2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Odd oil change behavior, M8 114

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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 07:37 AM
  #21  
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@Ralpf Muchachio All good now. Think you have the right dip stick and now know what it takes. On the stand or upright.

I have the old fashion one with two circle marks around a round stick and I need to do it upright. (2004 Softail TC with a Harley temperature analog one)

Most of the rise I see from cold and hot on the stick is because the oil is full of bubbles.

Its not temperature. Going from 80 to 180 Fahrenheit expands oil 4.2%. That's about 1/32"

Same with the transmission if you check it hot and just shut down. It's high on stick and full of bubbles.

Not sure about you primary but the owners manual is terrible on mine. Their picture makes it look like it fills to the lip of the derby cover. That's a quart too full.

I just wrote it down years ago in the old fashon owners manual that's a 1/2" thick what the 3 holes take.
 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 1, 2026 at 07:43 AM.
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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 08:45 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Jackie Paper
@Ralpf Muchachio All good now. Think you have the right dip stick and now know what it takes. On the stand or upright.

I have the old fashion one with two circle marks around a round stick and I need to do it upright. (2004 Softail TC with a Harley temperature analog one)

Most of the rise I see from cold and hot on the stick is because the oil is full of bubbles.

Its not temperature. Going from 80 to 180 Fahrenheit expands oil 4.2%. That's about 1/32"

Same with the transmission if you check it hot and just shut down. It's high on stick and full of bubbles.

Not sure about you primary but the owners manual is terrible on mine. Their picture makes it look like it fills to the lip of the derby cover. That's a quart too full.

I just wrote it down years ago in the old fashon owners manual that's a 1/2" thick what the 3 holes take.
Yes, they say to fill to the bottom of the pressure plate, just as fluid would be close to pouring out the side. Come to think of it, it did seem to take quite a bit more than I thought it would. I read below as "Cover removed and installed" being the actual Derby Cover, but now I'm not so sure. I'd say it took about 42-44 ounces to get within a half inch of the diagram below, then I just stopped.
I could pop the cover back off and drain some, but it doesn't appear to be shifting any worse (or better) than before and I had read somewhere that it's not an issue if you feel it's a bit overfilled, but am open to suggestions.




 

Last edited by Ralpf Muchachio; Jun 1, 2026 at 08:48 AM.
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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 09:01 AM
  #23  
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On mine, 2004 Softail TCb, it's a good 3/4"below opening in derby.

Your probably fine. I would use a quart like it says next time. Mine just needs 26oz.

As long a your cold start, netural to first shift is not rough.

My stupid example. Least it doesn't have that dry silly crap that applied at the factory.


 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 1, 2026 at 11:18 AM.
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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 11:10 AM
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I wonder if we're on the same page here? My owner's manual shows 1.25 qts for Primary chain case for the Fat Bob 114:


 
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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Ralpf Muchachio
I wonder if we're on the same page here? My owner's manual shows 1.25 qts for Primary chain case for the Fat Bob 114:

Read the foot notes. 4 for primary.. One quart and then the spec. (bottom of diaphragm spring) The accountants hide the real facts in the foot notes.

It really looks like Harley Mothership hires the group in India to pen the service manuals.
 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 1, 2026 at 11:39 AM.
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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 01:09 PM
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I feel like I'm at least in the ballpark. I did add about 35 ounces and then started adding from there, stopping below what they seem to consider full by their diagram above. It's just that you and I seem to be posting different specs for different bikes as your last post is showing a 26 oz spec.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Ralpf Muchachio
I feel like I'm at least in the ballpark. I did add about 35 ounces and then started adding from there, stopping below what they seem to consider full by their diagram above. It's just that you and I seem to be posting different specs for different bikes as your last post is showing a 26 oz spec.
I assume your reference is to me. Read what I said. 2004 Softail TCb.
 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 1, 2026 at 01:36 PM.
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Old Jun 1, 2026 | 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Jackie Paper
I assume your reference is to me. Read what I said. 2004 Softail TCb.
Ahh, OK. I see it now. All makes sense.
 
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