Don't listen to Harley and replace the o-ring with the new gasket. It leaks like crazy.

 

that comes to about 44 oz on my 86 flht

 

Are you saying the o-ring leaks? Or the gasket?

Last year when I replaced my final drive belt and pulleys, the dealer gave me a big, flat gasket instead of the o-ring. I thought they screwed up but they said that it switched and the o-ring was no longer available.

When I installed it, the thing leaked. I was pissed. It turns out that I over tightened the 3 screws that hold the derby cover on and warped the cover. This is VERY easy to do with the gasket. With the o-ring, it's virtually impossible to warp the cover. I bought a new cover, fasteners and gasket and I haven't had a problem since. I just snug the fasteners with a screwdriver style torx...no ratchet!! I've re-used the gasket like ten times now too.

 

I have '93 Electra Glide and had a small leak from the derby cover. I went to the dealer for a new oring and they gave me the flat gasket. It leaked worse!!! I put the oring back in with the gasket over it and no leaks since.

Hey 87lowrider....are you saying the fluid level should be at the bottom of the derby cover with the bike level? The Harley dealer told me to fill it to the bottom of the clutch.

 

First off,,,,,,,,always use an O ring,,,,never a flat gasket,I don't care what the dealer says.

I've been filling my primary to the bottom of the cover for 20yrs now with no worries.It states in the srevice manual to fill it to the bottom the the ckutch cover.While the bike is upright

 

Not all models are thesame for primary fill. There is a differance beteewn 89 and 90 due to differant clutch for example.

To answer the question, check your manual was execellent advise.

 

- thank goodness I reused the original o-ring and didn't use
the big-flat-gasket that was sold to me by the dealership
for the cluch inspection cover.

- and oil is to the level of the bottom of the clutch diaphram
spring , with the bike level (on my 96 Heritage Softail).

.

 

Go dry!!!!!!!!!!

 

89 FXSTC, and I fill to the derby cover opening. Always have. It's just a oil bath anyway, a 1/2 inch up or down ain't gonna matter.

 

You may be right, I do not know. The manual does state that it is different for the 89 and the 90 clutch. Guessing that we have the same clutch in the 89 and knowing that it is not the best clutch, very tempermental to adjustment. HD is probably right with filling to the bottom of the clutch for more of a splash effect.

Just out of curiosity has your clutch ever gotten real hard on you where you had too go in and readjust everything? Mine has a few times or more and for no apperant reason like in the middle of a ride?