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First post here. I changed the fluids in all three holes yesterday and came up 6oz short for the primary. I went to a couple independent Harley shops near me (they are closer to me than the “official” shops) looking for another quart of Spectro chain case oil to make 38oz as it says in the manual (2011 FLHTCUSE6). I was told by two separate long time independent mechanics that it’s ok to just use one quart in the primary. Both mechanics said that’s what they do. One described it by saying that all you need is enough for the chain to dip into the oil. Instead of taking their advice I put 38oz of Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 in the primary as I already had two quarts lying around. My question is - Are the independent mechanics correct in saying that Harley big twin motorcycles only need 32oz of oil in the crank case? Another related observation - there was a good amount of metal sludge on the end of my magnetic primary oil pan plug. Is that a cause for concern? Thank you
First post here. I changed the fluids in all three holes yesterday and came up 6oz short for the primary. I went to a couple independent Harley shops near me (they are closer to me than the “official” shops) looking for another quart of Spectro chain case oil to make 38oz as it says in the manual (2011 FLHTCUSE6). I was told by two separate long time independent mechanics that it’s ok to just use one quart in the primary. Both mechanics said that’s what they do. One described it by saying that all you need is enough for the chain to dip into the oil. Instead of taking their advice I put 38oz of Mobil 1 V-Twin 20W-50 in the primary as I already had two quarts lying around. My question is - Are the independent mechanics correct in saying that Harley big twin motorcycles only need 32oz of oil in the crank case? Another related observation - there was a good amount of metal sludge on the end of my magnetic primary oil pan plug. Is that a cause for concern? Thank you
yes and no..true that enough to keep the chain lubricated is good enough...just like engine oil being at Add level is good enough to safely operate..but I personally wouldn't feel comfortable risking it..using the correct amounts as stated in the OMs is how I operate my bikes without concern or worry
re: "metal sludge on the end of my magnetic primary oil pan plug. Is that a cause for concern?"
if by sludge you mean a kind of grayish paste then all is normal...if you see metal shards, slivers, or God forbid chunks then needs further inspection
It's 32oz(1 quart) when you ONLY replace the oil.
and 38OZ IF you had taken the whole thing apart, as in Clutch basket.
There is about 4oz that are absorbed in the plates and ****.
Pouring in one quart is just fine for oil replacement.
Last edited by MURPHCC1; Jan 15, 2022 at 07:55 AM.
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Primary oil discrepancy
