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[tysndys]

Noticed a drip trail, that looks to be coming from the clutch reservoir.  I have never opened this cap.  Is this maybe an over fill or possible sign of something else?

[dano]

Could be the seal is shot. The same thing happened to me.  I had to change mine last season

[muddypaws]

Seal...

[Chains]

Seal or loose bolts

[grc]

If the cap has never been removed, and has never shown a leak previously, you might want to take a screwdriver and gently check each screw to make sure nothing has loosened up.  I say gently because those screws have a very low torque requirement and over-tightening them will cause the gasket/seal to distort, which will create a bigger leak.

If you decide you need a new gasket/seal, Harley no longer makes it available separately.  Now they sell it as a kit along with a new cap.  You can still find the individual seal on ebay and in some dealership's inventory, I suggest an internet search.

46322-06   GASKET, cover  $4.57

36700094A   MASTER CYLINDER COVER KIT with 3089 and gasket $59.95

Jerry

[SSTuner]

Agree with Jerry, check for tightness first.  Be careful with "drips" on the paint.

[tysndys]

Thanks for the guidance, I will try the light tightening. I wonder if the seal is no longer sold separately, is this a forced cover revision from defective design or mfg process?

[sadunbar]

Something to be aware of...  When the clutch discs wear, the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir rises...   

[tysndys]

I tried the slight tighten, both screws appeared tight. I will have to watch it and if it wasn't a fluke, replace the top.

Once again thank you for the tips.

[sadunbar]

I tried the slight tighten, both screws appeared tight. I will have to watch it and if it wasn't a fluke, replace the top.

Once again thank you for the tips.

The seal may be fine.  It may have become overfilled due to clutch disc wear...   

[mark]

The seal may be fine.  It may have become overfilled due to clutch disc wear...

This happened to me.  Turn the bars all the way to the right, which will level the master cylinder and remove the cap and gasket.  Take out a little fluid...there is a "fill line" in the reservoir.  Bring the level to just below full.  As stated above, be careful tightening up the two cap screws - they don't require much torque.  Cover your tank and fender when doing this to prevent marring the paint with a drip.  Maybe someone will chime in...I think the bike needs to be upright, not on the kickstand. 

[grc]

This happened to me.  Turn the bars all the way to the right, which will level the master cylinder and remove the cap and gasket.  Take out a little fluid...there is a "fill line" in the reservoir.  Bring the level to just below full.  As stated above, be careful tightening up the two cap screws - they don't require much torque.  Cover your tank and fender when doing this to prevent marring the paint with a drip.  Maybe someone will chime in...I think the bike needs to be upright, not on the kickstand.

Good point.  Before assuming anything, it would be a good idea to remove the cap, check and adjust the fluid level if necessary, then clean the gasket and mating surfaces of the reservoir and cap and reinstall.  If the leak persists, then it would be time to try a new gasket.  Since this hasn't been a problem previously, I think we can safely assume there isn't a flaw in the surface of the reservoir or cap, but it's still a good idea to inspect them.

To get the master cylinder as close to level as possible, I've always found it necessary to have the bike sitting level and then turn the bars to the right, as opposed to having the bike sitting on the jiffy stand. 

Jerry