Primary oil change question
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
Primary oil change question
I want to change the primary oil in my 2004 Road King. It will be the first time that I change it myself and I was wondering if I could just do that by only taking off the inspection cover instead of the derby cover. I don't need to adjust the clutch, so I have no reason for taking the derby cover off other than to put new oil in. Any advice out there? Thanks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,513
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From: OKC
I want to change the primary oil in my 2004 Road King. It will be the first time that I change it myself and I was wondering if I could just do that by only taking off the inspection cover instead of the derby cover. I don't need to adjust the clutch, so I have no reason for taking the derby cover off other than to put new oil in. Any advice out there? Thanks
Since this is your first change yourself (just bought the bike, or just started doing oil changes), open the derby up and fill per the manual to see your oil level. Then you're golden for future changes as the volume will not vary significantly. Then go for it. drain from the drain bung and fill where you mentioned. make sure to put in the amount that you normally fill it to.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
Only takes 2 minutes to take off the derby cover as long as someone before you hasn't cranked the bolts down so hard that you strip the heads.
Use a 27 torx driver and carefully remove the bolts.
You will then be able to see the fluid level.
Just barely snug the bolts down when putting the cover back on, no need to make them killer tight, cause you'll strip the heads next time.
Use a 27 torx driver and carefully remove the bolts.
You will then be able to see the fluid level.
Just barely snug the bolts down when putting the cover back on, no need to make them killer tight, cause you'll strip the heads next time.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 778
Likes: 1
Thanks for the replies.
One of the reasons I didn't want to take the derby cover off was to save me a trip to the dealer for a new gasket if needed.
Thanks again.
One of the reasons I didn't want to take the derby cover off was to save me a trip to the dealer for a new gasket if needed.
Thanks again.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 335
Likes: 21
From: Nassau County, NY
The gasket is cheap. Its easy to take off and put back on. Plus you get to take a look inside and see how it all looks in there. You would only save a few mins if you didnt remove it anyway.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Pacific Northwest
There is no other way to fill the primary and/or check the level - you HAVE to remove the derby cover.
The gasket is reusable until it starts to leak. I always keep a new one on the wall for that reason. I get mine from a local independent shop (cheaper and just as good).
The gasket is reusable until it starts to leak. I always keep a new one on the wall for that reason. I get mine from a local independent shop (cheaper and just as good).
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
There is no other way to fill the primary and/or check the level - you HAVE to remove the derby cover.
The gasket is reusable until it starts to leak. I always keep a new one on the wall for that reason. I get mine from a local independent shop (cheaper and just as good).
The gasket is reusable until it starts to leak. I always keep a new one on the wall for that reason. I get mine from a local independent shop (cheaper and just as good).
Beary