Primary Level Confusion.....Revisited
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From: Ft.Worth, Texas
Primary Level Confusion.....Revisited
So, My factory service manual states that the primary fluid is suppose to be level with the opening of the clutch inspection opening OR the bottom of the diaphragm spring. There is about a 1" difference between those 2 so, that makes no sense. Then, it states the capacity for my bike is 1 1/2 Quart. I currently have the level to where is just touches the bottom of the clutch spring diaphragm and it wont even hold a quart. These are huge differences. The manual also states that the primary fluid is suppose to lubricate the clutch disc. I wouldnt think there would be much lubrication when the level is at the bottom of the spring. Am I OK with such a small amount of fluid in the primary or am I overthinking this?
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From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
The fluid level is correct when it at the bottom of the diaphragm spring with the bike level (straight up & down), not on the sidestand.
The 44 oz. spec is for a dry assembled primary chaincase. Hope this helps.
The 44 oz. spec is for a dry assembled primary chaincase. Hope this helps.
Last edited by Tommy C; May 1, 2016 at 10:42 PM.
Grand HDF Member
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From: Brighton, MI
My Dyna is the same way... for a primary drain and refill, I am lucky if I get 22 ounces in when the fluid level reaches the diaphragm. That is with the bike standing straight up. I know some oil stays in there after draining.
The clutch can be run dry so as long as the chain in picking up and throwing oil around and some getting on the plates, it should be all good.
Yes, I am puzzled about the level and the amount the manual says I should put in there, (I think it says 28-32 oz) but, my eyes don't lie and the bike shifts just fine. YD
The clutch can be run dry so as long as the chain in picking up and throwing oil around and some getting on the plates, it should be all good.
Yes, I am puzzled about the level and the amount the manual says I should put in there, (I think it says 28-32 oz) but, my eyes don't lie and the bike shifts just fine. YD
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From: Farmington ,MS
It is not that critical...the clutch can be run completely dry...anyone who runs a belt primary runs them dry all the time. The main thing is not to have too much, or the clutch will slip. I have always run 1 quart, never a problem...make sure you lean the bike over when you drain it... so you get all the old out.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Haslet Texas
Yes you are.
The only thing that needs lubrication in the primary is the chain.
If the fluid reaches the bottom of the clutch spring then the gears on the clutch hub are throwing that fluid around and turning the inside of your primary into a hurricane of fluid.
As Tom said just throw in a quart and forget it.
The only thing that needs lubrication in the primary is the chain.
If the fluid reaches the bottom of the clutch spring then the gears on the clutch hub are throwing that fluid around and turning the inside of your primary into a hurricane of fluid.
As Tom said just throw in a quart and forget it.
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From: SE Louisiana
With the plug out and oil drained, pull the clutch lever in and start it up and hit the throttle a few times, it'll sling a couple ounces out of the clutch.
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Vermont
Like was said I dump 1 quart in and don't even look. Good thing to do is dump the oil after a long ride....let it drain overnight.
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From: Ft.Worth, Texas
Ok Thanks! 1/2 quart discrepancy worried me a little. Ive got it the bottom of the spring. After a long ride today, Im going to drain it again into a measuring container to see just how much is in there. If it is close to a quart, I'll be happy.
I see that Harley has revised some of its capacities through the years, even on the older models. Where we use to screw the transmission dip stick all the way in to measure the level, they now want the dipstick resting on top of the threads in order to add another 2 oz.
I see that Harley has revised some of its capacities through the years, even on the older models. Where we use to screw the transmission dip stick all the way in to measure the level, they now want the dipstick resting on top of the threads in order to add another 2 oz.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Vermont
Ok Thanks! 1/2 quart discrepancy worried me a little. Ive got it the bottom of the spring. After a long ride today, Im going to drain it again into a measuring container to see just how much is in there. If it is close to a quart, I'll be happy.
I see that Harley has revised some of its capacities through the years, even on the older models. Where we use to screw the transmission dip stick all the way in to measure the level, they now want the dipstick resting on top of the threads in order to add another 2 oz.
I see that Harley has revised some of its capacities through the years, even on the older models. Where we use to screw the transmission dip stick all the way in to measure the level, they now want the dipstick resting on top of the threads in order to add another 2 oz.