[Crash]

Has anyone else had a clutch resevoir that leaks around the screw heads? mine has always barely leaked around the right screw head...just enough to see that there is fluid around the top of the screw, but not enough ever to drip off the top. The first time I had it in the service dept. they changed the rubber gasket. The next time, the changed the whole cap of the resevoir. I've tried swapping out the screws and also turning the gasket 180 degrees...still it's seeping out the screw hole. It must be a warped clutch resevoir I'm thinking. I called them and told them it's still leaking and they were going to consult HD, but it looks like a new clutch resevoir is next...I was just curious if anyone else has experienced this.

 

[zyz]

No Crash not in 1200 miles that bikes done.

 

[polizzio]

If your sure its leaking from the screw hole, rather than have them replace the clutch reservoir and have your bike in the shop, I'd loosen both screws, remove the right leaking screw, clean both the taper in the cap and taper of screw, put just a dab of clear silicone around taper of screw, reinstall screw and tighten both of them. That should seal screw head, stopping weaping. I can tell you this, last year when I replaced the gray caps with HD chrome caps, I didn't tighten the crap out of the screws, just moderately, and the next time I went ride, a Saturday with a bunch of riders, the wind currents at 60+ mph blew dot 5 brake fluid out of both reservoirs, all over me and everything else. What a mess! Departed gang early to clean it up and wash it off my paint, bars, windshield, ect. Now I tighten the crap out of them.....no leaks.

 

[Vrod-tlam]

Sounds like it's the reservoir itself that is the culprit. I agree, either use a little silicone, or get the reservoir replaced. :biker:

 

[Max]

The design of the seal and the cap should not even allow fluid to reach the threaded area of the screw. I have never had a leak of that sort out of either of my v-rods after having the caps off several times and even changing them to chrome on my 02. It sounds like there may just be a casting flaw in the unit that is allowing fuid to enter the screw area from the cylinder itself. Before you get out of warranty I suggest that you ask them to replace it if normal attempts to seal it have failed. You should not have to glue the bolt in to make it seal. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

Max

 

[VRODV04]

Crash,
I have an 03 bought new 01-04, and my front brake resivior started leaking at 150 miles enough that a small puddle would blow around the flat area where the front brake lever bolt is. my stealer (after a couple attempts) of cleaning the seal and filing the casting, found a hole (beebee sized) in the rubber seal.
now at 650 miles all is dry. maybe your second seal also has a pin hole, I would try 1 more seal before replacing the entire resivior.
Just my :2cents:

James

 

[Crash]

Since I'm still in warranty, I'm going to have them replace the clutch resevoir. I know that I could seal the screw w/ silicon or even teflon tape, but that's not the right answer if it's on their dime.

 

[Munky]

The only cases I've heard of a resevoir leak was with owners who had them chromed.

 

[polizzio]

The reason I recommended the silicone, we're talking one weeping screw. And just a little dab on the taper of screw. Such a minor problem, I just don't like bringing in my bike to the stealer for something I can remedy easily, you bring it in and no telling what "problem" could crop up, perhaps nothing. And once you top off reservoir, you shouldn't need to open it for at least a year, maybe two. Guess I have little confidence in the stealer, pawing over my baby, you want something done right without problems, you do it yourself. Now a big problem under warranty, yes.....

 

[Max]

If the seal and lid have been replaced the only other item left is the reservoir itself. In the business of repair I come across castings that are porous all the time and allow weeping. If it were me I dislike any kind of leak no matter how minor. I also want the seal to be correct, I would hate to see a silicone base sealer mix even if dot 5 is a silicone base fluid. Fixing it right is really the only option in my humble opinnion.

Max

 

[polizzio]

its "opinion". Ok, I give, replace reservoir assembly.

 

[Max]

Thank you for correcting my spelling, I wasn't awar thet incorect speling countid off.

 

[polizzio]

Well I had to pick on you for something.........be carefull with that spelling or we'll send you to Kaz's Las Vegas School of Spellin.

 

[danafwelch]

Max,
I'll stick with your story also.

 

[Vinny]

Mine used to leak out the gasket.They(dealer)didn't put it on corrcetly,and it leaked real bad.I took it back and they replaced the gasket(seal).Now I have replaced them with the chrome caps.I had a little leak out a screw.I tightened it down more and it doesn't leak anymore.
I would go the route of getting a new resovoir.That way, you have all fresh and new fluid.