Base gasket leak how serious?

[Chippy Chad]

So im pretty sure im the only guy on here that doesn't have an s&s motor, I have the tp107. I went over to where I store my bike (dad's heated toy garage) and was reminded of a leak I found at the end of last season. Looks like its coming out of the rear cylinder base gasket, i have a stain on the case between the cylinder and the primary cover. It's not pouring out, it will barely get your finger wet when the motor is warm. My question is, is this an o-ring or fiber gasket? Am I going to do any damage if I run it? I have a month before I can ride so if i'm going to do it I need to get on it. I have owned a 62', 76' and a 81' harley so I don't usually get too freaked out over oil leaks! lol Thanks!

 

[awg]

I had a Softail that had a slight oil leak coming from the rocker box. It to was so small that I just felt it wasn't worth fixing until it got worse. I would just make sure you have some kind of cleaner on hand to clean where ever the oil ends up. But thats just me.

 

[Moespeeds]

If you want to go nuts you could re-torque the head bolts but I'd just leave it until it gets worse. Worst case it blows or gets really bad and you are down for a week.

 

[nine lives]

If you decide to re-torque the cylinder bolts, make sure you torque to spec. If you just tighten them the jugs will expand and pull the studs out of the case, you don't want that.
I've ran my softtail like that before I replaced the gaskets, just make sure you warm the bike before you get on it, but it's just a matter of time before it lets go.

 

[nine lives]

If you decide to re-torque the cylinder bolts, make sure you torque to spec. If you just tighten them the jugs will expand and pull the studs out of the case, you don't want that.
I've ran my softtail like that before I replaced the gaskets, just make sure you warm the bike before you get on it, but it's just a matter of time before it lets go.

 

[nine lives]

Nothing like posting twice.:bang::lol:

 

[Chippy Chad]

Thanks guys, I have the manual I will look up the torque specs and check them.

 

[scott70d]

Its not that big of a job unless you need to get the whole engine out if backbone is to close to heads
my 117 had similar issues that came from not warming up to temp before ripping out the driveway
plus when its apart you can upgrade somethings.