Oil change question
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,040
Likes: 1,816
From: Kalifornia
I have the HD printed manual and a PDF version (yea I know) and neither one has that pic, at least in the maint section, where did it come from?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
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From: San Diego, CA
As long as I can remember, the rule has been to fill the primary to the bottom of the clutch spring with the bike standing upright... some aftermarket clutches call for less...
EDIT:
I just checked a few of my service manuals... my '12 & '16 Touring, don't have a pic, and only give both wet & dry fluid oz amounts, to fill the primary...
My 2003 Softail Service manual has the the left half of that pic, saying, "The primary chaincase lubricant level is acceptable when lubricant is visible between the clutch and the inner wall of chaincase with motorcycle standing upright." Section: General, Heading: Primary Chaincase Lubricant, page 1-26
My 2002 Softail Service manual has the right half of that pic, saying, " b. The primary chaincase lubricant should be level with the bottom edge of the clutch diaphragm spring, approximately 26 oz (768.9ml)." Section: General, Heading: Primary Chaincase Lubricant, page 1-23
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 19, 2020 at 09:31 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 310
From: coastal sc
I use redline primary fluid in the primary and I believe it shifts way better. I am a cheap azz and I will spend the money for the redline.. buddy used amsoil and his shifted way better. Amsoil is cheaper I may try it at some point. I too use mobile 1 v twin in the motor. I have bel ray in tranny right now .
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Kalifornia
I noted the manual says their tranny oil, "or syn3 20w50" in the trans. I am torn between getting the recommended primary fluid or using the Rotella. Will prob go with redline for tranny though.
Forgot to add, my Walmart "kit" arrived and I changed the engine oil yesterday. Was looking over individual pieces and its better to order the 6pk of Mobil1 Vtwin, and separate BLACK K&N filter.
Forgot to add, my Walmart "kit" arrived and I changed the engine oil yesterday. Was looking over individual pieces and its better to order the 6pk of Mobil1 Vtwin, and separate BLACK K&N filter.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,272
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From: .
Either way, it's cheaper than having the dealer do it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 279
From: .
I noted the manual says their tranny oil, "or syn3 20w50" in the trans. I am torn between getting the recommended primary fluid or using the Rotella. Will prob go with redline for tranny though.
Forgot to add, my Walmart "kit" arrived and I changed the engine oil yesterday. Was looking over individual pieces and its better to order the 6pk of Mobil1 Vtwin, and separate BLACK K&N filter.
Forgot to add, my Walmart "kit" arrived and I changed the engine oil yesterday. Was looking over individual pieces and its better to order the 6pk of Mobil1 Vtwin, and separate BLACK K&N filter.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,040
Likes: 1,816
From: Kalifornia
Yup, plus it keeps me in the loop. Good point on the leaks, I hope I never get, lol.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: bklyn,ny
I would STRONGLY advise you to use a bike oil, which has a higher Zinc content for less wear
I have gotten away from the synthetics in my motor, and am back into the Valvoline oils (VR1) in my bikes due to the high zinc content, and they do not thin down to nothing when they get hot. But I change my engine oil every 3000 miles, the other 2 holes are every 6K
I am still using Bel-Ray or quality synth in the other holes.
as for K&N, I have never heard anyone say anything bad about them, when in doubt check out the BoB Is The Oil Guy website he has tested them all
I have gotten away from the synthetics in my motor, and am back into the Valvoline oils (VR1) in my bikes due to the high zinc content, and they do not thin down to nothing when they get hot. But I change my engine oil every 3000 miles, the other 2 holes are every 6K
I am still using Bel-Ray or quality synth in the other holes.
as for K&N, I have never heard anyone say anything bad about them, when in doubt check out the BoB Is The Oil Guy website he has tested them all
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 372
Likes: 83
From: FL East Coast /Western NC
so many of us really overthink this oil and filter deal...any name brand oil and filter is most likely just fine for all our bikes... most likely the off brands are fine too as they are probably made by the same company.as the big boys... however we feel good knowing its a popular item we are using and i am no different...me... v-line 4stroke dino all 3 holes.. change engine every 3 or so...and a harley filter every other oil drain just because they are really no more money than the others .. just do it... the key is... change ANY oil often and ride on