Greetings.

Yesterday, I discovered a pool of reddish oil under the primary cover of my bike.

So, I guess, it's time to replace primary cover gasket and replace fluids in the bike at the same time...

I have a repair manual, but additional advice is needed.

1. Who sells good gaskets for a reasonable price?

2. Do I need to use silicon for the gasket and, if yes, - what kind?

3. Do I need to use Loktite on bolts and if yes - what kind?

4. What are the best fluids for transmission and primary?

5. How much fuel has to go in?


Thanks,

Eugene.

 

Hi Eugene, your manual will tell you where to use loctite, although if you have anything else, I strongly recommend you get a factory service manual and refer to that first. It will also guide you on using silicon with gaskets, although your gasket maker may advise as well.

There is no such thing as 'best fluids'! Every brand on the planet has it's champions and you will find that oil is the most popular subject here on HDF. Get oils from your local dealer or indy and don't make buying it into a marathon! There is more to life than agonising over oil.

If you have time on your hands, go to the Touring forum and search in there for 'gaskets' and 'oils'. Be warned, you may never be seen again! I would get gaskets on the same shopping trip as oils, plus a suitable oil filter. They get too much coverage in here as well!

The reddish oil may be trans oil. Take care to drain each compartment in turn (engine/trans/primary) and study which oil comes out of each hole. If the trans oil is the only red one you may have a leaking oil seal behind your trans pulley. If your primary has red oil, take great care with the drain plug. It has a tapered thread, shouldn't be tightened to hard and may need a sealant to stop it dripping.

Hope that helps a little!