I'm curious as to your various experiences with the oil level in the primaries with the TG. The book says "38 Oz wet, 45 dry". Many posts I've seen have suggested ".. approximately a quart..." when refilling.

My question to the group: Who here actually pours the recommended 38 Ounces? And have you had any problems such clutch disengagement anomalies or trouble finding neutral as a result?

And a bonus question! What's the consensus of Syn3 in the primary? The 2011 has the standard 'Dino' oils from the dealer's service, and I'm slightly concerned about the debris I found on the drain plug magnet. No real signs of anything coming apart.... Just more black stuff than I'd expect over 4500 miles since the last dealer primary oil change.

Thanks in advance for your experiences!

 

2014 with 6135 miles .... and everything works great!
HD Formula+ in the Primary is what I use and what my Dealer recommends.
Syn3 in the 103 and Bel-Ray 85W-140 in the transmission.

All Dealer services to date .... but I will be doing the fluid changes going forward.

I'd say do the 38 oz to keep the compensator happy and don't short change it using 32 oz = 1 quart.

Bob

 

I usually go with the 38oz also, I use the Formula + in Primary and Red Line Heavy Duty Shock in the Tranny and usually Mobil 1 in crank case.

 

What you are finding on the drain plug is clutch friction material, the primary is a pretty dirty service. The compensator is one of the weak links which Harley still hasn't gotten right since they changed the design with the 06 Dyna 07 touring. Formula plus seems to make the compensator last longer.

 

I fill to the bottom of the clutch pack, which usually ends up being right around 38 oz.

I have used many different primary lubricants over the years, including ATF, but always went back HD Formula+...until about 2 years ago. I started using Syn3 and, for me, it works better (smoother clutch) than the Formula+

I see many bikes with overfilled primaries...and almost always an overfilled primary will lead to grabby engagement/dragging clutch.

 

Thanks for everyone's opinions! The Syn3 seems to work very nicely in all 3 cases. Shifting definitely got better, and the clutch seems to release a tad better.

I'll change the primary oil in 5000 miles or so and see what I pick up. I agree the primary will be the dirtiest of the 3 reservoirs.

Syn3 is spendy enough! I hope it'll do the trick.