Primary fluid change
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: Denver, CO
Reading the threads and posts on the forum re: amount of fluid for a Primary change is akin to sometimes getting a real headache. There are stories and anecdotes that make me want to just shake my head in wonder. 
If the factory manual for my 2011 RKC says 38oz on a wet change, then that's why I put in 38oz on Saturday when I did a three hole oil change.
Maybe someone could 'illuminate me' but why on heaven's name are people putting in all different measurements of fluid in their primaries? Am I missing something here?
Sure, for an earlier model/engine, the manual calls for 32oz. That's cool!
But for a later model that calls for 38oz...
I subscribe to the KISS principle! I do not like to second guess myself especially when I supposedly 'follow' factory directions.
However, when I read that people are putting in MORE (or less) than the factory recommended wet change amount... WTF?
YMMV...
If the factory manual for my 2011 RKC says 38oz on a wet change, then that's why I put in 38oz on Saturday when I did a three hole oil change.
Maybe someone could 'illuminate me' but why on heaven's name are people putting in all different measurements of fluid in their primaries? Am I missing something here?
Sure, for an earlier model/engine, the manual calls for 32oz. That's cool!
But for a later model that calls for 38oz...
I subscribe to the KISS principle! I do not like to second guess myself especially when I supposedly 'follow' factory directions.
However, when I read that people are putting in MORE (or less) than the factory recommended wet change amount... WTF?
YMMV...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Reading the threads and posts on the forum re: amount of fluid for a Primary change is akin to sometimes getting a real headache. There are stories and anecdotes that make me want to just shake my head in wonder.
If the factory manual for my 2011 RKC says 38oz on a wet change, then that's why I put in 38oz on Saturday when I did a three hole oil change.
Maybe someone could 'illuminate me' but why on heaven's name are people putting in all different measurements of fluid in their primaries? Am I missing something here?
Sure, for an earlier model/engine, the manual calls for 32oz. That's cool!
But for a later model that calls for 38oz...
I subscribe to the KISS principle! I do not like to second guess myself especially when I supposedly 'follow' factory directions.
However, when I read that people are putting in MORE (or less) than the factory recommended wet change amount... WTF?
YMMV...
If the factory manual for my 2011 RKC says 38oz on a wet change, then that's why I put in 38oz on Saturday when I did a three hole oil change.
Maybe someone could 'illuminate me' but why on heaven's name are people putting in all different measurements of fluid in their primaries? Am I missing something here?
Sure, for an earlier model/engine, the manual calls for 32oz. That's cool!
But for a later model that calls for 38oz...
I subscribe to the KISS principle! I do not like to second guess myself especially when I supposedly 'follow' factory directions.
However, when I read that people are putting in MORE (or less) than the factory recommended wet change amount... WTF?
YMMV...
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 56
From: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
1.4 quarts...44.6 ozs
My manual for the 2011 96" Road King motor says 1.4 quarts on page 23. Never done the change myself but there are sure different numbers floating around here for newer motors.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
thats for a 'dry' primary. ie. if you've had the whole cover off. if you're just doing a change, its a 'wet' spec = 38oz
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 56
From: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Thanks skratch.Also I learned something else tonight, this is supposed to be checked while the bike is upright, not on jiffy like I always thought.Dene
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 2
From: Palmyra Missouri
All I can tell you is that if I only put in a quart my se comp will make a shuttering kinda noise going down the highway, if I add 38 no noise and no neutral issues either, just experiment and see..
08 Street glide..
08 Street glide..
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
My '06 OM stated to use 32oz. or fill to the bottom of of the clutch spring.
To fill to the spring ,it will take another 6oz or so.
I use to fill my '06 to the bottom of the spring and had no issues.
To fill to the spring ,it will take another 6oz or so.
I use to fill my '06 to the bottom of the spring and had no issues.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,528
Likes: 6,407
From: Honah Lee
Just went thru my primary checking everything. Here's how I check it. I have a white twist tie for a plastic bag. I make an L shape bend in it. I determine the distance by eyeballing the spring retainer on the top side to the edge of the spring. If you look down at bottom you will notice the the retainer actually goes about 1/4 inch or so below opening in primary cover. Need to add that amount to the length. Then I drop it in to the bottom edge of the opening. Mine only needs 26 oz or so even when I have had chain and clutch completely out. Thing my dip stick was about 1". I know for a fact that after the 26-32 oz, another quart will go it before it runs over edge. Let some one else add the oil why we were talking and only noticed it when I did not have the oil for the transmission. My service manual says 26 for my 04 TCb 88. You cannot see 4 oz more distance in there even with a dip stick.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:25 AM.
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