I started my winter teardown to repair a few things, replace all fluids and most bearings, and to fix some cosmetics. after pulling the outer primary, chain, clutch baskets, etc., it seems I have transmission fluid leaking from around the shaft and into my primary. How big of a deal is this? I planned on pulling the inner primary anyways, Im jsut wondering if there is anything I should know or lookout for. Thanks.
It is normal to have the transmission oil leak out when you remove your clutch assembly. This is because the level of fluid in the transmission is higher than the bottom of the main bearing. The inner hub of your clutch goes inside the left side transmission seal. This seals the primary oil from the transmission and the transmission oil from the primary.
-Make sure you check the bearings on the mainshaft while you have it all apart. Grab hold of the mainshaft with both your hands, try moving it up and down, if it moves at all, you need a transmission rebuild with new bearings, clips, and seals.
-Also, before you install your clutch and primary chain assy. make sure you remove your left side seal and install a new one. Remove the small o-ring that is on the mainshaft(if it is still there) and throw it in the garbage, DO NOT replace the O-Ring!!! Bigdog no longer uses it.
-Also, check to make sure there is a spacer between the end of the clutch hub and the Mainshaft left case bearing. It should have one there and it will be chrome in color, not black, if it looks damaged, replace it, it retails for less than $3.
-Make sure you top off the transmission fluid after all this, if you have not already drained it all.
