For my 2004 RK, the manual shows a tranny drain plug on the right side of the engine oil pan. It also shows a tranny drain plug just below the clutch cover. Are there really two drains for the tranny fluid? Why 2?

The manual also says to remove the clutch cover and add tranny fluid through the opening 'till the bottom of the clutch is wet. At the same time, there is a tranny fluid dipstick to indicate proper fluid level on the other side at the clutch release cover.

With all due respect to the manual, why not just drain the tranny flud from the plug under the clutch cover, and fill through the dipstick hole 'till the level is correct per the dip stick (bike level). Anything wrong with this approach to changing the tranny fluid?

Advice/comments much appreciated,
JR

 

Uh, I think you'll find that the one under the clutch cover is the primary chaincase drain.

 

Wait - are there two different reservoirs here? One for the primary, and another for the tranny? That would make sense.

The Road King is different from my old Sportster that was all one tranny/primary with a common reservoir then?

Any recommendations for what fluid goes in each? H-D Formula +, or Redline Shockproof? Other? Suggestions?

Much appreciated,
JR

 

Here ya go.

 

Nice! I was wondering what that great glowing orb was. Great Pic!

In addition to all the plugs in the pic, there's another primary drain under the derby cover. All those plugs explains why my Road King is 200# heavier than my Sportster!

With separate chambers for the tranny & the primary on the touring bikes, I guess the Sportster (Evo) days of just adding 1 quart of Formula+ to cover a combined tranny/primary unit are over!

Much thanks for the enlightenment!

Cheers,
JR

 

It is where it is.