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...

 

Good point....and if you wanted to take that line of thinking to the next level we can really muck things up by saying the manual doesn't say to use GL5 in your tranny but everyones doing?.....ohh ohh I've done it now!

 

If you add 38 oz to a drained primary it will sit just below the lip of the derby cover when on the jiiffy stand. At least it is on my 09.

 

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.

 

The manual does say 1.4 qts. 1.4x 32 = 44.8. About a 1 1/2 qts.

 

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

 

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

 

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..

 

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.

 

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.