Trans fluid = old milk?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Harford Co., Maryland
Trans fluid = old milk?
Just changed the engine oil and pulled the plug for the transmission, and it looked like old milk. WTF could cause that? Anyone else ever have that happen? What is the best way to flush it out and get that crap cleaned out?
I'm thinking of pulling the cover off the trans, and spraying everything with brake cleaner. Any idea if that would hurt anything? I do it to the differentials of my Jeep often when changing the fluid and it seems to do the job well and hasn't hurt anything.
I have the Dyna Service manual, but it's at work so I won't look through that until tomorrow. It's a little after 1pm Sunday here, I'm going to the bar to drink my sorrows away....oh and in breaking news; rain is wet.
I'm thinking of pulling the cover off the trans, and spraying everything with brake cleaner. Any idea if that would hurt anything? I do it to the differentials of my Jeep often when changing the fluid and it seems to do the job well and hasn't hurt anything.
I have the Dyna Service manual, but it's at work so I won't look through that until tomorrow. It's a little after 1pm Sunday here, I'm going to the bar to drink my sorrows away....oh and in breaking news; rain is wet.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 195
From: Harford Co., Maryland
I would think it has to be water. My bike sleeps out side, and is ridden in the rain. I've heard of a giant glowing orb in the sky, but haven't seen in in a time frame I can remember.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
It's water and it doesn't take much to Turk the oil milky. It could come from intrusion into the case or from condensation if the bike isn't ridden alot and the oil doesn't heat up too much. Easiest way to clean it is to just replace it and ride it for maybe 50 miles or so. Then just recheck it and if it's milky just keep replacing the fluid until it comes out clean. It is only a quart so your not talking a huge amount. If there is any water in there you will see it turn milky again. If you live in an area where you have high humidity with cool nights this can happen. After you ride as the bike cools down it draws air and moisture into the case. When it gets cool the moisture condensates inside the case and will get stirred into the oil the next time you ride. If the oil warms up enough the moisture will evaporate and the oil will clear up but if you just take short trips then it will start to build up and cause what you are experiencing.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 772
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
Texas could use some of that rain for a little while.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 750
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From: Quebec, Canada
I wouldnt add more water in it to flush it, neither brake cleaner.
I did this with my atv ... I changed the oil ran it a couple of miles and flushed it again it resolved the problem. I do ran into much rain and the tran oil is still good, cant see where water entered check the torque spec of the bolt all around thats all I can see either vibration loosen up bolt or a gasket is damaged
I did this with my atv ... I changed the oil ran it a couple of miles and flushed it again it resolved the problem. I do ran into much rain and the tran oil is still good, cant see where water entered check the torque spec of the bolt all around thats all I can see either vibration loosen up bolt or a gasket is damaged
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 195
From: Harford Co., Maryland
It's rained almost every day here for the last 3 months.
Most likely I'll be pulling the cover off the trans tomorrow and hosing it with brake cleaner. I can't think of a better way to get the yogurt out....
Most likely I'll be pulling the cover off the trans tomorrow and hosing it with brake cleaner. I can't think of a better way to get the yogurt out....
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 435
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From: Tennessee
I've give up on waiting for nice days to ride here. now i just ride every day rain or shine if it wasn't for the inevitable snow i'd sell my car lol.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 932
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From: CENTRAL IL
I am thinking the brake cleaner may not be a good idea, it will remove all lube from the bearins and that may not be too good till the new oil is distributed, as others have said , change oil ride and replace if needed wouldnt think it would take more than one chage if that much