I noticed a greasy goop on the bottom of my 07 Street Bob's voltage regulator tonight. It looks like dirty vasoline. I can't see any leaks from the oil filter which is located directly over it. I can't see any oil coming from the various drain plugs under the bike. I'm totally confused where this greasy goop is coming from.

Any ideas?

 

Maybe from the road since its directly in line with your front tire......

Ed

 

Front axle?

 

Do you change your own oil? When removing the oil filter the oil drips all over the voltage regulator. It could be just residue from this.

 

Changed my oil about a thousand miles ago. I've washed the bike several times since then. I have also had the voltage regulator off since the last oil change to install a new exhaust. This was my first thought but I think I would have noticed it before.

Also can't see anything dripping from the front axle and don't remember running over any slime on the road but that is always a possibility.

Thanks to all for trying to help.

 

Could have dripped out of the steering head and melted down underneath or something.

 

Heatsink. There from the factory and used on the bottom of almost all voltage regulators and other electrical items to help dissipate heat.

 

Heat sink? never heard of this. Is it ok to clean it off?

 

You can clean it off but you'd better put some back on or you could have problems. It's used to ensure a thermal contact. If you go to your local parts store and ask for a voltage regulator for, say a 79 Ford truck, most likely the box will contain a white conductive grease such as what you found on your regulator. It serves a purpose for sure. There are a multitude of types of heatsink.

 

Could be di-electric grease that is inside the regulator. Check the VR for cracks in the case.