fork oil change I have a question

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Jul 15, 2010 | 06:02 PM

Sheldon

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Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: alberta, MN.

fork oil change I have a question

I'am going to change the fork oil in my 06 Heritage Classic How do you measure the exact amount? service manual says 12.9 oz. is that just a drop over 12 1/2 ? does it have to be that percise? you would think they could have made it 12 or 13 or even 12 1/2 it would be easier to measure
Thanks for the help
Sheldon

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Jul 15, 2010 | 06:30 PM

WFA

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: NORTH CAROLINA

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheldon

i'am going to change the fork oil in my 06 heritage classic how do you measure the exact amount? Service manual says 12.9 oz. Is that just a drop over 12 1/2 ? Does it have to be that percise? You would think they could have made it 12 or 13 or even 12 1/2 it would be easier to measure
thanks for the help
sheldon

sheldon...i'm going to stick my neck out a bit here. Your manual states 12.9 oz or 382 cc. Do you have a measuring cup that does cc? I bet the spouse does. Anyway, 12.9 oz is just 1/10 of an ounce short of 13 oz. That is not much so a good educated guess should be sufficient but make sure both forks are the same. Get new plugs like the book states because you will probably have to use vice grips on the old ones. Hd has chrome sets for around $3.00 . I recommend a good oil replacement. I personally used screaming eagle performance (mid grade). Much improved ride and handling. Hope this helps...

Jul 15, 2010 | 06:32 PM

tlb

Elite HDF Member

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I have big syringe for filling batteries(walmart purchase), which holds 2 oz. it is measured off in increments. I put 12 oz then measured out the .9oz.
+1 on the new plugs and heavier oil.

Jul 15, 2010 | 07:05 PM

scubadnv

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2009

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From: New Mexico

I have changed mine and didn't worry too much about the 1/10 when you consider you will not get all the oil out no matter how long you let it drip and when I filled the measuring beaker I got from Harbor Freight I filled it to the 13 mark, poured it in in and didn't try to drain the beaker and have had no problems.

Jul 15, 2010 | 07:05 PM

olongapo1

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 970

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From: Philippines

Sheldon,

1/10th of an once will not make a difference. If your manual states 12.9 you can round up to 13 ounces without any adverse affects. Note however that the 12.9 ounces listed in your manual is the fluid requirement for a “Dry” tube. It is difficult to drain all the old fluid out of the tubes if the fluid change is being performed while the tubes are still attached to the bike. A small amount of fluid can remain trapped in the tubes and the amount may differ between each tube.

The proper method to remove fork oil is to; (1) remove the tubes from the bike, (2) open the tube caps and remove the springs, (3) cycle the tubes on your workbench removing all the old fluid.

In addition to the 12.9 ounce fluid volume, your manual should list a fluid measurement. Something like 5.5 inches but check your manual for the correct measurement. This refers to the distance from the fluid level to the top of the tube, with the spring removed, and the tube collapsed. This is the preferred method of filling the tubes with the correct amount of fluid and insuring that each tube has equal amounts.

It’s a tedious job, but if you’re a meticulous person as most Harley owners are, you’ll want to take your time and do the job right.

Jul 15, 2010 | 07:32 PM

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,614

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From: Honah Lee

Oil level

Just done mine and just out of curiosity carefully drained it in separate containers since either the dealer or motor company had put it in. Was at least an once difference but I had replaced the SE springs with the longer ones out of a non SE bike and may have lost a few drips doing that. However it was real close to what Harley said for the amount. I had the two container of 16 OZ of type E from Harley. I just eye-balled the sight container on the bottle. An ounce either way is not going to make a difference and you can see ½ oz on bottle. Why Harley list it that way is so someone does not put way too much. That will ensure the seals will be leaking. They give you a length measurement and I made me a reference stick for future reference just in case I want to what’s in there without starting over. To drain mine require wheel off. Also be sure front wheel is at least off ground if your bike is one that does not require wheel to be removed.

Jul 16, 2010 | 09:10 AM

tk353

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 5,257

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From: Leander Texas

i saw an ideal(was not mine) that you get a measure cup and use water for the amount and then poor the water into one of those disposable cups and mark it with sharpi. then use the disposable cup and dry it out and use it for the fluid. I thought it may be the dry amount so i drained the old in a measuring cup and it was with in .1 oz of what was recommended. the one tube was .5 oz off from the other and i noticed the drain screw had loctite and was different. makes me wonder about that as the bike was bought new. I think equal is more important than amount. I went with the screamin eagle oil and it was great for 1000 miles but now seems a little soft. it could also be me getting old.