First DIY service....Be gentle.

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by Xkvator

...and never used blue loctite on a drain plug, either...

Harley recomends the loctite pipe sealer, but i don't use that either...

This a fun subject, so we can go on for as much time as we have. My manual only calls for sealing primary plug.

I like my 07, has real plug for primary with oring.

[Backroad Mike]

Originally Posted by RKotter

Get some brake cleaner.

Sounds like Tim speaks from experience.

[Backroad Mike]

Originally Posted by Geezer-Glide

Change the "O" ring. Don't be a piker like that cheap skate out by Pittsburg.

He's probably got 50-60 of them "somewhere" in one of them garages.

[Hodawwg]

I put a board under the kickstand instead using a lift to stand it upright.

[y2kflhr]

brake clean. I use plumbers teflon pipe sealer on the plugs, never leak, never lost one, I also fill the oil 1 less quart-fire the bike for a minute to get oil in the filter, then finish topping off...I have never had to change an inspection gasket on either bike, 1 quart in the primary and done....I always used to change all the fluids every time although they don't call for it.

oh yeah brake clean.......simple green......wash..........

[orbit]

I use mineral spirits, in a used spray bottle (like for shower cleaner or stuff like that), instead of brake clean. Easier on the paint, works just as well.

I just did my 1K service, took two days, working off and on. Saved clutch adjustment for last. It didn't need it, but I wanted to see what it was all about. I used a nickle as a lever spacer as well.

I didn't use sealer on any of the drain plugs, nor did I change the o-rings. Did torque 'em to spec, tho. I don't have any weepage, yet..

Good tip on using never seize on the torx screws. Didn't think of that, wish I had.

[jasilva]

Originally Posted by Red Rider

28 oz in the softail primary. I use a quart though - it's easier and doesn't hurt anything.

DO NOT USE a quart in a Softail. It can cause the clutch to drag and make it near impossible to find neutral while the engine is running.

[vafatboy]

Responses all over the place. Follow the manual for capacities, what you've been told here ain't right for a softail. Forget the teflon tape and use teflon thread sealer.

Used both in oil and gas applications and the thread sealer waaaaayyy out performs the tape, just sayin.


28 oz primary, plug bottom rear primary. Forget the silly diagram they show for the level relative to the derby opening.
24 oz transmission plug centered between the shocks.
3 qts oil bag....for me anyway. Much more and it'll mist. Drain right side on frame rail just ahead of the swing arm by a bit.

[y2kflhr]

we all forgot the most important thing..













beer.....

[orbit]

Originally Posted by y2kflhr

we all forgot the most important thing..













beer.....

[Berserker]

For the people who prop or lift bike up, if you want to be anal, you may not be doin g a good job getting out engine oil. The plug for the engine oil is located, such that when on the kickstand it all runs down to the hole. Same with primary.

Tranny it does help to raise bike up.

[jasilva]

Originally Posted by Berserker

For the people who prop or lift bike up, if you want to be anal, you may not be doin g a good job getting out engine oil. The plug for the engine oil is located, such that when on the kickstand it all runs down to the hole. Same with primary.

Tranny it does help to raise bike up.

Not on softails. The drain is on the right rear of the tank so it does leave some oil behind if you don't get it up off the stand.

[Xkvator]

Originally Posted by Berserker

For the people who prop or lift bike up, if you want to be anal, you may not be doin g a good job getting out engine oil. The plug for the engine oil is located, such that when on the kickstand it all runs down to the hole. Same with primary.

Tranny it does help to raise bike up.

we're talkin' Softails...that's what he's got...

[y2kflhr]

hey zerk, I wouldn't mind a copy of that spreadsheet......

[Xkvator]

Originally Posted by vafatboy

Responses all over the place. Follow the manual for capacities, what you've been told here ain't right for a softail. I agree...check the manual for your year bike...





Forget the teflon tape and use teflon thread sealer.

Used both in oil and gas applications and the thread sealer waaaaayyy out performs the tape, just sayin.

i didn't see anybody mention tape...i wouldn't use it for drain plugs either...a very small amount of the teflon sealer if you want to use it...

the tape is better on high pressure pipe...air & hydraulic systems...

yellow tape is for natural gas...jus' sayin'...