I have a 2001 Sportster 883, and I did some research and decided that I could do the oil change and primary oil change by myself. Didn't start off very hard. Did that main oil and oil filter. Then I went to the primary oil and found an oil plug that I hadn't seen or heard of. It is a bolt that is screwed into the primary case that has a flange. That flange is seeted to the primary case (with more thread into the case itself). Then there is a nut that I had to work to get off that doesn't seem to be doing much. When I try to unscrew the bolt, it gets stuck and won't come out where I have just seen a normal oil plug bolt. This is not that. Am I going to have to take off the whole primary case? Even if I did, I don't know how they got this in there. Is this a system that I am unfamiliar with? I bought this bike used, and the main oil was a mess, the primary oil that is now leaking out of the clutch cover is a mess, so it needs to be drained and changed, I just can't drain it...

Thanks in advance!

 

That is the primary chain adjuster not the drain . The drain is behind the adjuster if memory serves correct . P.s.your going to have to adjust your primary chain tensioner . Got a manual ?

 

I am getting my manual in the mail today, so that should help. I am just at work all anxious, hoping that I didn't jack up a bolt that is going to ruin my bike as I sit here at the computer. Is there a way to replace that bolt by chance? Will I need to?

 

To replace that bolt requires you to remove the primary cover. It is the primary chain tensioner bolt.

Since you adjusted it you will have to readjust your primary chain tension to proper spec.

Seeing as you didn't see the difference between that and the primary drain plug, I HIGHLY advise you to wait until your service manual arrives and you read it before you lay another finger on your bike.

 

Thanks Scuba10jdl. I am new to Harley maintenance, so I am totally on the same page. I'll hang on. It's garaged.

 

No problem. Consider yourself lucky. That bolt won't damage anything at all.

I've heard stories of guys pulling the seal plug under Twin Cam engines and cracking their cases, same for Ironhead sportys, as well as the occasional person here who pops their cam cover off and then realizes they need pull apart the rockers to be able to get them back in.