86 Heritage Oil Leak - Harley Forum

billski · #1 09-11-2009, 09:24 AM

I have a good sized oil leak dripping off of the lowest point of the primary. I am assuming it is engine oil because it is dark and both my primary and gearbox oils are light in colour. I also have oil on the drive belt so I am thinking it must be leaking between the engine and the primary near the final drive pulley. How big a deal is it to find and fix the leak??? I have been into the primary before to change the primary chain and add a M6 tensioner but have never had the inner primary off. Once in there should I do anything else while there to prevent further problems later?
Billski

aceharleywrench · #2 09-11-2009, 11:30 AM

You more than likely have a loose pulley nut (very common on your year) you will need special tools to remove the inner primary (clutch puller,pulley nut socket) once your in there you will need all the seals & gaskets,including the shift shaft seal & MDG seals.If it hasn't already been done you should upgrade to the later style pulley & spacer kit.Good luck & keep us posted.

billski · #3 09-11-2009, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the quick reply I have some questions though....is the clutch puller a harley special tool or will a 3 hook hub puller do the job, not sure what shift shaft or MDG seals are and I will enquire about the later pulley and spacer. Its good that I have workshop manuals and a parts book as my local dealer is over 100 miles away and they are best described as boutique. They know their clothes but you have to give them part numbers for anything this old. I'm in Oz by the way and might call a couple of indy's about ordering parts. Thanks again for the info. Billski

aceharleywrench · #4 09-12-2009, 10:41 AM

A three jaw puller won't do the job,the clutch is on a taper & most times it's a bear even with the correct puller.

billski · #5 09-14-2009, 08:19 PM

I have ordered the correct puller, pulley update and seals and will let you know how I get on. Thanks Bill

billski · #6 09-21-2009, 03:18 AM

I stripped it down to see if the leak was between the inner primary and gearbox but all I can find is a big problem with the jack shaft seal. The seal had pushed right out of the inner primary. I do have the earlier rear drive pulley but no leaks from there at all or anywhere else. I have ordered the update pulley kit and will change it while in there. By the way the clutch basket makes one hell of a bang when it comes off the taper. It sounded like it had snapped in half. I can see why you must have the correct puller and that you must make sure it is centered exactly before trying to pull the clutch. Bill

billski · #7 09-25-2009, 07:20 AM

I have a bit of an issue putting the clutch back on specifically the woodruf key. Is there a way of getting the key to stay in it's place when you are putting the clutch back onto the shaft? I have had a few go's at it but am pretty sure the key has moved as when I get the clutch installed the pushrod that is activated by the arm on the gearbox doesn't seem able to reach the clutch. I have checked that the pushrod is moving when I have the clutch off but I am unable to adjust the clutch when I have it all together. I am sure the clutch discs and pressure plate are all correct. I tried putting a bit of grease in the keyway to hold the woodruf key in position and ideas apart from trial and errror much appreciated.

aceharleywrench · #8 10-01-2009, 11:52 AM

It's basically all in how you hold your tongue while you align it.I will sight through the center of the clutch hub as much as possible,after that it's a question of feel.Make sure you are on the key before tightening the nut or you will do serious damage.

billski · #9 10-27-2009, 09:12 AM

I measured the distance from the clutch basket to the inner primary without the key in there so I would know when the clutch basket had gone all the way on when I was using the key. It took a few attempts then finally one attempt just felt right and the measurement told me the basket was all the way on. This was quite a tricky procedure for me that got easier with practice. You must have the bike upright or the pushrod can slide out of position disengaging the release finger in the gearbox (don't ask how I know this!) If that happens you need to move the clutch release lever back to its start position, then push the pushrod back into place. You can tell if it is correct by moving the clutch release lever and noting if the push rod moves. Thanks to all for the help in here completing another job without paying a shop. Cheers Billski.

grampadac · #10 10-28-2009, 04:11 AM

Congrats, billski. Feels good when you can keep most of your money.