Water in the tranny??

[P8RIOT]

I took my 2007 K-9 to our most excellent dealer this week for a 10k service, and asked the mechanic to listen to my transmission. It seemed to be whining too much when I coasted with the clutch pulled - sounded like a bearing might be going out.

A coupla days later (today), I stopped in and the service tech said, sure enough it was howling too much. They took the top cover off the transmission, and I had water in the transmission fluid.

They told me there is a groove cut into the top transmission cover, originally intended to provide some breathability, but Big Dog had informed them to seal it up to prevent water ingestion - mine had not been sealed yet.

Now even though I have 10,000 miles on, I have never ridden it in the rain, and I have never washed it once - I just wipe it down after every ride. So, all I can figure is that the dealer must have blown water into it when washing it after service work. Not looking to blame the dealer or anyone else, mind you, just trying to figure out where the water came from.

I just thought I might spread the word here.

By the way, they have contacted BDM to see if they prefer to replace the entire tranny, or open it up and replace a few bearings. Either way, it is covered by the warranty.

 

[BrianLo]

That sucks! Thanks for the heads-up!

 

[Sparks]

condensation from moisture in the air and heat/cold variations can account for some water but not a bunch. Just like a cold beer gets all wet on the out-side from relitive humidity.

 

[LDO]

That's good that it's covered under warranty!

I had a buddy have something similar happen on his Softail. He was told that water can 'migrate' in over time thru the clutch cable. Especially if you are riding in the rain (which he does).

First time I heard that one. I suspect it is possible.

 

[LUPHOLE]

thanks for the tip p8riot. any pics available of this "groove"? plan on checking mine soon.

 

[Gas Man]

That sucks... let us know how BDM takes care of it.

 

[gearsmithy]

Water in your transmission is normal. Why would BD seal up the transmission?? In my experience (which is mostly with the old 4 speeds) the tranny needs to breathe, once you get up to temperature the water turns to steam and escapes the trans. This was a necessary feature of the old 4 speeds and a source of frustration when trying to wash the bike. If you don't have that you run the risk of excess pressure building in the trans case and potentially blowing a gasket/causing leaks. I'm not as familiar with modern transmissions but I can't imagine that it would be any different. Don't the modern tranmissions have a breather tube?

 

[Nomad2day]

Water in your transmission is normal. Why would BD seal up the transmission?? In my experience (which is mostly with the old 4 speeds) the tranny needs to breathe, once you get up to temperature the water turns to steam and escapes the trans. This was a necessary feature of the old 4 speeds and a source of frustration when trying to wash the bike. If you don't have that you run the risk of excess pressure building in the trans case and potentially blowing a gasket/causing leaks. I'm not as familiar with modern transmissions but I can't imagine that it would be any different. Don't the modern tranmissions have a breather tube?

Yea they got a breather tube that come out the side of the top cover and the tube runs down from there..
Mine also had water in the fluid and had a bad roaring noise also... I had a couple of threads here on it from last summer. Changed the fluid, throw out bearing and ended up sending the transmission to BDM in the end...