Do you need a new gasket to check the primary chain adjustment or does the cover use an o-ring? I'm talking about the 4 screw cover and not the big round 3 screw cover.

What color is the DOT5 fluid used on the brakes? My covers say to use only DOT5 but the fluid is dark/clear in color and not the purple I've seen in the past for DOT5. Did Harley use a clear DOT5 fluid at the factory? This 98 FLHR is the first vehicle I've ever owned that uses DOT5.

My owners manual says the oil capacity for an oil change is 4 qtrs. I did an oil change and found 3 to be plenty. What's up with that? Does the manual just not mention the 1 qtr that left in the bottom-end?

 

You don't need a new gasket for the cover every time as long as you don't overtighten the bolts and crush it too much, tighten them evenly. It is not an "O" ring but a flat gasket in there.It has a bead of silicone on it usually that will prevent leaks if tightened carefully.

The dot 5 starts off life as a purple color but soon changes to amber color after some use. They used the dot 5 for a while but went back to dot 4 in 05 in some bikes and all bikes later on .

The oil will take 3-3 1/2 qts on a refill because there is about 30 or so ounces left in the pump, lines and sump in the motor. Refill it with 3 quarts and check it after you warm it up to be sure. If you overfill it, you will get some out the head breathers into the air fiilter depending on your riding style.

 

Thanks for the great response. I've got a lot of maintenance to catch up on.

I forgot to ask, do you thread in the gearbox dipstick to get a reading or is you check it without threading it in?

 

On my 98 EVO WG the gears are to be at normal op temp, bike upright, checked with the dipstick resting square on the opening...not threaded in.

Not sure if you've got the same gearbox or not.

 

ssls6----I would flush the brake system completley. I did just recently on mine and it made a difference in braking. The brake fluid will hold conaminates such as moisture. If you haveaccess to a mighty vac it's about a 10 min. job per brake.

 

Without threading it in.

 

Thanks. Anyone know the torque specs for the front axle, front calipers, rear axle, and rear caliper? I won't have my manuals for another week and I'd like to flush the brakes (as suggested) and grease the wheel bearings. Is there a rule of thumb for the belt tension or do I really need the 10lb tension checker from Harley?

I can't believe how Harley designed the seat to go on and off. The captive nuts for the seat leave a lot to be desired.

 

Sounds like you're really 'diggin' into it...It would be best to just chill and wait for the FSM (factory service manual), and other references to show up. If the bike's got on 10K on it, check the fluids, and the tire pressure...and ride it. When the FSM shows up go through it. Did you get an owner's manual with the bike? Some good info in there too.

IIRC, the wheel bearings on a 98 are sealed (someone with a 'newer' EVO help me here). My 93 has the old style that you can clean and repack, but again IIRC, The MoCo changed to the sealed design somewhere in the late 90's.

As far as checking the belt tension, I check mine using the ol' finger method. On my bike it's supposed to be upright and 'loaded' when this is done. Belt deflection is something like 3/8", again IIRC.

The FSM is your friend. Wait for it to show up, you'll also need to fab up the tool for the rear alignment...There's directions in the FSM. Also, if you don'town a torque wrench, now is the time to get a couple. Since you worked on your BMW's, 'nuff said. You can do most everything on the bike with a 3/8" calibrated in ft/lbs anda 3/8" calibrated in in/lbs. Probablyjust like your Beemers.

What I'd also recommend, if you want to 'streamline' maintenance at home or repairs on the road: Start building a dedicated HD tool kit. Anytime you use a wrench (open, boxed, allen, torx, etc), socket, or screwdriver, set it aside then write down what it was. Head off to your local Sears, or other big box store, and purchase a duplicate for your 'kit'. You're not gonnaneed a lot of different tools to maintain or repair you bike, but when you're out in the middle of BFE and ya need a 10mm socket or a 7/32 allen wrench....You'll have one. I've got a small plastic tool box (also from Sears) that fits snuggly into the bottom of my hardbag,I wrap the tools in a couple of shop rags so they don't rattle. Toss in a small tube of anti-seize, Locktite, some electrical tape, and a extra set of sparkplugs....You're ready to head off into the sunset.

Good luck and ride safe.

 

Hi,I know this is a stupit question but does someone have a picture or tell me how the oil lines go from the oil tank to pump and filter????????I have93 FATBOY with horseshoe oil tank,and i took the oil lines off the tank and forgot to tag them,me bad.Also the HARLEY manual has a pic's but it don't tell you really which one goes where.Oh and ask the Harley dealer....every one has a different answer.Thanks for any help
1993 FATBOY
1340 EVO--punched to 100,fast ride..

 

krocker, the HD service manual should have a 2 page fold out of the oil system, that will show you the proper placement of the lines. Make sure you fill the pump supply line with oil or it will cavitate and ruin your engine.