Why is my Harley-Davidson Starter leaking oil?

[@waynesiminski8268]

Now that’s interesting. Something I never really gave any thought to. Thank you Sir.

[@kevenclark9268]

The depth of your knowledge and experience is truly incredible! Thanks Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Keven…..Doc

[@BAsed_AFro]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I'm getting some slight weeping/leak that's spraying on where the front bold connects the carb to the head and caking up on the back of the carb. Also looks a bit greasy around where the top of pushrod tubes go into the head. But I'm not sure where it's coming from exactly. Any idea as to where it could be coming from? thanks

[@georgeparker7108]

Thanks Doc, will keep this information in mind for my wife's 883 super low. Keep up with the great work Doc.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks George….Doc

[@Lordac]

Thank you. I don’t have this issue, but if it develops I now know we’re to look.

[@RenegadesGarage]

Low Country Harley-Davidson.. I've had to fix this issue a few times for my customers. Been a while since I could find them dang little o-rings. Thanks for sharing where to get them from.

[@mathieupetit-marceau5469]

Thanks Doc ! It's always great to learn from an experienced Master technician.... Matt

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching….Doc

[@medcook57]

Always, useful information

[@bradduffield9603]

Thanks for the useful information.

[@jas99878]

Super Helpful thank you 05 Sportster XL1200C oil underneath starter hoping this is it found the gaskets on ebay.

[@Steverinomeister]

I always look forward to these videos Doc.

[@wd4477]

Thanks for the excellent video Doc. You guys are doing a great job with these videos.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Wes….Doc

[@trevorhalford8410]

I'm glad other companies offer tha O-ring other than Drag specialties. Every time I accidentally order a D.S. part I have to buy another one soon. Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom. 😁 I will definitely keep a eye on it.

[@OZ-HOG-RON]

Excellent tip Doc! Now I know.....

[@CATmanATL22]

That, Doc is a great tip . I’m sure that will save people a lot of time and money ….. Awesome .

[@dougfresh1341]

Great info as usual! My HD parts guy also emphasized that sneaky little ball bearing below the spring. People forget it a lot.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

He is very smart…..Doc

[@jefferykirk2322]

Keep the great tips coming!!!!

[@williwichtig9344]

Hi Doc, what a great tip. Thanks and nice eastern for you and your family. Greetings from Germany

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Willi. A blessed Easter to you also…Doc

[@schachat01]

Thanks Doc another excellent tech tip-good to know that you can get the o-ring from a 3rd party👍

[@MichaelHeinrich1]

Another helpful video from Doc. Thank you.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for your support Michael…Doc

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

Also note, if replacing the entire starter, Rare Electrical starters are known to leak because they do not have a groove cut out for the o-ring and therefore no o-ring installed (not sure if that's been redesigned yet). don't be tempted by the 1.4kw rating.

[@oldamerican8070]

Thanks Doc

[@ronb1250]

Thanks again I might need that one day

[@tyturnswrenches]

Another great video buddy.

[@leudwigvonshwartsenhelm3624]

Something similar to this has happened to my brand new 2024 street bob 114! They told me it was an o.Ring on the starter, that was cracked from the factory and is leaking. Ive literally only ridden this bike three times since I purchased it. Once to ride home from purchasing, once around my neighborhood, and once to ride back to harley to show them the problem.... On a 2024!!!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Our deepest apologies for the lack of quality control. So glad the techs watched our video and knew what to fix👍……Doc

[@exupakias]

Thanks for your help& for your time sir.

[@craigkemmerzell5741]

Good to know thanks

[@donwaltman4276]

Great video Doc, maybe it's time to change the oil in the starter?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

😆….Doc

[@eddiegerlach7121]

😂

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Doc.

[@Peteslife]

I was fixing a Kawasaki 250 this week, kickstand switch wasn’t stalling the engine like it should, new rider so we need it working, long story short, turned out previous owner dropped it, replaced the clutch lever with a cheapy and it wasnt pressing in the clutch switch.. haha

[@dorothytipton1974]

Thanks doc

[@nickhildabridle1612]

Thanks Doc. Very good information to have. Especially us that own Sportsters. By the way, how did you get the name DOC?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I chose it after following #46…..Doc

[@joeyhackney3017]

Leave it to H.D. not to sell a $.99 gasket and up-sale a $120 part. 🙄

[@RenegadesGarage]

Same reason automotive dealerships don't sell starter rebuild kits or internal o-rings. It's called get it from the aftermarket.

[@roncoburn7771]

and thats the name of that tune

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the visit….Doc

[@Steverinomeister]

The only Harley Davidsons I have that leak are over 50 years old. My 2006, 2014 and 2020 don’t leak a drop.

[@kennethanderson1685]

❤❤❤❤

[@LoneWolferGarage]

Informative as always, thank you! Do you by chance know the part number for this o ring that would fit a 2012 Dyna Switchback?

[@billcarp3523]

My problem is with the oil seals in the inner primary (both the starter shaft and the main shaft) leaking a little bit. I can't seem to get it abated. Mine is an FXR. it happened with an '88, and a '91. Different starter set-ups, but the same problem.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

These areas are exposed to outside elements every day. The starter shaft passing above the belt is the reason the starter assembly changed to what we have now. The inner primary seal has to do with the correct fitment of a new inner bearings race and new seal installed the correct direction…..Doc

[@billcarp3523]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I installed the parts according to the Harley Service Manual. Thanks for the comprehensive and in depth reply, Doc.

[@edwardacosta8894]

This is valuable info. I have a stock 2017 Road Glide Special. I need to replace the fuel hose from the throttle body to three tank. I ordered it in October 2022 and it's still on backorder. Can I get an aftermarket replacement hose somewhere? What are your thoughts?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Contact HPi. They probably know. They build great throttle bodies….Doc

[@edwardacosta8894]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Would that be Horsepower Inc in Indianapolis?

[@pb68slab18]

Too many owners try to save a few pennies by using hardware store Buna-N o-rings. They do not hold up to heat & oil. Ya need o-rings made from VITON. They are often an off-brown color.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good Tech Tip….Doc

[@arielvila8937]

Hey Doc, the newer 2009 starter clutch o-ring (Harley part# 10957) is also obsolete. Do you have any info on replacement parts for that O-Ring?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Stop by your friendly neighborhood Harley-Davidson Dealer. Ask those Parts Experts to look up this part for cross reference, updates or similar part in Drag Specialties….Doc

[@arielvila8937]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks, the friendly dealer that I visited before asking this question on KZbin told me the part is obsolete and that now I would have to buy the entire assembly just to get that one o-ring. There is no cross-reference for an updated part number that he could find. I was hoping that someone here knows of a replacement part number for the 10957 o-ring like Doc had for the older Harley starter.

[@gusvolachi1611]

My 06 Ultra developed a small dribble after a 3 hole service, can't find it my guy checked the case torque everything is ok

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Gus sometimes it is as easy as the oil from the transmission drain drips on the cross over frame member and a small amount will puddle there and drip every time the bike is on the jiffy stand….Doc

[@san-lavod9283]

Doc, I have a 2000 buell x1. I can see moisture on what looks like a wire running into the back of the primary between the rear cylinder and the starter. Could that be from the same weep hole? What is that wire, and is there a different gasket I should look for?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That is your charging Stator wires. Sometimes you can silicone the plug. Most dealers replace the stator…Doc

[@CPerreault]

Hey Doc, Does that starter to primary gasket exist on a '06 Deluxe or is it only on Sporsters? If it does, should it be changed if I'm removing my inner prinary cover? I appreciate the feedback.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Nope, you have a Buell O-Ring….imagine that🤷‍♂️. And yes it should be replaced…Doc

[@Qman3946]

Would this be the case with a Touring Bike leaking from the starter also?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes…..Doc

[@claytonscheeler8958]

So what your saying is i should plug up the breather hole and hit the rode

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

NO….Doc

[@ericjohnson8482]

What is the deal with HD and putting everything in packages or just discontinuing items. They are going to put themselves out of reach of the home mechanic, which will kill them in sales considering how much people mod them.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Reaching the “home mechanic “ is not on their agenda….Doc

[@stevenlawrence2790]

Hey Doc, I have an 03 HD 883r which has dual front brakes. I have an embarrassing issue, 1 brake pad on each front calliper that rubs & that constant sound going down the road drives me nuts... Is there an easy fix? Are they adjustable? I'm on fixed income & can't afford $130 an hour to take it in to have harley work on it for me... If you have a vid covering this issue can you link to comment, or advise..

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I do not have a video on this. the HD brake calipers are not adjustable. The spacing of the wheel can. More than likely the brake puck are not retracting enough. Flush the fluid. Clean around the pucks and push them in until flush with caliper. Then pump them up installed. That might help….Doc

[@rosskillion3833]

You stated it can happen on a buel, sportster, or soft tail. What about a Dyna? I just changed my starter on my 2013 FXDC and replaced it with a remmaned EBay starter which is when it started to leak. I returned that starter and I’m going to by an OEM starter but I was wondering if there could be another cause for the leak. Love the videos by the way!

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

was it a rare electric brand?

[@rosskillion3833]

@@nenadmomcilovic9133 I believe so. I ended up buying an OEM starter and that did the trick. No more leak.

[@SuperOperator4]

Gotta keep those armatures lubed!!!!!

[@martinhauk1852]

I worked in a Triumph shop and a bike came in leaking oil out of the headlight.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Oh wow!….Doc

[@louis-philippemichaud6511]

Do you have the interchange for the original number 10957 thank!

[@robertrodriguez2412]

Hi which part number did you end up using for the 10957 O-Ring? All I can find is HD Part# 11116.

[@Sweetchilliheat18]

Why is my transmission line always covered in a thick muck

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

🤷‍♂️…..Doc

[@dwheeler016]

You have ben Obsoleted Ya!

[@mpista7182]

Does anyone know what other parts are in the starter kit that contained the o ring ?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Spring and ball……Doc

[@RaulGarcia-hz3th]

Is this a trick question? It's a Harley,lol

[@RenegadesGarage]

Harley's haven't "leaked" in a very long time. Stop with that crap.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

🤦‍♂️…..Doc

[@RaulGarcia-hz3th]

@Renegade's Garage just a joke...

[@vanislandsteve]

👍🏻🇨🇦

[@jamessmoth8683]

Can you move your mic higher up your shirt for better volume?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks, I struggle with placement. Most of the time too loud….Doc

[@jamessmoth8683]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson lately, your volune has been low in comparison to the opening audio to your sessions.

[@freddie_ray1498]

Got my Doc fix for today. Question, is it feasible to run a belt instead of chain on my 2012 FLHTK?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Anything is feasible with enough funds, but why?…..Doc

[@freddie_ray1498]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson My thought was since the compensator issues that I've read about that a belt would remedy that issue. I've never heard any thing about compensators problem back in the day. Heck my 71 and 76 never had issues.

[@davidcook9616]

Thanks Doc

[@RandyCRR]

Thanks Doc!