How long/difficult to change primary cover
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
How long/difficult to change primary cover
I want to replace the chrome primary on my '15 Low Rider, with a wrinkle black one, which I think better matches the rest of the black motor. Anyway, I'm handy enough, and have all tools necessary, inc. torque wrench. My question: since this will be my first time cracking a new motor open, is it as easy as it looks? I.e. Drain primary oil, remove shifter arm and unbolt, clean gasket area (replace gasket of course) and tighten up bolts in correct pattern? Any hidden complexities I should be concerned with? Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 55
From: Londonderry, NH
I want to replace the chrome primary on my '15 Low Rider, with a wrinkle black one, which I think better matches the rest of the black motor. Anyway, I'm handy enough, and have all tools necessary, inc. torque wrench. My question: since this will be my first time cracking a new motor open, is it as easy as it looks? I.e. Drain primary oil, remove shifter arm and unbolt, clean gasket area (replace gasket of course) and tighten up bolts in correct pattern? Any hidden complexities I should be concerned with? Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
Cool, thanks. Regarding the clutch, I only have about 1500 miles, and it feels good, so I'll leave that alone. Besides, I'm under warrantee and a maintenance contract with my dealer (I didn't pay for it, they threw it in as part of my deal) so I will leave the maintenance to them for the next 2.75 years. However 12 bolts, I can handle. Thanks!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
Personally I wouls save the $$ on the primary gasket, I have reused mine several times and will continue to. You have a brand new bike, gasket should be fine, plus a leak in this area is easy to detect and fix - really doubt any problem whatsoever.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
Toss the HD gasket and buy a Cometic gasket, it's a better gasket at a lower price.
Always replace gaskets when you take them out!
The whole swap should take about 30 minutes, maybe 45 if you're being slow due to not knowing what you're doing.
Simple and straight forward.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
Good greif, do you replace the derby gasket every time too??
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 5
From: D.C suburbs
That gasket ain't cheap, as long as you're careful you shouldn't need to change it. Just follow the sequence when reinstalling. Oh, and it makes a mess when you take off the cover. Put towels and stuff to catch the oil that leaks around it