Dark Primary Oil?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Bristow, VA
Dark Primary Oil?
Hey All,
Started doing my own maintenance at 20K miles. When I drained the primary, it looked like it had never been serviced. My buddy who helped said the same, as he has done a bit of wrenching over the years.
I did another fluid change of all three holes at 25K. The primary oil was not as dark, but darker than I would have imagined. There was also a little metal (very small, but enough to wipe off the drain plug).
My hope was that I got the rest of the old oil and any metal with this last change. Just to make sure, though, I'm going to drain the primary again in a thousand miles. I'll save the oil when I drain and any metal residue.
Worst case, has anyone seen this before? Like I said, I don't have full confidence the primary was ever changed before I did it myself. But, is there anything that could be going wrong that would make the oil dark? I fully expected the engine oil to be dark, but not the primary.
Thanks!
Skippy
Started doing my own maintenance at 20K miles. When I drained the primary, it looked like it had never been serviced. My buddy who helped said the same, as he has done a bit of wrenching over the years.
I did another fluid change of all three holes at 25K. The primary oil was not as dark, but darker than I would have imagined. There was also a little metal (very small, but enough to wipe off the drain plug).
My hope was that I got the rest of the old oil and any metal with this last change. Just to make sure, though, I'm going to drain the primary again in a thousand miles. I'll save the oil when I drain and any metal residue.
Worst case, has anyone seen this before? Like I said, I don't have full confidence the primary was ever changed before I did it myself. But, is there anything that could be going wrong that would make the oil dark? I fully expected the engine oil to be dark, but not the primary.
Thanks!
Skippy
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
Likes: 20,116
From: Ft. Worth, TX
I just changed mine at 10K and the Mobil 1 20W50 was dark as well. No metal but it was a little darker than I expected however the 10K change removed the dino. We'll see what the next one looks like.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 3
From: Laurel,Ms USA
Small metal stuck to the magnet is normal wear from compensator, chain, clutch, ring gear, starter gear etc. No filter in this compartment. Gets hot and clutch wear (dust) will make the oil dark. That's why I change primary oil with every engine oil change and tranny every second change.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Bristow, VA
Rleggs,
Thanks, that's good to hear. Without a lot of reference points, it's easy to get worried about these things.
BTW, I'm originally from Tupelo. Hope all is well in Laurel!
Skippy
Thanks, that's good to hear. Without a lot of reference points, it's easy to get worried about these things.
BTW, I'm originally from Tupelo. Hope all is well in Laurel!
Skippy
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 313
Likes: 84
From: Central KY
I agree with the previous posts. The primary oil will reflect the composition of the clutch plates and chains which will all wear. It's not uncommon for primary lubricants.
When I changed the primary oil on my Limited at 1,000 miles it was not dark, but I did have a significant amount of swarf on the magnetic drain plug.
I wonder what composition the MOCO uses for their clutch plates. Something metallic?
When I changed the primary oil on my Limited at 1,000 miles it was not dark, but I did have a significant amount of swarf on the magnetic drain plug.
I wonder what composition the MOCO uses for their clutch plates. Something metallic?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,975
Likes: 5,214
From: Michigan
The dealer did my 1,000 mile service and due to the fact that I couldn't get an appointment for the 5,000 mile service and I was going on a long trip I changed all of my fluids at 4800 miles.
As yours was, my primary oil was very dark which I expected it to be.
The tranny oil looked as if it was just poured out of a new container.
My engine oil was a little dark BUT only about 2-1/2 quarts came from the engine and filter. I seriously question if they put more than 3 quarts of oil in my engine.
Next time I have the dealer service my bike I'll check the engine oil level before I leave the dealership.
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to oil.
Synthetic or dino, and what brand of oil is best.
I put Red Line Shockproof in my transmission and Syn 3, 20w-50w in the engine and primary.
I'll change my fluids at least one more time before the season is over season and I'm planning on using Red Line, 20w-60w in the engine.
As yours was, my primary oil was very dark which I expected it to be.
The tranny oil looked as if it was just poured out of a new container.
My engine oil was a little dark BUT only about 2-1/2 quarts came from the engine and filter. I seriously question if they put more than 3 quarts of oil in my engine.
Next time I have the dealer service my bike I'll check the engine oil level before I leave the dealership.
Everyone has an opinion when it comes to oil.
Synthetic or dino, and what brand of oil is best.
I put Red Line Shockproof in my transmission and Syn 3, 20w-50w in the engine and primary.
I'll change my fluids at least one more time before the season is over season and I'm planning on using Red Line, 20w-60w in the engine.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
There's alot going on on that side of the motor with the clutch, stator, etc...just service when necessary. Otherwise you're just wasting time & precious fluids.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 3
From: Laurel,Ms USA
Yes, all is well in Laurel..It's the nati0n I'm concerned about.
