality & the job's a good 'un. To be ab-so-lutely sure, scrub the oily bits clean with a de-greaser, throw sum talcum powder on the area & go for a ride. The talc will stain with oil & the leak will easily be seen.

[SixShooter14]

After a 5 mile ride last night:

[Pete_Vit]

Alright now....let it sit a couple hours and no dripping, no oily spots....wth, did I plug the leak when running a towel over it?

So I took her out for about 15 miles, got up to 75 through all 5 gears. It does feel a little hard shifting through 1-3 and back down. But into 4th and 5th is smooth as butter....

I will try to check primary fluid and tranny fluid. Being the first fluid change since I've owned it, I don't know how much of each the previous owners put in. Nor when they last changed the fluids. I will write down how much of each I put in and see if any leaks afterwards.



Also, what was dripping seemed rather thin (almost watery thin) and rather light brown. Wonder if gas could have run down and picked up grease and turned brown. I'll be looking at the fuel lines and petcock for any cracked or loose spots.

that's quite possible my wife's Sporty looked like it was leaking from the timing plug, here to find out I had a small leak from the fuel line to the carb, we can check this out closer Saturday if you make it up.

[Pete_Vit]

Well at least its the front CYL, there's a little more room there to get rocker boxes out and replace those gaskets

[Tommy C]

After a 5 mile ride last night:

That's a pretty good leak. Hope you get it sealed up tight with no issues.

[hbkeith]

Looks like your running over filled on motor oil ,as mention check it while on kickstand. let the EVO warm up before giving much RPM or they blow Rocker gaskets , A mile at 25mph in 1st gear is too much ,probably why Rocker gasket leaking , Shift it

[SixShooter14]

Looks like your running over filled on motor oil ,as mention check it while on kickstand. let the EVO warm up before giving much RPM or they blow Rocker gaskets , A mile at 25mph in 1st gear is too much ,probably why Rocker gasket leaking , Shift it

The oil is a good bit below the rubber seal on the stick. I get 2nd before 25mph. And there's 4 or 5 stops in that mile. But I'll keep that in mind. I do always warm the engine, but perhaps not warm enough. Thanks.

[SixShooter14]

Back to the shifting. What speeds do y'all shift at? Assume a stock 80" EVO and stock 5-speed tranny

This is about where I shift. Speeds are approx. as I don't stare at the speedo while driving.
1>2 @ 15
2>3 @ 30
3>4 @ 45
4>5 @ 60

Also, is 5th to be used as overdrive? Say if I'm going to be cruising @ 50mph for a while, should I grab 5th and lower the rpm or keep 4th?

[Pete_Vit]

I've never really looked that much at where I shift, and now since I don't have a tach on the Softail I just listen to the motor.
A Indy once told me these engines can take much more RPM's than most think, and shift way too soon causing more damage than good, so:
1) these Evo engines need to be warm before you start revving them to the sky, I was told to feel the back cyl rocker box, if its warm to the touch, you're good to go
2) don't lug, even on the 2 lane slab, if your doing 45-50 stay in 4th gear.
this is some advice I was given and I try to stick to most of these rules.
some folks I use to ride with like to take off cold/fast - I will not do that any longer with this new rebuild.

[SixShooter14]

Ok, yeah I do kinda miss my tach. I've only owned 1 automatic vehicle and it was gone after 2 months. I watch my tach for many reasons besides shift points. But that's probably #1 especially just starting out and learning.

I had read that somewhere about touching the rear cover. It seems to make sense.

Thanks about the shifting. I'm assuming it's the same for every gear? Its better to have the rpm be a little high than a lot low.

[Pete_Vit]

I'm with ya on automatics and now with the 6-8 speed auto's its nuts, at least they are starting to put tach's back in them now.
I'm not sure if its every year EVO, I know it was 'suggested' to me when I got the Sporty, and followed the same rules with the 80" EVO, I think its more important on a big twin than the EVO Sportster,

[Hossamania]

I think your shift points are pretty much right on. I do not use 5th until at least 55-60 mph. This on my old Evo, and my current twin cams.

[SixShooter14]

I think your shift points are pretty much right on. I do not use 5th until at least 55-60 mph. This on my old Evo, and my current twin cams.

Ok, thanks, I kinda thought that.

When cruising at say 50mph in 4th it seems like the rpms are higher than need be if the road is flat. Using 5th may lower them too far though especially if trying to accelerate or pull a hill, then you'd want to downshift.

So it seems best to either stay in 4th or speed up to 55+ and grab 5th.

[Old Crow]

When we leave home, I can just start and ride off.  By the time I get anywhere I can exceed about 1100 rpm the motor's hot to touch.
I knew there was at least one advantage to a 3/4 mile long dirt and gravel driveway.

Shift points?  Anywhere from 1800-7500.  Oh, wait, this  isn't the Shovel board...I shift the Evo no higher than the 5500 rpm red line, and usually way below that. 

I spend a lot of time cruising in 4th gear around where I live.  It saves shifting and most of the roads around here can be ridden comfortably in 4th.

[SixShooter14]

When we leave home, I can just start and ride off.  By the time I get anywhere I can exceed about 1100 rpm the motor's hot to touch.
I knew there was at least one advantage to a 3/4 mile long dirt and gravel driveway.

Shift points?  Anywhere from 1800-7500.  Oh, wait, this  isn't the Shovel board...I shift the Evo no higher than the 5500 rpm red line, and usually way below that.  [emoji14]otstir:

I spend a lot of time cruising in 4th gear around where I live.  It saves shifting and most of the roads around here can be ridden comfortably in 4th.

In my apt. comm. The speed limit is 10mph and there are several speed bumps in the 1/2 mile before I get to the street which has a 25mph limit with 4 stop signs in the mile to the highway which is 45mph.

So I let it warm for a minute or 2 then 1st gear for 1/2 mile then 1st>2nd>1st for the next mile.

[SixShooter14]

One more question...

Can I take off FROM A STOP in 2nd or always 1st?

[Pete_Vit]

I've only done this by mistake a couple time, I guess it depends on the grade of the road, you'll know if your in 2nd taking off from a slight upward grade, not so much on the downside. 

[SixShooter14]

That was my thought too. If flat or facing uphill then definitely 1st but if facing downhill then 2nd might be ok.

[Hossamania]

2nd gear works, just don't want to make a habit of it.