Hey fellas - I'm planning on changing the fluid in all 3 holes soon. I was wondering if it makes a difference what order I go in. Should I change oil first, then tranny, then...?

I have changed the oil before. The rest I have not done before. Changing the oil went pretty easy. I used the HD oil filter wrench attachment, and used a sliced up 2 liter coke bottle the catch the filter and the oil that spilled out. It worked just as good (I think better) than the part HD wanted to sell me for about $30 or so IIRC.

So, does the order matter? Are there any "best practices" or helpful hints you can give me?

Thanks in advance!

 

I'd do the oil and tranny first and second and save primary for last only because "sometimes" the primary derby cover T27 torx bolts can give you a run for your money.

Only use a good T27 bit on those. Change all your O rings with harley's o-rings and get yourself a new primary gasket. You'll hear plenty from others that they buy their o-rings from the hardware store and you don't have to change the primary gasket. Take the doubt out of what your doing.
Get the right stuff.

 

I agree with the above get the right gaskets, but as far as an order goes does not matter.

 

Thank you for the responses guys!

I learned pretty early on about the torx bits... I was trying to install a sissy bar and like a D.A. used some pot metal Chinese made bit set. Well, after I rounded off 2 bolts and used an EZ-out to get them out, I bought a good set from a high performance auto parts store here in town. That sucked, but live and learn I guess.

OK, I will get the gasket for the primary. I'm glad you told me that because I probably would have tried to reuse the old one. I always buy a new o-ring for the oil plug just in case. That little $1 piece of rubber saves me a lot of trouble. It almost always looks new, but a tech told me even if it looks good it can still leak.

What about the tranny? Does it have a gasket? Should I get a new one just in case?

Sorry for all the questions guys. This is just my first time doing it all myself. I got tired of HD charging me $300 or around that for a glorified oil change.

Thanks!

 

Harley sells an oil changing kit that includes 3 o-rings and a derby gasket. It's like 4.95 at the dealer. There is nothing else you need other than a Harley oil filter, which I recommend. Another time saving tip, I let the tranny and primary drain at the same time into the same pan. For the engine, I hate horizontally mounted oil filters. I always seem to spill some and I have that stupid Harley drain kit. The 2-liter idea sounds better and probably gives more clearance.

Do you already have the service manual for your bike? If so, good, if not, get it!

 

Sweet! Do you think that will include all I will need? (except for the fluids of course)

One other thing I am confused about is doI use the same oil for everything? Right now all I know is what I am using for the oil - it is the HD synthetic. My bike is a 2009 Superglide if that matters.

 

Yes, the oil changing kit includes everything you need. You just need to purchase the lube and filter and you are set.

HAHA! The oil question may spur its own discussion. I would just do a search thru the Dyna forums and you will be able to come up with a combination that will work best for you.

All I can tell you is this is the lube combo I have been running in my bike since 500 miles on the odometer (I am over 12,000 miles now):

Engine = Mobil 1 20w-50 (V-twin) Synthetic
Tranny = Mobil 1 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube (yes, gear lube)
Primary = Mobil 1 10w-40 (Sport bike) Synthetic
Filter = Harley black

Its relatively cheap and easily obtainable at Auto Zone or Advanced Auto. One of them is always running a special so I buy from whoever is cheaper at the time.

Yes, you can run 20w-50 in all 3. However, I would stay away from the Harley Syn3, overpriced, crap. I would try Amsoil but I have never had a reason to switch from Mobil 1.

 

You need to know how much of each to put in. Not being an *** but do ya have a manual?

 

I have definitely noticed that the HD synthetic is expensive as hell! Last time I changed the oil I had a good 3/4 of one quart left over and it pissed me off to no end that I basically had to buy it just to be the "top off" quart. I taped it shut and I am determined to use it up unless it looks off or otherwise "dark, etc."

I will definitely look into using different stuff next time. The whole point of me doing this is to save money, and also to make sure it gets done right. I am willing to shell out more dough on materials since I know I am saving major bucks on labor.

Just a side note on the "making sure it gets done right aspect" - last time I took my bike to the dealership they lost my key, did not do an inspection on my bike (as requested), plus they would not warranty my tire even though I had the tire warranty. I had picked up a nail and they said the tire needed to have 5/32" of tread for it to be covered under warranty. I had 4/32" of tread everywhere, and in some spots I did have over 5/32", but he said it had to measure 5/32" consistently in 3 different equally spaced spots around the whole tire, so ONE THIRTYSECOND OF AN INCH COST ME $300!!!! Total bullsh!t!!!! Anyway, since they lost my key, they trailered it to my house the next day and mailed me 2 new keys about 2 weeks later. Inspection still not done. They did change the tire.

I digress. Sorry, just still a sore spot for me. I just want to make sure everything on my bike is getting done right, and try to save a buck or 2 in labor. I don't mind spending extra dough on parts, but the labor is ridiculous, and at this point I don't trust the dealer to do it. Who knows what they are doing and what they aren't? Hell, when I changed my oil I asked them what plug to pull and they pointed me to the bolt that drains the tranny fluid, and said they were positive about it! I bought the manual for my bike and wouldn't you know it - it was a completely different bolt! Ho lee sheeit.

I sincerely appreciate all the help fellas.

 

Yes sir! Got the manual as soon as I decided I should do some of my own wrenching. I was intimidated at first, but I have always bought the Chilton manual for every vehicle I have ever owned. I have always done any and everything I can on my own as far as cars go. I just had not done much work on bikes before. I have worked on dirt bikes, etc. but never Harleys.