Quick Question: Primary Oil Change
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Mishawaka, IN
Quick Question: Primary Oil Change
So I decided it was due for an oil change. I noticed a drip in my garage.
Anyways. I drained the primary oil & a lot more than a quart came out (I'd say an extra 1/2 a quart was in there)
1: Does it only take a quart? I can't see any oil anywhere on the clutch plates.
2: Seeing how it was over-full... could that be the reason it was coming out (from somewhere)...I just noticed it dripping from the drain plug...but I don't think it was leaking from there. There was a bit of old oil all around the drain plug.
(01 FXDL)
Thanks for any quick help. I'm not going to ride until I get an answer.
(edit: also..whoever changed the oil last I believe faced the derby cover gasket the wrong way.... but I never noticed any oil leaking from the derby cover itself)
Anyways. I drained the primary oil & a lot more than a quart came out (I'd say an extra 1/2 a quart was in there)
1: Does it only take a quart? I can't see any oil anywhere on the clutch plates.
2: Seeing how it was over-full... could that be the reason it was coming out (from somewhere)...I just noticed it dripping from the drain plug...but I don't think it was leaking from there. There was a bit of old oil all around the drain plug.
(01 FXDL)
Thanks for any quick help. I'm not going to ride until I get an answer.
(edit: also..whoever changed the oil last I believe faced the derby cover gasket the wrong way.... but I never noticed any oil leaking from the derby cover itself)
Last edited by OldTyme; Aug 10, 2013 at 02:03 PM.
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From: Southern Oregon
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 323
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From: Mishawaka, IN
Well when I put it on the jiffy stand I can see oil where it's supposed to be....(my manual says it's supposed to be upright) It also says 32 oz (quart) if dry.
I didn't see the oil level when it was upright on the jack. :\
I did get a new gasket. I will try & go back out there now & see if I can find where that extra oil was coming from.
I didn't see the oil level when it was upright on the jack. :\
I did get a new gasket. I will try & go back out there now & see if I can find where that extra oil was coming from.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Sonoma County, CA
I had an issue with my bike (2010 Fatbob) which at first glance was an oil leak at the drain plug. Upon further investigation, it was coming from the shift rod seal and running down the back of the primary cover and onto the plug. Worth lying down and seeing if you can get a view. Good luck!
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,140
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From: Arkansas
Well when I put it on the jiffy stand I can see oil where it's supposed to be....(my manual says it's supposed to be upright) It also says 32 oz (quart) if dry.
I didn't see the oil level when it was upright on the jack. :\
I did get a new gasket. I will try & go back out there now & see if I can find where that extra oil was coming from.
I didn't see the oil level when it was upright on the jack. :\
I did get a new gasket. I will try & go back out there now & see if I can find where that extra oil was coming from.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
With bike upright the oil level should just touch the outside diameter of the outer clutch shell.
It won`t hurt a thing if it is a little low, as long as that primary chain touches the lube, everything gets a nice bath of oil.
You might want to check the level in the primary after a few hundred miles to make sure you are not leaking engine oil into the primary.
It won`t hurt a thing if it is a little low, as long as that primary chain touches the lube, everything gets a nice bath of oil.
You might want to check the level in the primary after a few hundred miles to make sure you are not leaking engine oil into the primary.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
My 2002 FXD and 2005 FXDLI both take 26 ozs. of oil in the chaincase, that's what the service manual from MOCO states. Been doing that amount for the past 11 years and no problems. The drip of oil could be from the shift shaft seal going into the transmission. If you had over a qt. of oil in the case, it could also be working past the main shaft seals.