Hey all,

Replacing my handlebars and I see I need to open the clutch cover to run a new cable (longer). I'm getting confused though, what's the difference between primary, engine oil and transmission?

What is the primary?

I just need to open the clutch cover and replace the clutch cable I'm sure I'll lose some fluid. Can anyone tell me what I need for the fluids to replace the clutch cable?

Plan on hitting the store shortly and grabbing all the fluids. I already have, and checked, DOT4 fluid for my brakes, assuming DOT4 is DOT4 regardless if for a car of bike?

Thanks

 

You might want to get a service manual

 

you can run the tires up on a 2x4 and lean the bike ( carefully !) over on the jiffy ( side) stand.

that way you can remove the trap door ( tranny end cover) without spilling more than a tablespoon of fluid to fix your cable.

you are removing the cover on the RIGHT side of the bike for the clutch cable...the clutch is on the left side in the primary case. An accuating rod runs through the tranny to work the clutch




the motor gets motor oil-- I use the HD syn 3 20w50 in my 09

the primary case has a chain inside which transfers power from the motor to the clutch.
the primary lube does lube the chain, but it's prime function is to lube the wet clutch

and the tranny case is separate from the motor and primary cases, and lubes for gears and bearings are used

for the latter 2, I use the HD Primary+ in my 09.

for my evos and Pans I use non- synthetic fluids as spec'd for those.

Basically I follow the owners manual for each of my dozen + vehicles.

mike

 

HD Formula+ for primary. Do you have a HD Service Manual? It's worth the money if you don't.

 

That's the best start point! Many basic questions answered in there, plus others we never knew we should ask!

 

+1 I have a clean copy in the house, and the dirty copy in the garage.

 

To the OP - Do you know what fluid was used the last time the transmission fluid was changed? That would determine what fluid to use in case you needed to top off the trans.

Alternately, you could drain the trans before removing the cover. It's a bit more work, but you would not have a question what type of fluid to use.

 

He's not opening the primary, he's opening the transmission side cover to replace the clutch cable.

Use whatever tranny fluid was used on the last service.

 

Hey guys, I have a manual and it's a life saver. However, I didn't see the information I was looking for. I ended up with some redline shockproof or whatever the hell it is. Another long night of working on the bike. Thanks for all your help so far!

 

Good luck with the snap ring if you don't have a good pair of snapring pliers.