primary leak '05 bulldog

[Bulldog it!]

My primary has a steady leak while I am riding. It is not coming from drain plug, I dont have the vent in the backside, I have the inspection plate type. Doesn't seem to be anything with the starter, it was replaced in '06. By the time I get back from riding the bottom is covered from about the middle for the primary cover all along the frame to the rear. I haven't replaced the primary cover gasket yet. Is this gasket known to fail? Could it be that simple? Can I make my own gasket out of flat gasket material and gray RTV?

 

[Raywood]

Your primary and inspection plate gaskets are just simple O-rings. Order up a new set from our sponsor here (WB Cycles) and replace them.
Many leaks were caused by the starter though so just incase I would look at it again. See if your power cable is saturated. BDM pretty much has this under control now though.

I understand they want back to a gasket on the newer models but your 05 will have the o-ring.

 

[Moespeeds]

I just fixed a primary leak on an '05 chopper, same symptom, small leak that only seemed to come up while riding. It looks like the guy before me tried to use forma gasket or something to fix it. I just replaced the old gasket and the problem is solved. Make sure you thoroughly clean both the primary cover and the motor plate mating surfaces, get down in the groove where the gasket fits with some copper or steel wool and brake cleaner to get any crap out of there. Also make sure you torque your cover bolts in a kris-cross pattern.

 

[Bulldog it!]

thanks fellows! I'll go ahead and get those gaskets and let you know how it goes.

 

[Bulldog it!]

I cant find any contact info for WB Cycles?

 

[Mickeetwo]

Send him (WB Cyles) a PM here:

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/sendmessage.php?do=mailmember&u=283

 

[Bulldog it!]

What could be leaking primary fluid from the backside if the starter is not leaking?

 

[Moespeeds]

Tranny mainshaft or crankshaft in the front. Both would probably only leak when you're riding. You're sure its leaking from the backside?

 

[Bulldog it!]

just thinking "what if it's not the gasket". I don't have a lift. I have been working off the garage floor with a mirror and a flashlight trying to figure out where it's all coming from! My Big Dog dealer is closed because they are in Daytona. Emailed WB cycles to a new gasket.

 

[Gas Man]

Could also be that inspection cover vent that was a miserable idea.

Who did the last service? How many quarts of oil did they put in? If the primary cover (under the inspection cover) says 1.5 quarts IT'S WRONG!! Only 1 quart in the primary.

I also tend to put a little rtv silicone (use only clear or gray otherwise you'll see after install) on that o-ring when I do a service. However it can make the next service a bit more tricky, when pealing the old before putting on more. Many don't have o-ring lube in their garages. Could also spread some grease on the o-ring to help it seal better.

 

[MARV]

What could be leaking primary fluid from the backside if the starter is not leaking?

i kept loosing a bolt to the inner primary which would cause a leak. the lower bolt close to the crank sensor

 

[Gas Man]

A bolt on the inside Marv? inner primary to motor? or just a outer primary bolt?

 

[MARV]

look at your bike.

oops sorry you dont have a BD.




there's 2 exterior bolts holding the inner primary to the case. the rest are interior.

 

[Vegas]

My buddy on his K9 lost that bolt when we were racing at about 130:loony: Dooshed the side of his bike.

 

[Gas Man]

look at your bike.

oops sorry you dont have a BD.




there's 2 exterior bolts holding the inner primary to the case. the rest are interior.

oh yeah... good call... but you never did specify.

 

[MARV]

hmmmm ok.

thanks for cleaning up my input Oracle. :roll:

 

[Gas Man]

no problem Capt!

 

[Bulldog it!]

My BD dealer in Indy was open today. I got a new gasket for the cover and got the full gasket for the inspection plate along with the button vent. I have the drill an tap for it. I have 6000 miles on this bike. I am also going to adjust the chain while I am in there. What bolt is falling out of the inner primary where is it located? I will let you guys know how it goes. Thanks again for all the helpful advice!!1

 

[Bulldog it!]

I'm thinking I found the source of my problam! I got the vent hole drilled and tapped, I got to checking the bolts on the inner primary and found a loose bolt! It is going from the inner to the tranny. It has a clip type washer on it loose as hell! can't believe it didn't fall out! I can see it but can't get a wrench on it!!! How many more are back there that I can't see? HOW CAN I GET TO THIS BOLT! NEED PICS!

 

[Gas Man]

You have to remove the clutch basket. The trans nut is left handed thread. I'm surprised its loose, the clips as you called it are there to keep the bolts from backing out.