Checking Trans fluid?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
No, you are not alone in your difficulty in seeing if the transmission fluid is up to par. This is all the more difficult to read when you put in brand new fluid. My remedy was to pull the shiny metal dip stick out and wipe it off with rubbing alcohol, thereby removing all the slippery oil. I then sprayed the dip stick with a rattle can of brown paint. I let it dry in the sunshine for a hour and then submerged it back into the transmission. I pulled it out and it is much easier to see fluid on it than before. That was 4 or 5 years ago and the paint is still on the dip stick.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 156
From: boston
I bring out a piece of paper with me. After redipping the dip stick I put it on the paper quickly then wipe the dip stick again. Match the bottom of the dip stick to the bottom of the wet spot and read where the top of the wet spot hits on the dip stick.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
Best answer yet.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 48
From: Northern Illinois
Harley0711, I have a 14 limited with the same engine as you. I do all my own serving, stage1 install, Yaffe bars and replaced my cams. Although this is my first Harley I do a lot of reading and ask alot of stupid questions lol.
When I change oils, and I change all oils every 5000 miles I add 3 1/2 quarts to the engine, 1 quart to the trans, and 38 ounces to the primary.. And I don't even check the levels, I'm confident I have no leaks and I filled the correct holes with the correct oil I planed to. Also I never even check the oil between changes, if there is no leaks and no serious blow by (oil dripping at the air filter) the oil levels are good..iv got 22000 miles now, after you have done this a few times you will be confident also.
I read another of your posts asking about oil in the trans and primary being the same oil, in the new 103s they are totally separate but I have a 09 sportster 883 and the oil in the trans and primary are together. Meaning when I change the primary oil ( that is where the drain plug is) im changing the trans oil also.
Greg
When I change oils, and I change all oils every 5000 miles I add 3 1/2 quarts to the engine, 1 quart to the trans, and 38 ounces to the primary.. And I don't even check the levels, I'm confident I have no leaks and I filled the correct holes with the correct oil I planed to. Also I never even check the oil between changes, if there is no leaks and no serious blow by (oil dripping at the air filter) the oil levels are good..iv got 22000 miles now, after you have done this a few times you will be confident also.
I read another of your posts asking about oil in the trans and primary being the same oil, in the new 103s they are totally separate but I have a 09 sportster 883 and the oil in the trans and primary are together. Meaning when I change the primary oil ( that is where the drain plug is) im changing the trans oil also.
Greg
Agree, I do the same, except I just add 3 qts to the engine. I find that if I add more than that, I get oil dripping from the A/C.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
Reroute breather?
Just think that some of that dirty engine oil that's not "dripping" off the air cleaner is contaminating your throttle body and combustion chambers with dirty oil. Highly recommend rerouting that breather to the ground with a premade kit or a do it yourselfer set up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
The transmission lube instruction were changed some time after 2011. The dropped the add 1 quart. It now reads add 27 Oz and check add to proper level.
The drain and ad 1 quart was leading to over fills.
The transmission is checked with bike on jiffy stand not straight up.
The drain and ad 1 quart was leading to over fills.
The transmission is checked with bike on jiffy stand not straight up.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I spun my trans dipstick in a small piece of steel wool between my fingers to remove some shine, and leave very small etches around the stick. Scotch brite pad would do the same thing. Then when you pull it out, if the oil is very clean, just look for the "Shine Line".
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
I spun my trans dipstick in a small piece of steel wool between my fingers to remove some shine, and leave very small etches around the stick. Scotch brite pad would do the same thing. Then when you pull it out, if the oil is very clean, just look for the "Shine Line".
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey (whats it to ya??)
Checking Transmission ....Yes, you're getting old, and so am I...
Redline uses a red dye in their transmission fluid, and in their Primary fluid. However, the Transmission Fluid is red with a whitish color and opaque in appearance (see attached pic of my Transmission fluid leak. Notice it's opaque appearance.)
, while the Primary Fluid is red in color, but transparent in appearance. The different appearance in their products makes identifying fluid levels on the stick and identifying mysterious drips under your scooter a BREEZE to track down WHERE the drip originated!
I hope this might help you in the future if you try these products out.
Cheers!
Neal