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Author Topic: Oil on the top of my gearbox.  (Read 1289 times)

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KevVallance

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Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« on: May 20, 2022, 02:20:41 PM »

Hi, after I have ridden hundreds if miles on my 2009 Electra Glide I am finding small pools of oil on top of my gearbox. I look frequently and it is clean, then after riding in hot weather, or traffic, the pool appears.
Has anyone experienced this and perhaps got some idea where its coming from and why it is doing this. I have looked and changed my 'O' rings on the engine and gearbox fillers, I'm happy it's not these ???
T.I.A. From Iberian Peninsula.
Kev.
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GregKhougaz

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2022, 02:59:34 PM »

Any recent mods? If the oil you see is on the right side (you did not say) it could be coming from your breather on the left side. If so, you can try lowering you oil level a bit.
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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2022, 03:09:24 PM »

Hi, all I have done over the last 4500 miles is replace the air filter and the 2 hoses that breath into the back of the air filter.
I monitor the oil very regularly and it all seems fine.
And replaced the 2 filler 'O' rings.
I will check the oil again tomorrow.
The breather from the top of the gearbox appears dry when I wipe my finger under it.
Many thanks.
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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2022, 03:14:47 PM »

See photo
Taken from the right.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2022, 03:16:22 PM by KevVallance »
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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2022, 03:15:34 PM »

As photo
Taken from the right.
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Joel

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2022, 10:08:15 AM »

You can get a oil dye kit, dye-black light-yellow eye protectors.
Clean the area with soap and water,  add the dye and a short ride.
Check for leak / dye.
I would check with short rides to try to see the dye before it spreads too far.
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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #6 on: May 21, 2022, 10:59:37 AM »

I never knew that.
I shall investigate.
Meanwhile I have rechecked my oil level very carefully. It may have been overfilled by the dealer.
Cold check was high. I have syringed some out. Just going for a ride to do a hot 🔥 check.
Many thanks.
Kev.
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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #7 on: May 21, 2022, 11:02:23 AM »

Red line is book level Cold.
Blue line is actual level Cold.
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hogsty

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2022, 02:10:12 PM »

I think the M8 crank vents into the trans housing then out the vent on top of the trans.  It could be that you are overfilled and when hot the oil mist from the crank comes out the vent hose then condenses on the cover.

Just a wild guess

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using Tapatalk

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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #9 on: May 22, 2022, 02:31:55 PM »

Many thanks.
I'd like an M8.
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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #10 on: May 28, 2022, 12:48:01 PM »

More research done.
The oil is passing thro the starter motor from the primary and draining from the drain / vent on the bottom of the starter.
See photo.
I caught the oil in a small tin trap.
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trippy

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #11 on: June 10, 2022, 07:26:29 PM »

Yeah, Just had the same with my 07 CVO RK, as you say its getting past the O ring inside the Starter motor that seals between the bearing and the case and draining out of the bottom. I could not believe how much primary oil was inside, it was swimming in it, including the motor casing, hard to believe the motor actually worked, replaced the O ring, so all should be fine , but what a story getting there.
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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #12 on: June 11, 2022, 01:14:07 AM »

If the two here are cases of that starter nose housing o-ring allowing oil to pass I can offer a third one.  One of the locals here had that on a 2009 (I think that's right) a couple years.  Fortunately once we figured out what the problem was it's an easy fix.  Much less hassle doing an R&R on that starter than the one prevous.
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KevVallance

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Re: Oil on the top of my gearbox.
« Reply #13 on: June 11, 2022, 03:53:33 AM »

I removed the starter.
Took it apart.
A 'O' ring way not fitted inside the housing.
I fitted one now, just waiting for the residual oil to finish draining.
Think that's got it.
Prob Chinese or Korean.
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