Not enough oil
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Deerfield Beach
This the correct fill. It doesn't matter how many oz it is. 99% of the time 1qt will get it there.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 20
From: Eau Claire, WI
Yeah, because the absolute precision tolerances that we all know Harley drivetrains are famous for will be incredibly adversely effected by a few ounces of oil either way in what amounts to a tub with a chain spinning on a couple sprockets slinging said oil all over the place. Makes perfect sense. Wear a lab coat and rubber gloves while you measure it out to for best results.
And this isn't even taking into consideration that just draining and refilling your primary isn't close to exact as far as amount goes. you never get everything out when you drain it. I've never measured for my primary. Just fill the damn thing to the correct level on the clutch, put it together and ride it. 98 thousand miles on mine, and everything in the primary is still what came new with the bike. including the clutch.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
On a re-fill, how much that NEEDS to go in depends on how much came out. If you used some of the tricks found on line to get a thorough drain you will need more than if you just casually drain and re-fill. The manual tells what "full" looks like and it suggests about 38 ounces so you have enough on hand. Fill to the proper level as per the manual, end of discussion. This is like, if your car manual says you have an 18 gallon fuel tank, you insist on pumping 18 gallons of fuel at every fuel stop no matter how much runs out on the drive as you pump.
I've been trying to find exactly where any shop manual says "round about 38 oz. should do it" - maybe you can direct me to the exact page?
And refilling only the amount that is removed is ****-poor maintenance at best. Particularly if there's any leakage, etc.
My experience is this: I have yet to find a primary calling for a 38 oz. refill ever to be over filled regardless of how much is drained out. If it's drained, it's drained - casually or formally (WTF?).
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Sorry for calling you out here, but.....
I've been trying to find exactly where any shop manual says "round about 38 oz. should do it" - maybe you can direct me to the exact page?
And refilling only the amount that is removed is ****-poor maintenance at best. Particularly if there's any leakage, etc.
My experience is this: I have yet to find a primary calling for a 38 oz. refill ever to be over filled regardless of how much is drained out. If it's drained, it's drained - casually or formally (WTF?).
I've been trying to find exactly where any shop manual says "round about 38 oz. should do it" - maybe you can direct me to the exact page?
And refilling only the amount that is removed is ****-poor maintenance at best. Particularly if there's any leakage, etc.
My experience is this: I have yet to find a primary calling for a 38 oz. refill ever to be over filled regardless of how much is drained out. If it's drained, it's drained - casually or formally (WTF?).
Last edited by KCFLHRC; Jul 23, 2014 at 10:21 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 8
From: Jackson, MS
Man I am jinxed. So I am on my home from work(right now) and the clutch just went out while sitting at a light. I have the hydro clutch and there is absolute zero pressure on the lever.
I sit a n wait for the truck.
I sit a n wait for the truck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 128
Jeez guys, it is amazing that this has turned into such a discussion about 32 oz., 38 oz., or 45 oz. Remove the derby cover and shine a flashlight in there so you can see if oil touches the bottom of the clutch basket. If the primary oil does not touch the bottom of the clutch basket then put in some more until it does. Don't worry about how many ounces of oil are in the primary, only worry about whether or not it touches the bottom of the clutch basket. It the oil touches the bottom of the clutch basket it will have the required 45 ounces in it. If it has a little more in it, don't freek out. It won't grenade.
Ride more and worry less.
Ride more and worry less.
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Supporter
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Farmingdale, New York
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
Yeah, because the absolute precision tolerances that we all know Harley drivetrains are famous for will be incredibly adversely effected by a few ounces of oil either way in what amounts to a tub with a chain spinning on a couple sprockets slinging said oil all over the place. Makes perfect sense. Wear a lab coat and rubber gloves while you measure it out to for best results.