Confusion about Oil/Trans drain plugs... Owner's Manual goodness!!

DrSmaggs · #1 06-04-2008, 12:36 AM

Disclaimer... This is my first fluid change done on my own. I may be a total idiot, but here goes

I changed my primary all by myself tonight. Drained and changed the gasket for the derby cover after filling. Yay!

The next step was to change my Trans fluid, but I can't for the life of me figure out which of many "drain plugs" is which!

The owners manual is totally worthless... it shows a picture of the OIL drain plug as going sideways instead of straight down, and the same thing for the TRANS plug.... there is only ONE plug that goes sideways on the whole underside...

It would be nice if the manual at least told which way was forward on the goofy looking picture that doesn't even resemble the bottom of my bike. Yes, the manual came with my bike from the dealer.

Could someone steer me in the proper direction? I don't want to accidentally drain the wrong fluid

I do know which the primary is, as I've done it and it was super easy to spot.

I feel silly, but I'd rather ask than assume and make an asshat out of myself.

Thanks a ton for reading!

CHEERS!!! [8D]

DrSmaggs · #2 06-04-2008, 12:38 AM

OOOPS! I forgot anushat was a bad word LOL... I was wondering why a bunch of *'s showed up! Hooray!

NitroBerserker · #3 06-04-2008, 03:25 PM

Don't feel bad the first time I did mine I just looked under there and took out the drain plug, then wondered why I only got a little oil out of it. turns put I had drained the Trans by mistake. THEN I got out the shop manual. and did it right.

You didn't say what model or year of bike it is. but looking at the Sig pic I am guessing a Dyna with the oil tank under the trans. On mine( 01 FLHTC )the oil drain is on the left side behind the primary and is on the front side of the tank and goes in sideways.... the trans is on the right and goes straight up.

You are goingto change them both though anyways right?

DrSmaggs · #4 06-04-2008, 04:02 PM

2005 Dyna Superglide Sport FXDXI

Yeah, the owner's manual is not specific in any way. The pictures are very confusing and there are a bunch of plugs... it shows the tranny plug as going two directions and the instructions literally contradict themselves.

What you just posted above this post is exactly what I had assumed, but I wasn't willing to take the chance.

I don't have engine oil right now, so I'm just doing the Primary and Trans

All the help is greatly appreciated and thanks for taking the time to read, too!

Cheers!