Tuesday, December 22, 2009

How do you stop an oil leak from a tranny main seal on a 1982 shovelhead?

I have a 1982 FLH 4 speed with a tranny leak from the main. I have replaced the main seal and installed a sprocket nut seal (super nut) and it still leaks. Any advice? ThanksHow do you stop an oil leak from a tranny main seal on a 1982 shovelhead?
excellent advice above but 1 other thing,if your old shaft has a slight groove where the seal rides don't seat the new one all the way in, that way it will ride on an unused part of the shaft.


you usually have about 1/32 or so either way where it will still work OK.How do you stop an oil leak from a tranny main seal on a 1982 shovelhead?
First to respond to this other guy. All Harley's DO NOT leak , this really shows your ignorance. However, all Shovelheads DO leak, owned one for ten years and nothing you do will make it stop.
main input shaft seal can only seal correctly if the input shaft has no lateral play..........check input shaft for side to side play.......sound,s like you may need a new input shaft bearing..good luck!
harley's are like triumphs. ';if there ain't no oil under 'em, there ain't no oil in 'em';
Bearing may need to be replaced or tranny shaft may have too much wear and may need to be replaced.
Same issue on my '78 FX dude. I've tried a few times and it got better, but still leaks. Put a pad under it at night, and keep a jug of 80-90 on the workbench so you can refill the old girl before you head out.
I agree with Ride on, first get another seal and try it again. For driving on the seal, sockets work great since the come in all diameters. If the shaft extends too far, often times you can find a piece of plastic PVC water pipe at a hardware store that will fit. Make sure it's cut off square. Be careful because sometimes the threads, splines or square shoulders on the shaft can cut the new seal. I take ordinary cellophane and wrap it around the end of the shaft several times to protect the seal lip.
Live with it or update. Older Harleys have a justified rep for leaking oil. They still rule though.
That trans seal has to go in perfectly square, You probably didn't push it in straight and possibly even damaged it on the install.


If I were you ,I would( bite the bullet) get another seal and do it again.


There is a tool specifically for installing that seal. You can also use a piece of pipe that fits snug over the shaft and an over sized washer to keep the seal at a clean 90 degrees to the shaft.


I usually use a silicone sealer between the case and the seal, it will lubricate it as the seal goes in and seal any imperfections .
All harleys leak. Think of it like a scared dog, when other more powerful bikes get too close it pees.

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