Filling the trans
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Pasadena TX
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: SW Minnesota
If it has the 2 level indicators I would put the bike level on the lift, fill the trans and fill it to the full level on the stick for the bike being upright. Then I would take the bike off the lift and rest it on the side stand and check and see if it shows full at the level indicator for it being on the side stand. If you check it both ways with it showing full both ways then at each level indicator you know you can check it either way.
As mentioned before, shortly after your first post, the two marks are for "low" and "full." The level should be in between the two marks, when the bike is vertical, with the dipstick resting on the threads.
John, you have a 2005, which makes it a TC88. Directions and procedures change from year to year, but particularly when an engine change is done, such as 88 to 96, 96 to 103, etc. That's why it's important to read your manual and follow it, and not rely on a forum for a correct answer, when those answering may have a different model, or be ill informed.
The same thing will happen when you check your primary oil level. Some models require the bike on the side stand, others straight up.
As far as your dipstick, loosen it first, then sit on the bike and raise it to vertical, bend over and remove the dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert in and rest it on the threads (Note: it will be at an angle, NOT straight up and down), remove and check. Your oil should also be at normal operating temperature, as per the directions in your manual.
Last edited by MNPGRider; Mar 23, 2014 at 06:49 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
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From: SW Minnesota
Just for sh*ts and giggles on this Minnesota day that's only 28 degrees, I went out to the garage, took out the transmission dip stick on my '06 TC88, and leaving the bike on the side stand, checked the transmission oil.
BD, with the bike on the side stand, and the dipstick resting evenly on the threads, which is definitely puts the dip stick at an angle, the dipstick doesn't even touch the oil. However, standing the bike straight up, it registers full.
There is also an "A" at the lower mark, which stands for "Add." The "F" at the upper mark stands for "Full." Just like the owner's manual says. I'm relatively sure that John's '05 owners manual has the same directives as my '06. What does your dad's owner's manual say?
Wrong information is far worse than no information.
BD, with the bike on the side stand, and the dipstick resting evenly on the threads, which is definitely puts the dip stick at an angle, the dipstick doesn't even touch the oil. However, standing the bike straight up, it registers full.
There is also an "A" at the lower mark, which stands for "Add." The "F" at the upper mark stands for "Full." Just like the owner's manual says. I'm relatively sure that John's '05 owners manual has the same directives as my '06. What does your dad's owner's manual say?
Wrong information is far worse than no information.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
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From: Garland, TX
Just for sh*ts and giggles on this Minnesota day that's only 28 degrees, I went out to the garage, took out the transmission dip stick on my '06 TC88, and leaving the bike on the side stand, checked the transmission oil.
BD, with the bike on the side stand, and the dipstick resting evenly on the threads, which is definitely puts the dip stick at an angle, the dipstick doesn't even touch the oil. However, standing the bike straight up, it registers full.
There is also an "A" at the lower mark, which stands for "Add." The "F" at the upper mark stands for "Full." Just like the owner's manual says. I'm relatively sure that John's '05 owners manual has the same directives as my '06. What does your dad's owner's manual say?
Wrong information is far worse than no information.
BD, with the bike on the side stand, and the dipstick resting evenly on the threads, which is definitely puts the dip stick at an angle, the dipstick doesn't even touch the oil. However, standing the bike straight up, it registers full.
There is also an "A" at the lower mark, which stands for "Add." The "F" at the upper mark stands for "Full." Just like the owner's manual says. I'm relatively sure that John's '05 owners manual has the same directives as my '06. What does your dad's owner's manual say?
Wrong information is far worse than no information.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
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From: Pasadena TX
The pics indicate the trans is overfilled, with the bike upright on a lift and the stick resting on the threads as per the manual. That would explain my sudden trans leak after a recent fluids change.
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