Tranny or primary fluid leak... help!

[9192champs]

My '86 FXR started leaking fluid recently. It is either primary or transmission fluid (I think the latter), and it seems to accumulate on the tranny crossmember at the middle of the bike and then drip down onto the ground from there. It only leaks once the engine is running and has warmed up a bit. After I turn the motor off and it sits for a couple minutes, the leaking totally stops.

It is very hard to tell where the source of the leak is, because much of the bottom of the transmission seems to be wet. Anyone have any ideas about the most likely source and places for me to look?

Thanks,
Paul

[hbmc]

I clean it real good and see if you can see where it starts to seep from. also check your fluids. I bet Primary only because the tranny is pretty sealed and stays pretty tight... but you never know I also find leaks after cleaning good taking it for a 20 mile spin then placing a long mirror with good light source and see if I can locate when I get one

[BlueHwys]

I had the same problem with my 09 road king. It turned out to be the two bottom bolts of the transmission cover were vibrating loose. A little locktite on the bolts and proper torque took care of the problem. It drove me crazy due to migrating across the bottom plate when on the kick stand and dropping below the primary on the opposite side of the bike.

[RattFXR]

If it's tranny oil (unlikely) it will smell like your ass. However don't rule out engine oil. 86 should be a case breather and thats where it vents. If it's primary fluild then you will have to pull your entire primary apart to change the inner seals. Good luck