primary fluid servicing ?
The answer is no. I read somewhere that motor cops were running a little more in their primaries because of the long idling periods they experience. Supposedly the extra oil helped cooling. I would think too little may be a problem, the compensators are already not getting enough lubrication.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 654
Likes: 5
From: oklahoma
The answer is no. I read somewhere that motor cops were running a little more in their primaries because of the long idling periods they experience. Supposedly the extra oil helped cooling. I would think too little may be a problem, the compensators are already not getting enough lubrication.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
My take on the primary is differnet than most. Fluid is for the chain, not sure how sealed bearings are affected by the primary fluid. The clutch doesn't need fluid but too much can cause them to slip which gives you the hard to find neutral, shifting problems. Race bikes run dry a clutch, go check out a Ducati. So primary fluid isn't to cool the clutch, it's main purpose is the chain. Not enough and the chain doesn't get lubricated. The old shovel's where a dry clutch, the oil dripped on the chain.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: home
Yes, over filling will affect finding neutral and harder shifting as stated earlier.
I change my primary every time I change the engine oil (every 5k).
I measure the amount of primary oil removed and add the same amount when filling. Simply use a clean plastic container (at least 1 quart in size) to drain into then I pour content into a gas to oil ratio cup to measure it. When you drain the oil you do not get ALL the oil out of the primary. A small amount of oil stays in the primary. Over time if your draining 36 oz and adding 38 oz you can over fill. The primary fill level on a Harley is not easy to gauge.
Amazon has gas to oil ratio cups:
All the Best
Curt
I change my primary every time I change the engine oil (every 5k).
I measure the amount of primary oil removed and add the same amount when filling. Simply use a clean plastic container (at least 1 quart in size) to drain into then I pour content into a gas to oil ratio cup to measure it. When you drain the oil you do not get ALL the oil out of the primary. A small amount of oil stays in the primary. Over time if your draining 36 oz and adding 38 oz you can over fill. The primary fill level on a Harley is not easy to gauge.
Amazon has gas to oil ratio cups:
All the Best
Curt
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 2,877
From: Oklahoma
If you are "****" about the right amount of fluid, do the visual reference as suggested above. The amount needed to refill depends totally on the amount emptied. If 1 ounce remains trapped in the nooks and crannies more refill will be needed than if three ounces remain trapped. Draining hot, draining cold, draining over night, rocking left and right, keeping the clutch lever against the grip all night all affect the amount you will get out. Always putting in a fixed amount will not get consistent results, other than not being quite right most of the time. I have also heard the same thing about the wrenches who maintain the police demo machines adding a little extra primary fluid, so a little extra is better than a little under service. That is what I do and am happy with the results.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,622
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Just to be clear on something. Not all 88" twins took 32 ozs. in the primary. ckeck the owner manual or your service manual. The 2013 bikes add 38 ozs. in a typical chain fluid change, if the primary cover has been off then add 45 ozs.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post