NEWB question.
NEWB question.
OK first off I know I am new at this and all so get it out of your system..................... OK transmission fluid? or primary? which is right in front of the oil dip stick on my 99 ultra I am leaning towards Tranny as it does have a dip stick (Allen head bolt) And if the fluid in it is clear do I assume someone ran synthetic b4 i got the bike last fall? I need to add a bit of fluid and need to know so I know what to buy. I dont think I would want to mix synthetic with non synthetic.
Thanks
is it primary or transmission? or are they the same? I know I am new to the Harley and am used to dry clutches I would say. also what would be best to run for fluid? Synthetic or??
Thanks for the info
Thanks for the info
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 75
From: Goldsboro, NC
I would assume you don't have an owners manual... could you take a picture of the plug/cap your talking about? (Then upload to the gallery here and link it to the thread) Then it would be VERY clear for those to help you.
If your unsure of your new bike. I would change all fluids and then you know what you have in it all across the board.
On thinking now for a minute, it's not hard to know what it is for you I bet.
One thing that may help is the primary is on the motor, the transmissions on a Harley are a separate item totally. (Not part of the motor.) So the primary is the LARGE case at the bottom of the motor by the pegs. The trans is behind that. They are connected with a drive chain/belt. If you have watched those "Chopper shows" on TV then the belt that is always wide and outside the motor is the thing that connects the motor to the trans. (even on the S&S motors and others that are much like HD)
If your unsure of your new bike. I would change all fluids and then you know what you have in it all across the board.
On thinking now for a minute, it's not hard to know what it is for you I bet.
One thing that may help is the primary is on the motor, the transmissions on a Harley are a separate item totally. (Not part of the motor.) So the primary is the LARGE case at the bottom of the motor by the pegs. The trans is behind that. They are connected with a drive chain/belt. If you have watched those "Chopper shows" on TV then the belt that is always wide and outside the motor is the thing that connects the motor to the trans. (even on the S&S motors and others that are much like HD)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
If it's the cap with a socket head just above the clutch cable and right about dead center between the dip stick and cam cover you're looking at the tranny fill plug. I had good luck on my '99 using a good GL5 70/80w. A '99 should hold a quart just like my '06. Any good quality gear lube (dino or syn and usually pretty clear, color-wise) will do the job nicely.
Last edited by Leftcoaster; Apr 20, 2010 at 03:43 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Sounds like the tranny fill, the primary is a cover on the left side of the bike.
Drains are on the bottom, search and you will find a picture showing which is which and which one not to remove. Also shows where a dead cat.
Drains are on the bottom, search and you will find a picture showing which is which and which one not to remove. Also shows where a dead cat.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Ozark, AL
Since you don't have/read the owners manual, are you sure it's low?? Some fluids you check with the bike on the side stand and some you check standing up right/level.
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Tourer
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I am pretty sure from the responses I am looking at transmission. No manual available right now but will have one by this weekend. I am checking it on the kick stand and only seeing maybe a drop at bottom of dip stick. Gonna stop on my way home today to get some fluid to top it off. Its scheduled for service in 2 weeks for a 65 k service. Not sure if $240 is good or bad price for that but not knowing the history of the bike since I haven't had it very long I am determined to make sure its safe and reliable. Thank you all for your responses!