Primary fluid change

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Oct 17, 2011 | 08:18 PM

Electra1

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 129

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From: South Dakota

Primary fluid change

Okay, I have a stupid question, but I am a little confused with adding fluid to my primary on a 2005 FLHTCUI. Have service manual and owners manual and both state to add fluid to the primary with bike standing straight up not on jiffy stand. Add fluid till you see it and not over spring. Approximately 32 oz. Okay, I added a full quart of fluid. Can not see it anywhere at the bottom of the primary nor touching bottom of spring. So I keep adding just a little at a time up to about another half quart and still can not see fluid. Took it off of stand and put back on jiffy stand and while it is leaning I think I might be able to see something, but not a clear level. Anyway, I poured the old oil that was drained in an empty quart container and it was right at 32 oz. ??? Do you just put in 1 quart and call it good or do you have to have it filled till you see it at the bottom of the spring? Took it for a ride and it shifted fine and found neutral with no problem. Seemed to even shift smoother then before, but I don't want to hurt anything if I put to much in. Thanks for any advice and if you feel you need to flame then go for it.
Electra1

Last edited by Electra1; Oct 17, 2011 at 10:58 PM.

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:24 PM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 28,514

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From: Vermont

Don't overfill it. Stick to the 32oz

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:24 PM

speakerfritz

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,943

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From: NYC

This is a big inconsistency. The way I see it....if you fire up your bike and drive it around the block, then rush to do the primary you could get by with 32oz becuase there's splashy splashy oil all over the inside of the primary. But if you let the bike sit for a while and everything drains back down to the sump, then you are looking at 38oz. I once measured what it would take to get the oil to touch the reference point and I was well over 42oz. Main thing is that too much oil and neutral will be a bear to find since you won't have proper clutch disengagement. 38oz seems not to interfere with neutral.

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:28 PM

2black1s

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,846

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From: Simi Valley, CA

The primary oil level is impossible to visually check with any degree of accuracy.

Add the quart and call it good.

With that said, you should be able to shine a flashlight in there and see the oil near the lower portion of the clutch assembly.

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:29 PM

z71_fourwheelin

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 732

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From: SE Alabama

on a 2010 its supposed to be 38 fl oz

Oct 17, 2011 | 08:42 PM

2black1s

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,846

Likes: 173

From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by speakerfritz

6oz left in the primary because the splashed oil hasn't returned to the sump? I don't buy it.

Try this... Drain the primary until there is nothing more, or just an occasional drip, coming out of it. Then pull the drain pan and put a clean cup in its place. Let it sit there for a while, even overnight if you have the time, and I'd bet you my entire life savings you wouldn't have 6 oz in that cup.

Now this is a purely hypothetical bet just to make a point, but I may actually try my little experiment at my next oil change. I'd be surprised if an additional 1 oz comes out.