1986 Harley FLST primary oil level
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
This is the primary of my 1986 FLST.
If I fill the oil level to the bottom of the clutch diaphragm spring level then it seems like it would be pretty low given that the chain sits quite high on the chain adjuster unit.
If I fill the primary to the bottom of the chain adjuster inspection cover then the level of the primary oil is right about where the chain sits on the white plastic part of the adjuster..but the clutch plates are sitting in the primary all half the time.
What seems correct??
Is it OK for the clutch plates to sit in the primary oil?
If I fill the oil level to the bottom of the clutch diaphragm spring level then it seems like it would be pretty low given that the chain sits quite high on the chain adjuster unit.
If I fill the primary to the bottom of the chain adjuster inspection cover then the level of the primary oil is right about where the chain sits on the white plastic part of the adjuster..but the clutch plates are sitting in the primary all half the time.
What seems correct??
Is it OK for the clutch plates to sit in the primary oil?
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Northern Ontario
This is a very interesting discussion. My 89 flhtp has the upgraded splined shaft and clutch with a Barnet clutch pack and I fill with exactly 1 litre of ATF and my wife's 89 heritage with stock clutch setup I also just changed the primary fluid and filled with 1 entire litre of ATF which goes to bottom of spring plate same as the 89 flhtp the differnce I'm noticing is the 89 flhtp with Barnet shifts quite smooth without a sound compared to the 89 heritage which when I took it out for test riding I'm finding quite clunky in all gears. So is the differnce I'm seeing the oil level or is it the clutch packs ? I don't hardly ever ride her heritage so I can't commet on how noisy it shifted before . I may have to look at adding another .3-.4 liters if oil and see if it comes up to the bottom of the chain inspection cover opening.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I'm headed to the garage top get my manual (where all the oil levels are discussed) and check my service manual to compare.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
In the 84-90 factory service manual, page 6-18, para 12.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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grbrown,
You are absolutely correct as i looked through the Harley Davidson factory service manual 85-90 softail and found on this on page 6-1.
It says to fill with a level bike to the bottom of the clutch inspection cover.
You are absolutely correct as i looked through the Harley Davidson factory service manual 85-90 softail and found on this on page 6-1.
It says to fill with a level bike to the bottom of the clutch inspection cover.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
My Manual and service manual says exactly what Tony printed. Mine is for the FLT / FXR
I guess that a difference in the models for those same years use different reference points of the Derby Cover covering the clutch (what Tony printed) and the inspection cover / chain adjustment access cover that grbrown posted.
The lube quantity in the service manual for FLT / FXR for 1984 - 1988 is 44 - 48 oz. 1999 is 38 - 44 oz.
OK enough research and over thinking this one. I'm going riding.
I guess that a difference in the models for those same years use different reference points of the Derby Cover covering the clutch (what Tony printed) and the inspection cover / chain adjustment access cover that grbrown posted.
The lube quantity in the service manual for FLT / FXR for 1984 - 1988 is 44 - 48 oz. 1999 is 38 - 44 oz.
OK enough research and over thinking this one. I'm going riding.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
My Manual and service manual says exactly what Tony printed. Mine is for the FLT / FXR
I guess that a difference in the models for those same years use different reference points of the Derby Cover covering the clutch (what Tony printed) and the inspection cover / chain adjustment access cover that grbrown posted.
The lube quantity in the service manual for FLT / FXR for 1984 - 1988 is 44 - 48 oz. 1999 is 38 - 44 oz.
OK enough research and over thinking this one. I'm going riding.
I guess that a difference in the models for those same years use different reference points of the Derby Cover covering the clutch (what Tony printed) and the inspection cover / chain adjustment access cover that grbrown posted.
The lube quantity in the service manual for FLT / FXR for 1984 - 1988 is 44 - 48 oz. 1999 is 38 - 44 oz.
OK enough research and over thinking this one. I'm going riding.
I also have the FLT / FXR for 1984 - 1988 service manual only, is there a differnce between the heritage softail primary fluid capacity and the flhtp fluid capacity for the 1989 stock clutch?
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From: Honah Lee
Interesting post but sure shows you need a minimum of an owners manual. Got levels to the top, like mine to the spring, bikes on stands and upright. Gee, what was Harley engineers been thinking.
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