Would I need a new seal & how easy is it to repair by just using a manual?
2007-11-15 00:35:06 · 12 answers · asked by dj17851 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Yeah,they all always do that.
Damned Leakin' Harleys,,,can barely make it 10 Years before it starts leaking,,,LOL.
There's several gskts/seals up there.
The H-D shop will probly try to sell you a Gasket Set.
It's much pricier than a single piece of whichever specific gasket is the actual culprit.
My opinion,,you should do them all and be done with it.
Everybody has their favourite gasket sealer .
Most dont even know WHY.
Threebond is popular,,,I've used it since YEARS before it was readily available at retail level,,back when it was OEM on Jap Bikes .
On SOME stuff it's hard to beat.
It's silicon based.
I dont like silicon stuff on assemblies like H-D,Most of the Brit Bikes,,most of the Euopean Bikes,,,,or car engines except Jap Cars.
My personal 1st Choice remains Hylomar.
2nd,,,,nasty old black Permatex #2.
Never had a single failure in close to 50yrs now,,,all sorts of engines/applications,,several 1,000's of them.
If I EXPECT a joint problem,,Permatex #2 is 1st choice.
Also when I'm NOT certain what to use.
It's sooo nasty,I always feel like I must "defend" it's use,,lol
Whatever you decide to use,,,make sure all your mating surfaces are Clean.
...............................
While You're in there,,,it's Quick/Cheap/Very Easy to replace the Breather's Umbrella Valves.
Just a little "flat mushroom" looking rubber doodad,,,
SUPPOSED to keep them from blowing oil out into Air Filter.
They work half-azzed OK when they work.
But not really too well.
And USUALLY dont last very long.
It's a big job in a harsh environment they do,,for such a flimsy little thing.
"KrankVent" brand PCV valves are rather pricey,,,but they work excellent and are a worthwhile upgrade for any engine,,in my opinion.
If your XL- ain't pumping oil into air filter,,,,and is not generally "sweaty" around other gasket joints,,,
Then they aren't an actual Necessity.
But if you DO have any such symptoms of Breather Faults,,the KrankVents WILL solve it.
Just a mention,for what it's worth.
Good Luck
2007-11-15 06:32:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
It may not have had the bolts re-torqued as needed when it was time. Using your motor at an agressive pace before it is completely warmed up also leads to leaking gaskets. Mostly though Harley uses cheezy gaskets and it is common for the most well maintained bikes to leak. Taking it to a Harley dealership will result in replacing the cheezy gaskets with new cheezy gaskets that will leak very soon. In my experiance it is best to find a good independant "harley" shop and have the gaskest from the cylinder base up replaced with quality aftermarket gaskets. An independant shop can be a Harley owners best friend.
2016-05-23 06:21:15 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
98 Sportster
2016-12-28 04:52:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it sounds as if you need to replace the rocker cover gasket.It is relatively easy job,Read the section covering this task and the job should be straight forward.Good luck hope you sort/seal your oil leak.
2007-11-15 00:47:09 · answer #4 · answered by the rocket 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if the torque value on the bolts is in specs, looks like it needs a new gasket. get a shop manual for it, and it will break the job down in detail what is required. from tools to tighting patteren, to torque values. in the future, i suggest letting the bike warm up until the bottom of the boxes is warm to the touch. i do this on my bike, and for over 2 years, no leaks anywhere.
2007-11-15 04:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by forktail_devil 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Common on Sportsters, just renew the rocker gasket, easy job but if you daon't fancy doing it most H-D Dealers would do it for £100 tops
2007-11-15 01:56:10 · answer #6 · answered by Biker 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
new gasket set...it is very easy to replace just make sure you torque the bolts to the correct psi and in the order they suggest in the maintence manual
2007-11-15 04:40:12 · answer #7 · answered by Robert P 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check the oil screen at base of engine/ middle of cylinders is it clogged? other than that maybe basegasket repair/ shop job...not a dealer/ maybe to high? and a lott don't worj on bikes older than tenyears?
2007-11-15 01:45:31 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Gotta be a gasket or something for sure. Eh, every Harley leaks a little.
2007-11-15 01:02:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
I wouldn't worry, it's just another Harley marking it's territory.
2007-11-17 01:57:03 · answer #10 · answered by Swagman 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋