Primary oil level
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
You'd be surprised how much stays. 7 oz isn't much. There are a whole bunch of clutch plates in there and every one of them coated with oil.
If the cover was off and the plates were pulled out or replaced, or had a long time to drip dry, it will take near that 45 oz to reach your visual checkpoint.
My visual check point is the clutch spring. I like to see the bottom edge of it barely submerged.
If the cover was off and the plates were pulled out or replaced, or had a long time to drip dry, it will take near that 45 oz to reach your visual checkpoint.
My visual check point is the clutch spring. I like to see the bottom edge of it barely submerged.
You may be right, I did the SE Comp change and had everything out of the primary. I poured one quart of ATF in, added some from the second quart until it just touched the bottom of the clutch pack. I really didn't look to see how much I used from that second quart but I will tomorrow for the hell of it.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
You may be right, I did the SE Comp change and had everything out of the primary. I poured one quart of ATF in, added some from the second quart until it just touched the bottom of the clutch pack. I really didn't look to see how much I used from that second quart but I will tomorrow for the hell of it.
Bottom of the clutch spring is my final determining point.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 658
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake, VA
It may be over kill but I also change the primary and transmission at every 2500 mile oil change. Nothing but the best for my baby! Oil is cheap insurance...
Last edited by Olde Skool; Jan 30, 2011 at 05:45 AM. Reason: typo
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: NJ
My 2010 Limited with a 120r and a screaming eagle racing clutch wont hold 38 ozs, per user manual I just tried. I took out about 34ozs from the prior dealer service and always had neutral shifting issues. HD manual states just below clutch plates. Results in about a quart and a little bit. We will see.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,811
From: Oklahoma
I have read somewhere that the police machines used in the maneuvering contests and demonstrations get a few EXTRA ounces of primary lube because of the extra clutch slipping used in those maneuvers. A little extra is better than not enough. Each manual shows the correct level, I use a little extra. My experience with the SE compensator and ATF is not good. Those cone springs push the interacting pieces together very firmly and the film strength just doesn't seem to be there. Sure makes for a great clutch engagement though.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
You do know the quart bottles have oz markings on the side? I made a measuring device from a straightened cotter pin, 2-3/4" from the center of the clutch shaft. After doing the measurement way I decided to make life easier.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: Ottawa, Canada, summer, Daytona Beach Florida, winter
Yup 38 ozs, I measure.
Change the engine oil and filter every 5000 miles and primary and transmission every 10000 miles.
The primary oil always comes out with the most dirt in it I am guessing courtesy of the clutch wear!
Change the engine oil and filter every 5000 miles and primary and transmission every 10000 miles.
The primary oil always comes out with the most dirt in it I am guessing courtesy of the clutch wear!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 9
From: Lincolnton, NC
I check to see that it covers the bottom edge of the basket
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
Cover off, on kickstand, fill it to the "basket level like dawggie said..
Comes out to the 38-39oz range.
Plus I change it with every oil change...for a qt and 1/2 more it's cheap
Comes out to the 38-39oz range.
Plus I change it with every oil change...for a qt and 1/2 more it's cheap
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: florence,ky
My 2010 Limited with a 120r and a screaming eagle racing clutch wont hold 38 ozs, per user manual I just tried. I took out about 34ozs from the prior dealer service and always had neutral shifting issues. HD manual states just below clutch plates. Results in about a quart and a little bit. We will see.
I'm having problems getting her in neutral
