Fixing Oil Leak - Harley Forum

lgleisner · #1 03-22-2009, 10:13 AM

I have noticed some oil coming from a hex head screw directly below the engine from the casing I assume holds the oil pump (casing is directly in front of the oil pan going towards the front tire). While it was only a drop or 2 I had no worries, but last week when I uncovered the bike there was quite a bit more from storing the winter. I removed the allen screw and put a little teflon paste around it to stop the leak. Now that I had done that is there a way to re-prime that section of casing? Maybe feed from the oil filter back? Or seeing as I have not started the bike will this casing fill by itself?

milindh · #2 03-22-2009, 02:24 PM

Hey Iggy

It would be good if you got more specific here and include your year and model bike. A pic would be good too.

lgleisner · #3 03-23-2009, 10:21 AM

Thanks - I will take a photo tonite.
I have a 2006 Ultra - Engine wise it is stock.

The casing is directly below the engine. And there is (1) allen screw on the right rear corner of the casing facing the floor.

Thanks again - a photo will be attached this evening.

lgleisner · #4 03-23-2009, 09:25 PM

Here is the photo - I am assuming this casing holds the oil pump and catches any run off from the motor itself. When i removed the plug very little oil came out maybe 1/8 quart. I back feed some oil (1/4 quart) into the hole prior to putting back in the allen screw.

unclepsycho · #5 03-24-2009, 12:01 AM

this picture is the plug shown as Part #15? it is the cams, oil pump and the crank case that is above there. I believe you need to go ahead and allow it to drain as there is no real need for oil to be collecting there, the pump takes it out and The oil is stored in the pan, which is behind and below this area. The pan is attached to your engine and tranny both.

Be sure to put teflon paste on the threads of the plug to seal the leak.

lgleisner · #6 03-24-2009, 12:24 AM

Thanks again for all the help. I went and bought a service manual - so the next time I try to screw around with anything I know better as to what I am getting into.

Do you feel I should allow the oil I back fed into the casing to drain out or will / has the oil pump already removed it? I will put teflon paste back on the allen screw if I need to remove it to drain the oil I put back in there. Thanks again for the reply and sorry for not doing my homework prior to playing around with the bike. It is my first Harley and while I used to work on all of my other bikes I am starting to see that Harley's truely are one of a kind. I can't keep my damn hands off the thing so I best be doing some learning.

unclepsycho · #7 03-24-2009, 12:35 AM

Hay, no problem, thats why we are all here. I happen to have an 06 Ultra, thats why I got the manual. Glad you got one too, that will help you a lot. Feel free to ask away in the future. I drained the oil from that similar plug in my Evo engine and didnt replace it (the oil). there was no ill effects. the oil pump does it's thing.

Can someone else confirm this... draining the oil from the crankcase is ok... not needed to be done as a regular thing but if it is drained, it does not cause a problem???? I would wait for a reply here..... before moving on.

frisco-rigid · #8 03-24-2009, 03:28 AM

No Prob what-so-ever,, you nailed it.. it's final stop woulda just been the oil bag..
And if only 1/8 quart drained out but you put back 1/4 quart you should check oil level in the oil bag to be sure you didn't over-fill..

Sooo, you can't keep yer hands off the machine eh son...???
You'll "know" more than a wee bit in no time I rekon.. Good man..

lgleisner · #9 03-24-2009, 11:33 AM

Thats great - I will check the level to make sure I did not put to much in. I am very glad that the oil pump removed what I put back in there.

Thanks again for all the help. Great Forum!!!

aceharleywrench · #10 03-24-2009, 03:46 PM

Not for nothing guys,but that plug isn't supposed to be removed.I've had two customers take the threads out of the case trying to get that plug to stop leaking after they removed it.