Changed fluids today 2012 Street Glide
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 53
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From: North Charleston, SC
Changed fluids today 2012 Street Glide
What a pain in the butt, especially if you don't have a lift. The gasket for the primary cover (clutch inspection cover) does not play well with others. The circumference of the gasket is larger than the groove which makes it near impossible to stay in place while putting the cover back on. I finally put a few small dabs of grease in the grooves to help hold it in place. I learned this trick working on large fuel filtering vessels. I don't have the filter wrench but was lucky enough to get my smallest filter wrench in to loosen enough to where I could remove it by hand. Also, the amount of oil drained was not even close to three quarts. I let it drain for a long time but that's all that came out and yes my oil level beforehand was correct. I think I'll consider letting the dealership do the next one.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,612
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From: Eastern Ohio
If it's your first time, there's a learning curve. I have never replaced the derby cover gasket (rubber o-ring type) and never a leak. I do have the primary funnel from the dealer. Makes filing very easy, even on the jiffy stand. K&N filters have a hex head on the end and make filter changes a lot easier. I make an aluminum foil funnel to catch the oil dropped by the filter. Did mine last week. Took about an hour, including riding around for a few to get the bike up to temp. Don't let it frustrate you. It's only a machine.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: along the Front Range in Colorado
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,078
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From: The Wasteland
Not this cat. I learned my lesson the first time about drinking and wrenching. I drained the used oil and forgot to replace the drain plug. Then I proceeded to pour 3 or 4 quarts of brand new synthetic oil into the engine and straight out into the catch pan with the old used oil. Now I always wait to have my beers AFTER the job is done. That gives me time to sit and feel that sense of pride in doing a job myself as well as catching a buzz while checking out how cool my bike is.
Last edited by Bubba Zanetti; Jun 30, 2017 at 11:10 AM. Reason: Spelling error
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
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From: Santa Clarita
An easy job. Just like any other mechanical chore, you need the right tools and a factory service manual BEFORE you twist a wrench. That includes a proprietary oil filter wrench made for that particular filter...a 'one size catches all' is something you're probably gonna have trouble with. I used to have one of those special derby fillers for the primary, but a small long spout funnel works fine...you can even cut the end of it off at an angle to get it into the space between the primary and the clutch pack better. Otherwise, you need a couple of different funnels, and a lift, which should be one of your basic tools. No biggie.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 59
From: farmington ny
Keep in mind,having a dealer do your oil changes.You will get what the dealer puts in ,not what you want put in.Most cases syn3 in all 3 holes.Fluid changes are not difficult on harley.Its just a matter of having the right tools and the right frame of mind for the job.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
At least you didn't drain the primary then fill the transmission like the last guy that posted about changing fluids. Just take a deep breath and get your head in the game don't be in a hurry and you'll be fine
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Mount Morris Illinois
If you are talking about the stock orange o-ring for the derby cover,it can easily be reused if you put it in the freezer while you consume a beverage.It will fit perfectly while you reinstall the cover!