How to find an OIL LEAK // BEST METHOD! 

Nothing worse than replacing parts that were perfectly good. It's no fun getting the diagnosis wrong! You ever waste money on replacing the wrong part???

Probably your best Video yet. Nice work John. Your step by step breakdown is great without being too long and drawn out.

Thanks John, I am not mechanically inclined like you are. Especially if I am trying to do the repair or service from reading a manual. However, if I watch a “how to” video I can usually do the repair or the service. I agree with you 100%, if it is warranty work, leave it to the experts like you!

It’s just an O-ring. We’ve all crimped one up and ruined it. Shit happens. Good, clean repair John. Thanks for sharing and rock on brotha!

I get worried when my harley stops leaking, it means I'm out of oil.

I'm just getting back into riding so lately I'm watching all kinds of motorcycle videos. Harley's aren't my thing, not a hater - if you're on two wheels that's all that matters, it doesn't matter what you ride. Even though I'm sure I'll never own one I do enjoy watching your Harley videos, you come across as real and genuine... cheers!

Another great video I am hooked on this guy I like how he addresses issues how he talks to the viewers and how he works in the shop thanks John maxwell

Excellent overview. I have a leaky 2007 Sportster nightster. Glad to know gaskets are still made. I hope supply chain ordering and delivery is not an issue.

Thank you for reminding people that you have only had a few problems with the new engine. Harley Davidson does way more R&D testing than other companies. When a manufacturer comes up with a mechanical product that has no problems, please let me know. Harley Davidson does an awesome job at minimizing those problems. You're Awesome!!!

Here’s a tip: 1. Use Gasgacinch Gasket Sealer on paper gaskets and their surfaces. 2. Use ThreeBond Liquid Gasket 1184 on machined metal-to-metal surfaces. 3. Bolt lengths differ in most components, although they may appear similar in length. I have witnessed a few primaries damaged from bolts blowing out the blind holes in the inner primary case. 4. Clean, dry and flat surfaces are a MUST to promote good gasket sealing and adhesion. Learn to use a file and flatten any high spots that typically occur with parts that have been in place and torqued for a long length of time. 5. Re-check your critical fasteners! Harley’s do shake a bit and will loosen fasteners with the high temperature heat cycling.

I know how find an oil leak. Watched this video anyway because this guys content is awesome

Another great video. I'm always surprised when people get upset and condemn a bike over such a small issue.

This is awesome that your dealership let's you post these videos. Good to see there not a stealership. And shows quality workmanship a clean workshop. Also Good advertising for them also. Great video

10 month old video, so I'm not sure if you'll see this. I have a 2012 Fatbob, and I got very concerned when I saw oil on top of the crank case of my bike, right at the base of the pushrods. At first I had thought that I probably overfilled the engine which might have led to the leak. After cleaning I realized I had installed an aftermarket S&S air cleaner, and that oil was dripping from the air cleaner and directly onto the base of the pushrods making it look like the leak was coming from there. Excellent video. Thanks for sharing the info.

You can tell that John is using the correct Loctite 262 (9:20) because it comes in an oversized bottle so that there is air in the bottle. I had to order it because all the stores carried 271 which doesn't have the vibration resistant qualities of 262.

Awesome facial expression you made when you realized that the battery is not reinstalled! Like giving my son a lemon to try for the first time when he was a toddler.Great vid bud!

I watched this video as I discovered an oil leak bottom left cylinder where it joins the engine casing (crank?). Not to happy as my 48 is less than 2 years old with a couple thousand miles on it. Oh well at least it is still under warranty. Great video John, very enjoyable.

John, miss-take is the best teacher. I bet from now on you will check the starter o-ring 1st before pulling the primary cover. Wrong part? Yup! I know those who use the "shotgun method," replace all parts that may cause the problem.

I've had some leaks , rear rocker box really nice leak too. 89 Electra glide classic turns out the center piece of the 3 piece boxes was warped. I was told this is a problem with the old style rockers , anyway got her fixed by an awesome tech. You guys are worth your weight in gold JS.

Enjoyed the video as always. I had an issue this weekend on a ride out to Bikefest in Leesburg. A little less then 2 hours getting there and as I pulled in and parked my 2016 Heritage Classic I turned her off and about to put her on the stand when I hear a sizzling and feel pain in my right upper thigh. When I move my leg I find my oil cap blew off when I turned off engine and sprayed my leg in oil that then ran off and was burning on muffler and hot engine. The only thing I had done recently except for saddlebags and minor bolt ons was I had air filter out wiping out the airbox and cleaning off the filter a bit. When it all cooled down later and I opened the airbox again it looks like maybe the hose going into the back of the filter might have been kinked. Took filter off and put hose back in again made sure no kink and it rode home fine. Only figured it out because it was all I had done mechanically and the information I found online for blowing oil caps off was all over the place from wrong bolts to over filled oil and random guesses. Would love to see a video from a pro on something like that.

Please don't stop uploading I stumbled across your videos while looking at street Bob reviews and now I'm hooked keep up the good work 👍👍👍

Nothing but greatness again John. Fantastic delivery.

What makes life easy , is when you know exactly how to take things apart , and put back together without a part leftover , in your hand yeah !! Dude I just discovered your channel today so I hit it and I subscribed !! This is my third video watching your handiwork and hard work yeah !! 2006 Sportster custom that’s what I ride I like it no leaks no problems as of yet , only has 20,000 miles on it live in Minnesota !

Awesome,thanks ,20 year rider ,,, still learning 96 Heritage classic , and 2002 road king handbags 42,000 mls, like new , thanks for the relaxed videos ,cool music and info

Saved me a major headache, have a slow leak I thought was a bolt or busted cover, turns out it's just an old seal, thanks for the video 👍

Liked and subscribed. As a current Harley rider (V-rod, lots of haters for that one), leave it to Harley to have a brand new bike leak oil and also make it a pain to do a simple fix. I've owned about 20 bikes so I have a bit of knowledge on them, great vid man.

I'm a machinist and make a lot of parts with O-ring seals ...we use a product called O-lube works great...looks like KY jelly lol. Good job on the video.....

Awesome video like always. I bought a 2017 1200C back in December. I’ve had an issue with the front end hopping between 40-50mph ever since I bought it. I’ve taken it to the dealer 4 times (2 different dealers) since it is under warranty and it can be fixed for free like u mentioned. An HD corporate inspector even came out and rode my bike. Every time I take it in they keep saying the bike is normal and rides like a sportster should. I finally got fed up and decided to swing into my local independent shop to see what they had to say. The owner of that shop said there’s no way it’s normal and that I have a bad tire. Shifted belt in the tire most likely. He has seen it happen many times with the Michelin scorcher 31 tires which is what is on my bike. I take in to him in a week to have the bike checked. Funny how a simple conversation with him, he already knew what the issue was when HD mechanics and an inspector keep telling me my bike is fine when it really isn’t. This is in no way a hit towards u John. Just making a statement about Harley Davidsons warranty. Ur shop may be different but the two dealers in my area have rubbed me the wrong way. Keep up the awesome videos John. I always look forward to watching every Wednesday!

Thanks John, I have a leak on my 1987 Low Rider. Yep, replaced the primary seal and it is still leaking!!!! Thanks to you I now what to do. Peter Aussie land (thank God summer is over down here!!!)

It translates to all bikes. Although you got some tricks here and there that are worth noting.

nice job, I know we all say we love working on our bikes but some jobs are just a pain!

Complaining about the battery removal, try an older Softail when you have to remove the oil tank to get the inner primary off. Just to remove the rotor and stator.

This Dude is a Riot. But all kidding aside, he is on the Money. 🤘🏼

Thanks John! Good customers will stay good customers as long as the manufacturer stands behind and honors his product. Work together to correct mistakes and ride on!!!!!!

No Harley hater here, waiting for my 114 Fat Bob as I type. Great vlog John, get some T Shirts made. UK Harley rider.

I'm now vacationing in sunny Florida, I picked up the 1990 FXRS-SP I had been saving for; Now comes the fun part. So after installing a new battery the engine started great and shortly after starting it began pouring oil out of the engine, closer inspection found the crankcase vent hose that is on the back of the engine behind the oil pump, this hose is intended to go up to the breather; It has the S&S Super "E" carb and S&S breather. I was thinking the woodruff key in the scavenge pump was broke causing the oil pump to not return oil to the oil tank. I pulled the oil pump down and the key was not broken. So I have the oil pump gaskets on order and I'm making new oil lines, I also found the oil filter adapter was loose so I was able to tighten that up. I did buy the factory service manual so when I was looking at the troubleshooting section it listed the oil lines, oil filter as possible restriction points. Now the oil hoses still had the factory clamps so I'm thinking they are from 1990 and don't have a problem spending the money to repair the bike as it is worth way more than the 5K that I paid for it. When I found the key wasn't broken I started digging into the book a bit more, I was reading about the crankcase vent. Now being as the bike only has 8,550 miles from 1990 it has sat way more than it has been ridden. So now I'm looking at going into the gear cover to check the crankcase vent. I couldn't find anything about a oil pick up tube or screen, I did read about a passage in the crankcase. Basically it's not pumping the scavenged oil out of the engine. So if you have had a issue like this please let me know if I'm headed in the right direction, if not I will let you know what I find after I fix it. The engine is the 1340 EVO, the guy I got it from said their was only just over 1900 of these bikes built, I'm sure this is the only one that only has 8,550 miles the complete description is 1990 FXRS-SP 1340 EVO 5 speed. I'm really not sure where I can find production information, I know it was a "3" California release. I was able to verify the information in the service manual.

Dirty thumbs to my buddy John, never met but will some day

My '99 Road King has developed a transmission fluid leak recently after 38,000 miles. Bel-Ray is dripping from around the front belt sprocket, so a local shop took a look at it and diagnosed it as 'loose transmission door bolts'. 1/2 hour labor is all they charged me, but the leak returned soon after. A buddy says he'll help me with the repair, since he recently did the same job on his Evos, but I'm bummed that the dealership didn't even look a little closer. Oh, well, old Harleys doing old Harley things...

I use UV fluorescent dye on my trucks for AC, oil and other systems. I've not needed it on a bike yet but I'll reach for my dye and blacklight when the time comes. Best to chase leaks at night or in darkness. The dye shows up nicely and is harmless to the engine. The car guys figured out troubleshooting modern vehicles long before bikes became modern.

Nice catch! What a pain in the neck. tracking down those leaks. You did great!

Thanks Brother, I REALLY felt that pain from the battery removal...LOL

Love your videos. Please talk about excessive vibration and some tips on addressing it.

Another great video, man! It's pretty cool watching Harley videos made by someone who actually does it for a living. Keep up the good work.

good video . I may have a inner primary leak on my 09 .. will clean it and ride it tomorrow

You do a great job. Great style and professional to say the least. It's also fun to watch and learn. My only problem is I'm spending too much time watching your videos. Thanks.

love it. Awesome job, short sweet and you got right to the point as usual. Thanks for your time and service!

Awesome video again John,no bullshit just straight up good advice. Your videos are always informative and easy to watch without confusing anyone who isn't as well trained as you are,you always explain things as simply as possible to keep viewer's in the loop of what your doing.

Enjoying your videos very much. Thanks. Really makes working on my 96 FXDL less scary, LOL.

Great video real good sound look forward to your videos every week been waiting since the last one been snowing twice a week in the hudson valley of new york. Harley should give you a raise!!! all the best ride safe

John, I really enjoy these video's. They sure make me wish I pursued turning wrench on bikes instead of diesels!!

Thank you! I need to deal with a transmission seal/shift shaft seal on my ol’ 1995 EVO. After decades of riding and maintaining metrics, it looks like getting intimate with the old girl won’t be too bad.

I REALLY injoy watching i am new to harley and bought my frist ever motorcycle and 2016 FLHR

John... been watching a few of your videos to gain general knowledge, tips and tricks. THANK YOU for taking time to do your vids. very informative and straight to the point. I just got done doing a shifter shaft seal on my 2015 RGS which led to a new tensioner, comp and while I was in there a new clutch and variable pressure plate.... and now puking primary fluid. Im gonna see if I have fluid off the starter o-ring when I get home... you may have saved me a lot of time.... I will update you on the outcome... hopefully I will find the o-ring AFU. Thanks again.

Amazing how much work for an O ring .

Finally an english video!

Shout out to the star pattern! Thanks for the quality videos!

21k subscribers. Nice work! Proud to say I was probably one of the original 1500, which wasnt too long ago. Great vids. Dirty thumbs up.

Nice. I would like to see more close up shots of the engine illustrating the problem.

Thanks for the tip with the oil to check up!

Hahahaha dude! Love that creative headbang😂

I run 3 different fluids,B&M trick shift (blue) in the primary , RedLine (red) in the trans . So you can tell what's leaking .

Keep rocking John ....

Awesome videos. Keep up the good content two big dirty thumbs up man!

🛵 Nice video John 🛵 Your final comment about this video translating to older bikes needs a little correction if you don’t mind 🧠 I just did this job on my 07 FLSTN. You have to remove the oil tank to get at the starter bolts. It’s major surgery! Exhaust system, back wheel, inner fender and battery as well. The wiring harness and fuse box zip ties all have to be cut and shifted out of the way to make room. Then comes the coup des gras... unhook all your oil lines, remove at least 6 bolts and then gently wrestle the oil tank out without damaging anything. Harley’s design engineers must have been high the day they designed this bike. Just hope you never get an inner primary leak on your early model twin cam Softail. It would cost a fortune in labour at the dealer or anywhere for that matter. 🛵 😜 I’m impressed that it only took MoCo 3 decades to find a solution by having a side panel access to the battery. 😂 Love your videos!

Love the channel man, I'll never hate on harley, smok on the other hand lol

Keep them coming...much appreciated!!!

Informative, entertaining, better than average production quality - all in all a great video. I'm getting ready to buy my first HD, and I think I will find your channel invaluable. Subbed.

Love Harley!! Great videos man!!!

Spray foot powder works great.

Yeah i get to do this on my dyna soon. Replaced shift fork, dog and speed gear last fall. Leaky leaky now.

Great catch John!

Let the little things go boss

I had a very small oil leak on my 07 heritage. I went on a hunch and pulled the rubber elbow that connects the oil tank to the drain hose. Turns out, it had a hairline crack in it.

Great video John... I am having some leaking problems with my Breakout 2015...is just a small drop but is enoying to see the staik eveey morning, i would like you to make a video of how to repair the draining hole... 😁✌🏽

Since you are pulling primary covers....show the adjustment of a sportster shifter pawl. Not so simple as on the big bikes!

Been loving your Video's man. Starting my schooling for Tech in may! Can't wait for it, and look forward to more great content from you!

Well done John! Appreciate that.

Good tip. As far as warranty work it seems every time I would go in they either can’t find anything wrong or want to charge ya for something. Also happens to my brother when his bike was new. Not a gig against you but more like at the dealer here. Oh their out of business now lol

Good pearls bro. Cheers from New Zealand

Best tire for a ultralimited had a blow out over the weekend. The tire on it was a Avon.

This is a great channel! I bought a 2007 Street Bob new, within a few weeks had replacement wheels (rusty), seat and gearbox/engine seal (leaking). It was fine for 30,000 mikes till I sold it. No problem so far with my 2016 roadster. Could you do a video on Sportster belt deflection? Cheers from the UK, keep up the great content.

thank you for all the amazing badass help man

Love the technical/maintenance videos. I may need to send you a six pack of Iowa's finest. Ditch that Bud Light!

Hello John, I have enjoyed to a great deal all of your video's some i admit I've watched to many times but always enjoyed every last one of them. But now that the summer is upon us, can you make an informative video about what we should look for as possible problems with our bikes on a long distance ride. Maybe what tools we should carry, what are some of the nuts and bolts that might come loose on a long trip, extra oil, washers, wrenches screw drivers just general good informational tips for long distance rides. After all who but a "highly trained unprofessional like yourself who drives fast and takes chances but slows down when he goes fast" could put such a video together for all us long distance riders! Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Being Harley and Indian owner for couple of years now, I have allways heard thousands of jokes from other fellow indian owners about harley oil leaks. Never had any on my 5 harleys though, BUT this video really freaked me out! Oil leak on a new bike!

i dont know why they incorp highway pegs on the motor gaurd ..its not comfortable i have a '03 hert softail anni & it has them on my enginegaurd dont get it maybe for other guyz great vid Maxwell!!

as always, awesome video brother.

Great video John. Lots of good info.

Saw an oil leak on my 2006xl883l Sportster today. It's raining here in NEW YORK CITY today. But in think it's running from the right side towards the left.

Hey now, I love my 883, more than enough motor for me, and last time I checked I wasn't a girl. LOL As far as the o-ring, we're all human and make mistakes. Had a guy tell me years ago, "if you don't make mistakes it only means one thing, you're not doing anything". S**t happens, bike was fixed and life is good. BTW, I've got to get me one of those jobs where I get paid to ride...

Maxy your great entertainment keep it up look forward to the next one from Australia Mate

Good informative vlog, good work John 👍😎

Nice vid. I chased that same oil leak for days on a Softail. Used a whole roll of teflon tape on the primary drain plug reinstalling it 3-4 times...and the primary gasket. That O-ring and the rear oil seal became my best friends. And by my count, that battery only took you 8 seconds. >:-)

This is probably too old to get a comment, new m8 2022 79 miles on it, doesnt leak oil but forms oil just behind the rear cylinder to the left under the lip of the casting where the barrel meets the casing but below. Doesnt drip down, just forms there.

Awesome video, man! Love how you put these together - very entertaining *and* informative :) -A Sportster Rider

Awesome video

Shades as a barrette! check! Friday night at 4:55 pm on the assembly line! check!

Another great one! Soo.. when can we expect maybe 2 videos a week? No pressure lol. Just really enjoy the channel.

nice ride, smooth at 80

Heya John, excellent vid as always dude, thank you. Also, what's up with the 22 downvotes? That sh!ts just stuuuupid, period.