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What am I missing?
I cannot add any oil through the top of the forks after removing the fork hex caps.
There is two flats and the hex cap internal threaded area. Neither of these have any hole to allow oil to flow down into the fork.
After sitting overnight, no oil has drained into the forks.
I've drained the for oil from the fork legs using the drain plugs.
The bike is off the floor.
I also tested by compressing the forks with no luck.
My current plan of attack is securing a large syringe and back filling through the drain holes.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
You might check out Pacific Mike’s video. He compresses the forks and straps them down. Then he adds the oil and releases the straps thereby sucking the oil in. Must be done several times to add the 6.5 or 7 ounces if dry. I’ve never done it that way but will try it next time. I’ve used a vets syringe and also a hand oil can and pumped in through the drain plugs. Good luck.
Yuup! That's where I suspected it should be.
I believe AMF missed drilling this set of forks!
Has anyone actually drilled a hole in their forks without disassembly?
I'd dare to suggest that HD did in fact drill a hole but it is plugged with gunk. Hard to think that this is the first time your forks have had the fork oil cahnged out. It is a very small hole and is intended as a vent hole as well as a fill hole. The service manual shows how to make a drip can to fill it. Another choice is to use a syringe. Another choice is to remove each fork, pull the cap, fill it, put cap on and re-install. Don't know about backfilling tho.
FL54,
Thank you so much for your wisdom and help.
These two photos are the best I can get looking into this hole. I have poked and prodded and cannot find any holes.
I have ordered a syringe and will attempt to backfill once I have the tool. I will report back as to success.
It is possible this bike has never had a fork oil change out. I bought it in May with odo and title stating 2,550 miles. It still had the Goodyear Speed Grip tires!
Thanks again!
There appears to be a small white circle in the center. That should be the Hole perhaps filled with silicone? I use this can to fill through drain plug. Youll need to add a bit more oil because youll lose some when you remove the oil can and install the plug. Best to clear the hole as Panz suggests as it is also a vent.
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1978 FLH-80 fork oil refill problem
