Primary Lubricant Question
Primary Lubricant Question
I'm doing my 20K service this holiday weekend (18 FLTRU). Yesterday changed oil and used the service manual suggested HD 360 Motor oil 20W-50 (I'll move to Syn3 next service). For the transmission I used Bel-Ray Hypoid Gear Oil (85W-150).
Any suggestions for the primary other than Harley Formula + primary lubricant? I was going to use that but dealer is closed today for the holiday so to me a sign from the Big HD Rider from above to try something different. I hear people like Redline? Just looking for some suggestions before I hit the auto store.
Thanks in advance.
Any suggestions for the primary other than Harley Formula + primary lubricant? I was going to use that but dealer is closed today for the holiday so to me a sign from the Big HD Rider from above to try something different. I hear people like Redline? Just looking for some suggestions before I hit the auto store.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by wolverinehusky; May 25, 2020 at 10:18 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 319
Likes: 139
From: Seattle
Primary isn't too fussy. Have used Formula +, cheap 75w/90 gear oil, 10w/40. Could probably **** in there and get by.
Dyna gets Lucas 75w/90 and the Limited gets Mobil1 Racing 4T 10w/40 and is running the Alto Carbonite extra plate clutch. Seems to be working just fine. Both oils can be found at AutoZone.
FPV
Dyna gets Lucas 75w/90 and the Limited gets Mobil1 Racing 4T 10w/40 and is running the Alto Carbonite extra plate clutch. Seems to be working just fine. Both oils can be found at AutoZone.
FPV
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 870
Likes: 246
From: Transfer, PA
I've tried to be objective and not follow the placebo effect, but I've tried Formula+ and Harley's 'heavy lube' or whatever it is but now I've got AMSoil's primary fluid and I do think it's a little better. Neutral seems to click in more easily.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 45
From: Western Washington
You'll get lots of different answers here. I've tried about 10 different types over the years - too many to list. HD Formula+ has always shifted and released smoother than any other oil I've tried. I use Amsoil in the engine and Redline Shockproof in the trans.
Last edited by dforeid; May 25, 2020 at 11:58 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,244
From: San Diego, CA
The issue with the newer HD primaries is that the fluid needs to be compatible with a wet clutch and yet provide good lubricating properties for the compensator... The compensators in 2007 to 2013 Twin Cams often had issues due to design, and lack of lubrication getting to the splines/ramps of the compensator... the design issues were addressed for the most part in the Rushmore models... good lubrication properties are still necessary..
The Harley Formula+ does a real good job in the Harley Primaries... I have used it for years on my 3 Twin Cams with no issues. It is one of the things that Harley gets right...
I recently switched brands, because I don't want to depend on my local dealer.. he's turning into a butt...
I am a long time fan of Bel-Ray products, so I know Bel-Ray makes two fluids that will work well in the Harley Primaries.. IMHO..
One is the Bel-Ray GearSaver Transmission Oil, 80w. I have used that for about 2 years now and notice no difference in performance and/or noise over the Harley Formula+ in an '01 & '03 (old style compensator) and '16 (newer Rushmore style Compensator) primaries...
Another is Bel-Ray Primary Chaincase Lubricant.
I have read, more than once, that both of the above products are the exact same oil. They are just labelled differently for marketing reasons... It is claimed that this info comes from by Bel-Ray themselves. I have recently sent an online request to Bel-Ray, to find out for myself if this is true.
I have noticed that some places sell the transmission oil for a couple bucks more than the Chaincase lubricant, and other places charge a couple bucks more for the Chaincase lubricant.. If you should decide to try either product, shop wisely..
Good luck with your decision..
The Harley Formula+ does a real good job in the Harley Primaries... I have used it for years on my 3 Twin Cams with no issues. It is one of the things that Harley gets right...
I recently switched brands, because I don't want to depend on my local dealer.. he's turning into a butt...
I am a long time fan of Bel-Ray products, so I know Bel-Ray makes two fluids that will work well in the Harley Primaries.. IMHO..
One is the Bel-Ray GearSaver Transmission Oil, 80w. I have used that for about 2 years now and notice no difference in performance and/or noise over the Harley Formula+ in an '01 & '03 (old style compensator) and '16 (newer Rushmore style Compensator) primaries...
Another is Bel-Ray Primary Chaincase Lubricant.
I have read, more than once, that both of the above products are the exact same oil. They are just labelled differently for marketing reasons... It is claimed that this info comes from by Bel-Ray themselves. I have recently sent an online request to Bel-Ray, to find out for myself if this is true.
I have noticed that some places sell the transmission oil for a couple bucks more than the Chaincase lubricant, and other places charge a couple bucks more for the Chaincase lubricant.. If you should decide to try either product, shop wisely..
Good luck with your decision..
Last edited by hattitude; May 25, 2020 at 12:20 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 342
From: Virginia Beach
The new HD primary/tranny fluid is 80-140 gear oil. I have run everything from Type F to 80-140.Type F imho is too thin and will test your seals. 20w-50 will work fine, Amsoil is my choice. Auto parts store on Memorial day your only choice maybe Mobil 1. You can run gear oil in the primary too, with no ill effects.