Primary oil volume
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Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Kalama, WA
Primary oil volume
Hi all. This has probably been addressed lots of times but I can't seem to get a clear answer. I changed the oil in the primary and am trying to get the new oil level correct. I have had a real problem getting into neutral and everything states that too much oil will make that more difficult and obviously too little would be a very bad thing. One source states that after a wet change, add one quart and another says 34 ounces, another says to fill to the lip of the clutch cover opening or to fill to the edge of the clutch diaphragm spring which is about a half inch or more lower????? One quart seems to fill to about half way between the lower edge of the spring and the lower lip of the opening, I am inclined to leave it there. By the way, this is with the bike level and using Harley's Formula+ trany and primary chain case lube. Thanks Randy
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Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Kalama, WA
Thanks, this is exactly what I was hoping for, thank you. The Harley service and owners manual says one quart in one place and 34 ounces in another and not to over fill it or it will cause clutch problems.
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Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Granville New York
forget the 34 ounces or whatever number...use your eyes. Unless you measure how much oil you took out there's no way to know how to put back in.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: College Station, TX
The difference of how much oil to add is for when you drain it (wet change amount), or remove the inner or outter cover (dry change amount) for other maintenance. Going by the image shown above is the better option, and once you get it correct, you will know what quantity to add back on future services by the amount of oil left in the quart.
If you haven't drained the primary yet, I suggest you check the current level and even pour the old oil into conatiner that will show the amount of oil drained in ounces so you know if it really overfilled.
If you don't have a factort service manual, I urge you to get one as it will come in handy.
Paul
If you haven't drained the primary yet, I suggest you check the current level and even pour the old oil into conatiner that will show the amount of oil drained in ounces so you know if it really overfilled.
If you don't have a factort service manual, I urge you to get one as it will come in handy.
Paul
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Joined: Nov 2020
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From: Kalama, WA
Thanks a bunch for all the replies. I had already drained it and was unsure on the fill info. I knew it was a wet fill but with 4 different instructions, well, it was confusing. I poured in a quart before posting here and it filled to just a little above the level shown in the upper pic. I have several manuals, the Harley shop manual and the owners manual both say to put in 34 ounces, the Clymer manual listed both the bottom of the clutch spring and the lip of the clutch cover opening, wow, only about and inch different ??? Thanks again, Randy
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Thanks a bunch for all the replies. I had already drained it and was unsure on the fill info. I knew it was a wet fill but with 4 different instructions, well, it was confusing. I poured in a quart before posting here and it filled to just a little above the level shown in the upper pic. I have several manuals, the Harley shop manual and the owners manual both say to put in 34 ounces, the Clymer manual listed both the bottom of the clutch spring and the lip of the clutch cover opening, wow, only about and inch different ??? Thanks again, Randy
The picture above is prefect do not go by fluid measurements
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: College Station, TX
Overfilling will cause the clutch to drag, making the neutral to first gear shift harsh, and similar on the other shifts as well. I'd rather have the oil level slightly low than slightly high so shifting is smooth as can be with a non-synchronized transmission. Glad it's working for you.
Paul
Paul
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Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 65
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From: Kalama, WA
Thanks again group with help with the oil level. I've found that the Harley manual is not much better than the Clymer only different, this issue is a case in point. Sometimes one will fill in the gaps in the other and usually has different pics which helps. That's why I bought both and then compare notes and it all else fails, I turn to this really great and helpful group. Thanks again, Randy
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Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
There is an additional use for a Clymers manual at the campsite...
OP: Rocking it has you covered, just set the level by sight.
OP: Rocking it has you covered, just set the level by sight.