Transmission Fluid Oil Change on a TGU and Lower Levels after 6k Miles

[Capt.Bob]

Transmission Fluid Oil Change on a TGU and Lower Levels after 6k Miles

I was going on an extended trip and wanted to change all of the fluids on my 2016 TGU. After returning from the trip, I noticed that the tranny fluid was a bit low on the dipstick. Is it common for our Tri Glides to use transmission fluid? Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing is leaking anywhere that I can see. The tranny worked well but was starting to get just a bit difficult to find neutral only occassionally by the end of the ride. I use the Harley Formula+ in both the tranny and the primary case. Where did the 6-7 ounces go?

 

[Capt.Bob]

Yes, I changed the tranny oil and brought it up to the full mark prior to the trip.

 

[geezerglide11441]

Yes, I changed the tranny oil and brought it up to the full mark prior to the trip.

Bob, the only way out is to leak out!!:gah: You might try Redline Heavy Duty Shockproof transmission fluid next time, you will notice the difference in finding neutral overtime!!

Roger

 

[Capt.Bob]

Bob, the only way out is to leak out!!:gah: You might try Redline Heavy Duty Shockproof transmission fluid next time, you will notice the difference in finding neutral overtime!!

Roger

That's what I was kind of thinking. Maybe, somehow, when I was filling the tranny that I misread the hash marks on the dip stick although I don't think so. The drill is to rest the cap on the threads but not screw the cap in IIRC. I reread the instructions and it says to thread the tranny dipstick in just to the point that the O-ring touches and then take a reading. I was misreading the procedure. My bad. I used the correct procedure for the trip but in getting home and servicing the bike, I was going with that particular fluid read by memory rather than reading the manual and have overfilled the tranny. The nice thing is that I have not moved the trike so will just simply drain the tranny oil out and start fresh with a simple O-ring and quart of Formula+. I have had pretty good results with the Formula+ and have read some mixed reviews on how peoples' bikes have responded to some of the other lubricants. I am not convinced that Formula+ is the best but OTOH, it was spec'd by Harley and is manufactured to their specs for their gears so I will just stay with it.

 

[Fearless]

Harley buys oil don't refine it.

I agree Red line is good stuff I really did some digging, I don't work for any of those oil company's I found a site with independent test's. Mobile 1 full synthetic and Amsoil Syn. were on top. something about scar tests I wish I would have saved the test lab site old timers setting I guess. everyone must follow their own path on oil. Amsoil website is very informative and it sure has volume of information about lubrication oil in general. :Shrug: It's just a good read. fearless

 

[geezerglide11441]

I agree Red line is good stuff I really did some digging, I don't work for any of those oil company's I found a site with independent test's. Mobile 1 full synthetic and Amsoil Syn. were on top. something about scar tests I wish I would have saved the test lab site old timers setting I guess. everyone must follow their own path on oil. Amsoil website is very informative and it sure has volume of information about lubrication oil in general. :Shrug: It's just a good read. fearless

Fearless, I basically agree, as I normally do an extensive search/study before I forge ahead with most anything new - I.e. I also performed an exhaustive research/review of not only synthetic oil, but also filters. What I found was similar to your statement about Mobile 1 and Amsoil, but I also could not find an "independent study" lab that was not performing the study FOR AMSOIL!! That kinda tainted the findings for me. I have used Redline, Mobile 1, and HD Syn 3 and have never read anything that identified using a particular oil caused an engine failure.

In summary, I think any of the 100% Synthetics are fine for the air cooled motors.

Roger

 

[headheaded]

how much did you put in to start with ? 1 quart will bring to the full level .

 

[rhino 2]

If i can see any fluid on the dipstick regardless where its on the stick i'am good to go...

 

[Fearless]

1 quart

how much did you put in to start with ? 1 quart will bring to the full level .

Yes 1 quart is all that is needed ThumbUpfearless

 

[Capt.Bob]

Well, All is good. Before I fired up the bike, I drained the tranny fluid due to my lack of remembering how to properly measure the tranny fluid content. I had not moved the bike so it was just a simple matter of pulling the drain, refilling with fresh Formula+ and getting the fluid level right smack on the F line of the dipstick and placing a new O-ring on the drain plug and reinstalling with 20 foot pounds of torque from my torque wrench. I am sure that it is not that super-duper critical in terms of being an ounce under or over but I tend to be very anal about my equipment and service it exactly the way that Harley prescribes. That way, if the damn thing breaks, it is a fault of the bike and not some dumb mechanic error. I appreciate all of the input that everyone provided. Next time, I am not going to rely on my memory for certain tasks that have somewhat idiosyncratic ways of measuring things (i.e. screw the tranny dipstick in until it just touches the rubber O-ring to the case and then check the dipstick). Safe riding for everyone this Summer. There are a lot of crazies out there and I encountered a few on my 6K mile recent journey.