Guys,

I have a 1994 883 Sportster with 12k miles. I've done 2k since I bought and I recently changed the tranny fluid for the second time since I owned it. first was when I bought it.

Both times the fluid has come out looking like what best can be described as "chocolate milk color" consistency is pretty much same as when went in but color is very different.

This is the 5 speed tranny and the bike does not leak, oil or transmission fluid.
Is this fluid supposed to look like that when drained?

The bike runs great and shifts perfectly for what it's worth.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Put Red line shock proof gear lube in.

 

How long have you had the bike? Was the 2K miles over a period of a couple of months or years? Is the bike stored inside or outside?

It sounds like you may be getting moisture in the gearbox.

 

moisture does it i change mine every 3 months its usually like that

 

Chocolate Milk gear lube is pretty typical of water contamination.

 

Nothing against Red Line but it will do nothing to prevent the problem of water in the lube.

 

2000 over 6 months. Bike is stored inside.
I was thinking water myself, but from where? Bike is air cooled and stored inside.
Besides from a few trips in the rain, when it's cleaned after it stays in a garage.
We are pretty humid in N-Florida though.

If it's environmental, I'm cool with it and will change every few months, but if there is a problem, I'd like an idea of what.

As I said the bike runs fine and is not losing fluid.

 

Here is an example of typical gear oil "milk shake" caused by water in gear oil. This picture is from a 4x4 axle differential after a water crossing. Is this similar to what you are seeing?

 

MAN that looks bad! I just did my first trans oil replacement yesterday...(I do have a manual and the fixmyhogdvd) and boy it sure felt good to know that all the fasteners were torqued and everything was "set" to factory specs again. I'm sure it was just coincidence but I used Mobil 1 75W90 and it seemed quieter than when the previous 20W50 synthetic oil was in there.

The nice thing, the oil as it came out still looked "clear" as the light filtered through it. There was no "milk shake" consisitency or anything like that.

 

Oil cam out about the same viscosity as it went in, I could compare it to the new fluid i put in.

Yes the fluid in that picture is similar ot the color. I don't get where the water is coming from. I mean if Water can get in I would think fluid would leak and she doesn't leak a drop. I have rode 1 time on this last oil change in some torrential florida rain, but again bike was cleaned after the ride. I am at a loss to think where the fluid is coming from...

Should I start checking torque some of the allen head fasteners? the gasket on the primary inspection cover looks good and I make sure it is seated well when I put it back on after filling.

confused ....