Got a weird issue with my '07 RKC. The fabric on the clutch cable where it passes under the motor cam cover is always wet with oil. The fabric is slightly worn through in that area. Not much oil, just a little wetness. Never really drips on the ground. Sometimes you see 1 drop hanging there, and it falls on the frame rail/brake line, but that is it. But no matter how much I S-100 the cable in that area, it is always oil wet. Not coming from the motor, as THAT is perfectly dry & clean; it is only the clutch cable that is wet. Even had the motor totally apart down to the crank, and re-sealed with all new gaskets, so it couldn't be that.

I have heard there is an O-ring in the tranny cover housing where the clutch cable enters, and that O-ring could be bad, allowing oil into the cable, and it comes out the area where it is worn through under the motor. It is not really a problem, as it is very little, and I guess I have a permanent cable oiler;just curious & don't want it to get worse. Anyone have this happen?

 

never happened, but yes, there is an o-ring there where the cable screws into the tranny cover. Next time you do an oil change (yes, there is fluid behind that cover), unbolt the cover and make sure the cable is in tight and the o-ring is there. There is also a gasket, so may want to have one of those on hand as well.

Or, with the amount of oil you are noticing, I wouldn't worry too much, I mean, it's some work to stop a drop a month

 

I had a leak SIMULAR to yours on my Evo. It seems the po somehow moved the cable out of the clip that holds it by the timing cover. Vibration cause it to wear thru the housing, and into the cable inside. I used to have drips of oil from under the timing cover, and when I smelled it it smelled like gear oil so I could tell where it was coming from.,,,

 

there is no gasket/oring that prevents oil getting into your cable, a small amount of trans fluid will settle in the lowest part of the cable, perfectly normal......the leak isn't, replace the cable.

 

This sounds like the most likely scenario; never really thought about that, but The oil is at the lowest part of the cable, so it makes sense. But since it's so little, I think I'll just leave it be.

 

Is it gear oil? Or left over oil from the last oil/oil filter change?

 

Same thing just happened to my scoot. Service writer took one look and changed out clutch cable with ESP footing the bill minus the 50 bucks.

 

Hmmm...I have ESP too. Maybe I'll try that. Thanks!

 

Check your vent hose to the transmission...If it is restricted it will force oil into the cable.

 

Dickey
I have the same deal on my '86 Softail Custom. I asked a friend that works at the dealership about it. His reply was "Screw it. Don't worry about it and ride."