Primary Oil Discrepency
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 382
Likes: 4
From: Pacific NW
Primary Oil Discrepency
I was reading through my service manual to do an oil change in my primary when I noticed something. I had been told to "order a gallon of engine oil because you can put 3 in the engine and 1 in the primary."
The manual says to use transmission lube. Was I given bad advice or does the tech know more about Amsoil than I do?
The manual says to use transmission lube. Was I given bad advice or does the tech know more about Amsoil than I do?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 523
Likes: 1
From: Western Washington
I run Amsoil 20/50 in all 3 boxes, engine, trans. and primary, and have been for 23,000 miles on an '07 Wide-Glide with no problems. Checked cam chain tensioners at 20,000 and everything looks good. No problems with primary or transmission.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Riverview MI
first off if you are using something other then Harley oil you need to make sure that it is compatible with your application, meaning is it ok to use in a wet clutch system. second the primary takes 32 oz but just because the owners manual stated that the engine oil uses 3 qt's doesn't mean that 3 qts will fit. You will never get all of the engine oil out when doing an oil change. Put 2 qts in the oil pan then measure with your dipstick, put the oil level about half way up on the low and full marks, start the engine and get up to operating temp. the best level is right about half way between the marks (you will get less blow by).
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
If your bike is newer, the manual says to use transmission lube in the primary because HD now has one lube...Forumula+..... for both the primary and tranny. The primary lube is not much more than regular motor oil. Lots of guys use ATF with good results.
As far as the engine goes, I have always dumped the max amount and rode on. Never had any oil blowing out my air cleaner.
As far as the engine goes, I have always dumped the max amount and rode on. Never had any oil blowing out my air cleaner.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 8
In my '07'DYNA,I used SYN3 for the first 10k or so...then I went to AMSOIL in all 3 holes for about the next 5k...next fluid change I went with AMSOIL in the engine and Formula+ in the tranny and primary....next fluid change was the same...started to notice a BIG change in the shifting...gonna stay with AMSOIL in the engine and Formula+ for the other two holes...I change fluids every 2500 miles or thereabouts...got 2600+ on it now...time for a change...maybe this weekend...:>)
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 1
From: Alabama Gulf Coast
I use Amsoil 20w50 in the engine/ Amsoil 75w110 Severe Gear in the tranny (it gets really hot in the summer down south an I consider it a really good mid weight trans oil,) but I use HD Formula Plus in the primary. The oil you put in the primary just lubricates, not much heat.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 7
From: guntersville, al
Oil in the primary will pull heat from the clutch pack too. I prefer ATF as it's formulated for clutch discs.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
I have always used the best lubricant for each hole,After talking with the pro's,each hole requires a different lube.It just makes me feel good inside,my 2 cents.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
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From: way down upon the Suwannee River
What kind of ATF do you use? GM, Mopar and Ford use different types and say that the wrong type will be harmfull to the disc. Did you do any research to see what was compatable with the material on the Harley disc? Just wondering?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
Over the years I've used just about everything for primary fluid in my Harley's...
Conventional oils, ATF, synthetic Mobil 1 and Amsoil, this, that, and about everything else......
Recently after taking the advice of many that I ride with I installed Shell Rotella T 15W40, and the difference in clutch application was very noticeable... Much smoother feeling.... It's all I'll be using in my bikes from now on.
Rotella T costs all of about $2.50 a quart and meets API Service CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CH-4, CG-4. CF-4. SM, SL, SJ, and also meets the Japanese JASO-MA requirements for use in wet clutch applications.
Conventional oils, ATF, synthetic Mobil 1 and Amsoil, this, that, and about everything else......
Recently after taking the advice of many that I ride with I installed Shell Rotella T 15W40, and the difference in clutch application was very noticeable... Much smoother feeling.... It's all I'll be using in my bikes from now on.
Rotella T costs all of about $2.50 a quart and meets API Service CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CH-4, CG-4. CF-4. SM, SL, SJ, and also meets the Japanese JASO-MA requirements for use in wet clutch applications.