Tired of Pulling the Tranny Harley Transmission, Harley Clutch & Harley Primary Discuss Tired of Pulling the Tranny in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I have a chronic leakage problem with mainshaft seals on my '73 Superglide. I have owned the bike since '87 and for many years leakage was not an issue..'til I ...

[shovelmike]

I have a chronic leakage problem with mainshaft seals on my '73 Superglide. I have owned the bike since '87 and for many years leakage was not an issue..'til I accidentally adjusted the rear chain too tight. I suspect that I ruined the main drive gear bushing. I pulled the tranny out of the bike and took it to the H-D shop and said, "Make sure it's all in good shape." They replaced the seals and a spacer that was worn and put a Supernut on it (It had the factory nut).I put it back together and it seemed OK for a while and then back to leaking badly. I lived with it like that for a few years..having to top off the tranny every time I rode. I pulled it out the tranny again and took it to an independent shop, they said the threads on the Supernut were stripped and replaced the seals and the Supernut. Same old story, it held oil long enough where I couldn't come back at the shop over it.
Common sense and discussions I have read seem to point to the need to replace the main gear bushing. Is it a terrible job? Is that why I can't get anyone to fix it right?
I am about ready to buy the bushing and special tool and do it myself...then I have to ream it to size, meaning I have to buy the proper size reamer, proper precision measuring tools (hole guage of proper size..I have a micrometer) And then, not being accustomed to this precise work hope that it is really fixed this time.
The wife likes to ride this one with me from time to time and for some reason women don't feel too good about oil on their best clothes.
Any words of wisdom, referral to a competent shop etc. would be very much appreciated. Sincerely: Shovelmike.

[HarleyCruiser]

Mike you are auguring with yourself;-)
My son-in-law had a shove, with the same problem, we pulled the tran twice. And your diagnosis is right on, the main shaft bushing is worn causing the seal to leak, the supper nut is just a bandage, and you know that.
Problem is when you pull the main shaft, you also need to shim the end play, and have the tools to set the shifter forks.
He ended up taking ours to a shop that knew how to fix it. I probably would have stuck to it, but my son-in-law got tired, and I don’t blame him. It was a pain.
You know how much you need to take off just to get to it.
They also coated the inside of the case, said that these are porous, and seep.
Cost over a grand, don’t remember just how much, but it was not cheap, but they replaced the main shaft, and did a rebuild kit rebuild.
This shop was really good, knew shovels, but went out of business because they could not make enough money.
Bike was great afterwards. Then he sold it.
Todd Dross of Twin Jugs up north does this kind of work, gave me some advice, said to ask how many times they have done this repair, and how did it turn out.
Never let a shop learn on your dime.

[frisco-rigid]

Hi Mike----And HCruise

You guys could certainly be right about the main drive gear bushing but the last time I had a Persistent leak and kept replacing Main Seals in my oldest 4-spd, it finally occured to me to replace the Main Drive Gear oil seal,, Ha,, it has not leaked in at least 10 years.. Evidently that, not the Main Seal was the problem..
There is always a little weepage it seems, but no actual leak..
Have you replaced that little main gear oil seal.. I didn't read that you did.. It's the little seal that slips on the main shaft into the Main Drive Gear..
If you haven't, see if that helps before spending a group..

Never use the SuperNut any more cuz 2 stripped on me several years ago..
Stock style only now..

[shovelmike]

Thanks, Harleycruiser and Frisco, for the advice. It looks like I will have to invest in some more specialized tools unless I find a shop I have confidence in.
I'll try replacing that smaller seal. I would have thought the shops would replace it too, but who knows. With coaxial shafts it is really difficult to determine which is leaking.
I would not object to a little seepage, can't quite expect a 35 yr. old Shovel to be completely oil-tight.
Do I just pop that seal out with a small screwdriver and drive the new one in with an appropriately sized deep well socket?
Hey, y'all ride safe out there and God bless. Great ridin' weather is here!
Sincerely: Shovelmike.

[frisco-rigid]

Hey Shovel

You get it out anyway you can and a new one in anyway you can..

I have a Jims tool for installing it..

Without the tool I would destroy 2 to get one in..

Yes you'd think they would replace it..
Hey, maybe they did replace it and it's not the prob..

I mentioned it just in case..
I'm curious, so stay tuned..

[shovelmike]

That's what I thought, any way I can. I'll keep you posted. Before too long, when I feel ambitious I will tear it down once again. I will definitely let you know how it goes. Thanks.