Tranny main shaft leak

Yup, and it's getting worse. The warmer the weather, the worse the leak. I'm getting gear oil on the left side of my tire, and basically all over the frame and fender, and there is oil spray getting on the back of my helmet, too!

I have read elsewhere that putting in a new seal sometimes won't stop it from leaking because the leak could be coming out from under the spacer. I hope this is not the case. But for now, since I have a new seal, I'm going to put it in and see what happens.

I'm going to assume the old seal comes out the same way the crank shaft motor seal does - by drilling it and screwing in sheet metal screws and pulling it out by the screw heads. The tranny seal I have looks identical to a motor seal. If anybody has any tips on how to get everything off, etc., I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, boys.:gah:

Your method of removal is correct. Before you slide the new seal over the shaft, wrap the splined end of the shaft with electrical tape. The splines can cut small grooves in the seal that will eventually cause it to start leaking again.

Thanks Ringo - I would have never thought of that. I suspect that the fella who rebuilt my tranny 500 miles ago didn't know that great tip. I don't think it should be leaking so soon . . . .

4 speed tranny leak on u-tube is the ultimate fix, but requires a machine shop, $30-$50 and a special o-ring.
or, you can clean the spline very good and add some rtv in spline and under washer before tightening to 50-60 ft/lbs (do NOT get any rtv on the needle bearings)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsp238XVLgM

I found another guy who sells the o-ringed spacers for around $40. My tranny is a Motor Factory (aftermarket, I think) and I have no idea what year it is. It looks exactly like a Harley 4 speed. I emailed him today to get more info. I think in the meantime I can ride the bike as the leak isn't dripping to the floor yet - just making enough of a mess that I have to clean it up after each ride. It's not that bad . . . yet.

I installed the clutch some time back, but getting it off is not so easy, I have heard. I'm trying to find out if I'm going to need some sort of puller to get the basket off.

It's my understanding that there are actually 4 seals if you count the o-ring in the spacer (1), then the main seal (2), then a smaller seal (3) and then the nut which has a seal built into it (4). That's a lot of places oil can leak from.

Then again, I could try using some Permatex #2 (or RTV) to seal the gap between the spacer and the splined shaft. I guess I have to get it apart and get a good look at things . . . .

i bought the puller, but had it off before it arrived. i used a cats paw (nail puller). if you pry gently all around the backside, the basket will come off.

Cool. I have a cats paw and will try it when the time comes. I saw a guy on you tube using a crow bar and a sledge hammer. I could understand the crow bar but a sledge hammer? Yikes!