tranny oil change

[nbrune292]

Im to broke for a service manual,:doh can anyone give me the quick and dirty for a transmision fluid change or a link to a thread. I tried a search but came up empty. Thanks

[semjpm]

Tranny oil is drained via the primary case. There is a small drain plug (5/8 "" ??) at the rear of the primary case that you remove. Have the bike level (or close to it) and hot. Clean the magnet part of the drain plug and check the o-ring - replacing if necessary. Trans/Primary takes 32 oz of Sportster trans fluid via the top inspection port. Pretty simple, just like changing the oil in your car. Careful with the torque on the plug when replacing.

[rokpunk]

and don't spill it all over your garage floor like i did the other week.

[nbrune292]

thanks fellas!

[nbrune292]

its official, im an idiot!
I found the drain plug but where is that inspection port you talkin about?

[IronMick]

its official, im an idiot!
I found the drain plug but where is that inspection port you talkin about?

The "top inspection port": on the left side of the bike, down on the lower engine case, there is a small round cover [about 1,1/2 or 2 inches] held in place by two bolts. It is the "primary chain inspection cover". Remove the cover, nothing will fall out. You can see the primary chain in there. Stick your finger in and feel the tension on the chain. With engine hot the free play should be 1/4 to 3/8 inch. Cold: 3/8 to 1/2 inch.

This is where you add the oil.

When re-installing the drain plug remember you are installing a steel plug into an aluminum case. Too tight and you will wreck the case. The torque spec is 14 to 21 ft-lbs. This corresponds in my world to "quite firm". Axel bolts get 50 to 75 ft-lbs. 5 to 10 ft-lbs is "firm but not over-tight", and applies to most general nuts and bolts - such as the inspection cover bolts.

The book calls for 32 ounces. But this is for a completely dry case. We usually add no more than 28 ounces at a change. There is a way to check the level by looking thru the "clutch inspection cover"; this is the larger round cover just to the rear of the other one.

What you would look for is that the oil level would be "even with the bottom of the clutch diaphram spring". My experience is that, even with the manual open and a diagram to look at, i was unable to see this. If you just add the 28 you will be correct. Do not add the full 32.

Many people have difficulty removing the inspection cover bolts. Use good tools and good technique. If they do not come loose easily come back for more advice.

[nbrune292]

Thanks alot!
So i did an oil change, tranny change and new tires (which i just did myself)...i think she'll be good through the winter! Thanks for the advice IronMick!

[Tucson_Tim]

The advice here is to use the primary drive inspection hole to add the trans oil instead of removing the larger round clutch inspection cover. And adding 28 ounces instead of the full quart (32 ounces). What would happen if the full 32 ounces is added? Blown out somewhere? Too much drag?

Tim

[greanmeany1]

it might purge out the overflow tube. i just did my 1200c and i got 32 oz out of it . the first change i got 28 oz out .but i had warrenty work done later on the bike and i guss the tech just put a whole 32 oz bottle in. that was 2,000 miles ago without a problem. i put 30 oz in just to be on the safe side cuzz 32 did not hurt it.

[BraveLongwords]

This is where the "real men" (i.e. those who can cook) :D know the answer!

Keep an old turkey-baster :banana in your garage for those times when you need to remove some tranny fluid.

If you got a leaky shifter seal, drain plug seal or inspection cover gasket, the turkey baster will keep you from running with too much fluid. Stick it into the inspection cover hole and suck it out a 1/2 ounce to an ounce at a time (into a disposable plastic cup). It's easy to add some if you take out too much.

I'm too lazy to pour out 4 shots of clean tranny fluid. I can't drink it, so I'd have to save it or throw it out. And ya never know when the EPA "green team" will be watchin' your shed.

BTW...your clutch will slip like crazy if you add 32oz. Not good at all.

[jay R.]

so the primary does not tie into the oil tank on the other side of the bike? What kind of fluid would you put in there?

[mbilbray]

Where did you find the tranny fluid? Is there a sustitute rather than have to order the fluid over the internet?