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Old Sep 27, 2020 | 09:26 AM
  #1  
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Default clutch slipping

The clutch on my 2017 FLHTKL Stage 2 has started slipping in sixth gear when on an incline, like climbing some of these hills in central texas. I'm going to replace the plates and springs and wanted opinions on Screaming Eagle clutch or Barnett clutch plates and springs.
I've been using Amsoils primary fluid and it crossed my mind that maybe that could be a contributing cause. Thanks for any replies
 
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Old Sep 27, 2020 | 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by dlwilson72
The clutch on my 2017 FLHTKL Stage 2 has started slipping in sixth gear when on an incline, like climbing some of these hills in central texas. I'm going to replace the plates and springs and wanted opinions on Screaming Eagle clutch or Barnett clutch plates and springs.
I've been using Amsoils primary fluid and it crossed my mind that maybe that could be a contributing cause. Thanks for any replies
well replacing that with Formula + is the cheapest easier first step to rule out then go from there
 
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Old Sep 27, 2020 | 01:10 PM
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If you are going to replace the clutch, you should consider the Rekluse Torque drive clutch. It adds steels and fibers which equals more surface area and really doesn't require heavier springs.

It is doubtful that the Amsoil fluid is the problem, while I don't use Amsoil products personally, primary fluid that is specifically designed for that use is sort of hard to screw up. (I prefer Belray chaincase lube for the primary.)
 
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Old Sep 27, 2020 | 01:55 PM
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Just for sake of your comparison, a few months ago I replaced my clutch plates using the oem kit. The box comes with a SE marking, and I understand there is one more plate in that pack compared to what came in my 2018 RGU with build date in Sep 2017. No springs come in the kit, and I did not replace any springs. The job is simple, must remove the primary cover, but that's all. I reused my primary cover gasket, and have had no leaks. I use the new synth Harley Gear Oil.

I worried about not replacing the three coil springs, but time and miles have proven that they are holding fine. On my first test ride after replacing the clutch pack, during a hard WOT acceleration, the clutch broke free and slipped, one time. It happened just as the engine speed reached 5krpm in (I think) third gear. It never has done that again, though I admit I seldom do a WOT acceleration in any gear, let alone third! I figure the lined plates just needed to set in and get good and oiled. I may have not soaked them quite long enough before installation.

Cost of the kit was under $200 from the dealer. The coil springs go for around $10 each.
 
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Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by dlwilson72
The clutch on my 2017 FLHTKL Stage 2 has started slipping in sixth gear when on an incline, like climbing some of these hills in central texas. I'm going to replace the plates and springs and wanted opinions on Screaming Eagle clutch or Barnett clutch plates and springs.
I've been using Amsoils primary fluid and it crossed my mind that maybe that could be a contributing cause. Thanks for any replies
Just my .02 her but I have never been a fan of using synthetic oil on a clutch. If it clings to parts to reduce friction then what it is it doing on your clutch.... I'm sure opinions will vary here, but I just use regular dino oil in the primary and synthetic in the motor. Don't get me started on not using gear oil in the trans.......LOL
 
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Old Sep 28, 2020 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by MCSarge
Just my .02 her but I have never been a fan of using synthetic oil on a clutch. If it clings to parts to reduce friction then what it is it doing on your clutch.... I'm sure opinions will vary here, but I just use regular dino oil in the primary and synthetic in the motor. Don't get me started on not using gear oil in the trans.......LOL
FWIW after the first 16,000 miles on my 2020 using Formula + I switched to the the HD 80W140 Synthetic in primary...works great and at 18,000 miles now have not experienced any negative change in behavior..bottom line is if the fluid is tested and certified for use in a particular application you're good to go imo
 
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