Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

changed primary fluid

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 20, 2010 | 09:01 PM
  #1  
Good Time Gang's Avatar
Good Time Gang
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: swamp-east missouri
Default changed primary fluid

changed my fluid in the heritage tonight. i have to say that the bolts felt too tight so i did not torque them to the minimum 12ft lbs, i only went to a little above 15. i dont think this will matter, but i am a little upset that i bought a torque wrench and then ended up using feel. anyone else have problems with not wanting to torque to factory specs?
 
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2010 | 10:00 PM
  #2  
Other Sheep's Avatar
Other Sheep
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
Default

Felt too tight so you went to 15 instead of 12? Are you dyslexic? I've always used feel for the small bolts.
 
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 09:11 AM
  #3  
tk353's Avatar
tk353
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
Default

what bolts? the side cover i use 1/4 ratchet and snug them. i use 1/2 ratchet on the drains
 
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 10:00 AM
  #4  
jimmers1817's Avatar
jimmers1817
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Default

Derby cover? my 08 spec is 84-108inch lbs (7-9ft). And after reading about all the broken cover screws I always torque them.
 
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 10:53 AM
  #5  
klf33's Avatar
klf33
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by jimmers1817
Derby cover? my 08 spec is 84-108inch lbs (7-9ft). And after reading about all the broken cover screws I always torque them.
+1
I use torque wrench to spec on those, I have one stripped already by some previous ham-fested mechanic
 
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 11:13 AM
  #6  
BlackRob's Avatar
BlackRob
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
Default

I used a Craftsman torque wrench on my transmission drain plug and it stripped the threads before the wrench clicked. I had to get a slightly larger automotive drain plug and force it in. Now I have to pull the trans fluid out the top with a bleeder.

Lesson- don't trust a torque wrench
 
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 11:15 AM
  #7  
klf33's Avatar
klf33
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by BlackRob
I used a Craftsman torque wrench on my transmission drain plug and it stripped the threads before the wrench clicked. I had to get a slightly larger automotive drain plug and force it in. Now I have to pull the trans fluid out the top with a bleeder.

Lesson- don't trust a torque wrench
Rob, this is the kind of thing that scares the (insert whatever you like here) out of me !
 
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 11:31 AM
  #8  
Nick-O's Avatar
Nick-O
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 370
Likes: 3
From: MCAS SC
Default

Using feel on those 1/4x20 allens / T-27 torx and blue locktite. A Snap-On (or decent brand $) torque wrench that hasn't been dropped is best, for motor work and axles etc, but FEEL is best on the derby / inspection / outer primary torx/allens and blue locktite....On the drain plug, wrap it with teflon tape and use feel, that is a super easy one to strip. That is why HD switched to the 5/8 hex on the primary drain.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 12:23 PM
  #9  
jimmers1817's Avatar
jimmers1817
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Default

Originally Posted by BlackRob
I used a Craftsman torque wrench on my transmission drain plug and it stripped the threads before the wrench clicked. I had to get a slightly larger automotive drain plug and force it in. Now I have to pull the trans fluid out the top with a bleeder.

Lesson- don't trust a torque wrench
I've found that sometimes with the lower settings the click isn't as clear as it is with the higher settings.
 
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2010 | 12:28 PM
  #10  
cromagnon's Avatar
cromagnon
Grand HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Default

Did you put some Redline primary lube in there?

That stuff is great!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:02 PM.

story-0
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-8
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE