primary oil level ?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 11, 2017 | 11:42 AM

#11

SWThomas

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 5,073

Likes: 2,382

From: Camp Lejeune, NC

I just pour a quart of Formula + in the primary while it's level and it puts it right at the correct level.

Jul 11, 2017 | 02:00 PM

#12

drcollie

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 354

Likes: 315

From: Alexandria, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron1026

There is a reason to check it, there are cases of trans oil being transferred to the primary side.

I'd like to see the proof of that, actually. I read some of the thread but skipped through most of it as its speculation and innuendo, with a lot of inaccurate information and nothing factual that I saw. So if you do have the proof (dealer TSB, etc.) can you share it?

My 2017 RGS is no different than my 2004 Road King, same three holes, same PITA oil service....lol. Of course, its not as bad as a KTM 990, which is a full blown nightmare to change.

Jul 11, 2017 | 02:34 PM

#13

hattitude

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,156

Likes: 11,244

From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by drcollie

Believe what you will... don't know what you consider "facts", but several reputable people have reported the problem. It doesn't appear to be with all (or even most) M8s, but there are too many cases to ignore.

On the two HD forums I read, there are many reported cases of the transmission transferring oil to the primary. The how is known. There's only one path between the two, but know one has found out the why.... yet? There are only a few differences between a twin cam trans and an M8 trans... the cause has to be due to one of those changes...

The MoCo is aware of it, but not saying much because a cause/fix have not yet been identified. A couple people have been given new transmissions by the MoCo for this issue, probably so the MoCo can tear into them and find the cause.. It is not something the MoCo is talking about......

Steve Cole can cause the transfer at will, on a couple bikes he has.... he first noticed it during Dyno testing when a trans was making noise because it was almost empty of fluid....

It transfers more oil at higher RPMs, so many, who stay below 3500 rpm, may have it and not even know it....

Again, believe what you will... but the problem exists. I suspect we are close to a cause/fix, time will tell...

Last edited by hattitude; Jul 11, 2017 at 02:38 PM.

Jul 11, 2017 | 02:44 PM

#14

hattitude

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,156

Likes: 11,244

From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWThomas

And what would you do if you noticed that issue?

I would suggest reporting it to your dealer.

The MoCo has been telling dealers who report it, to fill both to the proper level and check again in 1K miles. A couple dealers have used dye in the trans fluid, and then found the dye in the primary... that's how they confirmed the transfer..

The transfer appears linked to rpm, not load, so someone who stays under 3500K may not notice if they had the problem.

Some have reported riding aggressively to see if their's will transfer, and it has not... so it doesn't appear to be all bikes...

Jul 11, 2017 | 03:36 PM

#15

Oz Dan

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2017

Posts: 494

Likes: 220

From: Qld, Australia

Regarding potential transfer, I don't see any reason to check the primary level if the transmission is at the full mark.

Jul 11, 2017 | 03:51 PM

#16

smitty901

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 23,000

Likes: 11,441

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oz Dan

Regarding potential transfer, I don't see any reason to check the primary level if the transmission is at the full mark.

Would make sense if trans is good Primary should be.
I have never said it is not happening. I have added UV trace to mine and check it every 100 miles. 850 into to the test with UV trace and no transfer yet. We will see how it plays out.
I have noticed the narrow primary has thrown a few off a bit. They missed that with the larger opening. In the past from my 07,11,and 13 until the 2016 Had a spot I parked it on side stand filled it just to the edge of the lip stood it up level was prefect. That did not work with the 2016 or 17 with narrow primary.
2011 for trans at first they said 1 quart then changed it to 28oz and check.

Jul 11, 2017 | 08:18 PM

#17

ron1026

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 515

Likes: 41

From: long island ny

Dan, I'm just going to check trans level for a while, if it stays same i'm good and will just chalk the high level in prim to dealer overfill.

Jul 11, 2017 | 08:23 PM

#18

Oz Dan

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2017

Posts: 494

Likes: 220

From: Qld, Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron1026

Dan, I'm just going to check trans level for a while, if it stays same i'm good and will just chalk the high level in prim to dealer overfill.

Yes good call - dealer overfill might have been the issue, and if the primary is at the correct level, and it's not leaking, it's much easier to check the transmission dipstick. If it's full, no transfer can be occurring and your primary will still be at correct level. I can't get any transfer no matter how hard or how far I ride.

Last edited by Oz Dan; Jul 11, 2017 at 08:45 PM.