I know this is going to be a noob question, but I am new and I have a question (or need clairification). Last night I changed the three fluids on my '03 RKC for the first time since I bought it in August. After much reading in my manual and on this forum, I picked my fluids and had a good idea of the procedure. Engine oil and filter and transmission fluid, no problem. The bike is on the lift and level. On to the primary. I drained it and took the derby cover off, looked to see where the bottom of the clutch basket was so I have a reference when refilling. Most of what I read said one quart, some said 32 ounces so here we go. Plug back in and I poured in one quart. I can see it but its not anywhere near the bottom edge of the opening like the book says. I put some more in and thought "this is not right". I got on the forum and read that only the very bottom of the clutch pack needs to be wet, any overfilling will result in hard shifting and difficulty finding neutral. Ok, so how to get some out. I opened the primary inspection cover and my dilemma was solved. I let the fluid run out until it was level with the bottom of that opening and rechecked the clutch. It appeared to have the very bottom of the basket in oil. So I buttoned it up, cleaned the garage floor and went to bed thinking that the oil should not run out of the inspection cover if the cover ever needed to be removed to inspect or adjust the chain in the future, so that must be the right amount of fluid. Now I'm wondering if that reasoning is sound or if I need to lick that calf over again. I appreciate any chuckles and any advise or similar stories.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Mine takes 38 ozs. 2009 FLHTCUI

 

Your RK takes 1 quart which is 32 oz. Just pour in one bottle and button it up. To make sure you have the right amount, get a clean container, drain the fluid, remeasure the proper amount then fill.

 

Drain it and dump 1 Qt back in, you have min and max tolerances on everything in the primary. If all of your stuff is small and the case is big you will look low. Bettter to be low than too full. Just 1 Qt.

 

level is checked with bike on jiffy, not upright.

The reason that the primary specs are "visual" rather than a specific quantity, is that a large amount of fluid is held in the clutch basket between the plates and disks- with the bike upright, even more fluid will be retained, rather than flow out when drained.

This is one reason to replace with same type fluid- you know they are compatible.

when i change my primary, I like to let drain overnight, with a cable tie holding the clutch lever in so that the plates and disks are separated.
and with the bike on an angle, so that more of the old fluid runs out.

OP, I'd suggest you recheck the level

My 09 manual suggests about 38 OZ for a wet change ( drain out, pour in) and 45 OZ for a dry change, where the clutch pack has been disassembled and all that held fluid is gone.

mike

 

Thanks. I think it's safer to redo. Just wondering if anyone has had this situation also. But now I'm questioning my manual. This is a copy and paste of the procedure for checking the primary level.

"1. Park the motorcycle on a level surface and support it so that it is standing straight up. Do not support it on the jiffy stand.CAUTION
Do not check the oil level with the motorcycle supported on its jiffy stand or the reading will be incorrect.2. Remove the screws securing the clutch inspection cover and O-ring (
Figure 12). Remove the cover.
3. The oil level is correct when it is even with the bottom of the clutch opening or at the bottom of the clutch diaphragm spring (
Figure 13)."

 

The manual says to park on level ground and support it so it is upright. To me, this means on the two wheels it is designed for, not a lift.
I suggest to Drop it down off the lift (after draining the primary)and fill it according to the manuals procedure.

 

Hmm,

there's why it is important to have specific manual for year/model.
Having a bunch of bikes, I have used the old method for years.


follow your factory service or owners manual- not me.

mike

 

Me and my crew all ride 2000 - 2004 era Road King Classics and we have always put 1 qt in the primary at service. Try not to over-think these things....

 

32oz is one quart.

if you've filled your primary to the bottom of the inspection cover, you are overfull. best to start over, and just add the 1 qt and button it up.