Question for those with transmission oil transfer issues

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I have been having transmission oil migration issues with my 17,well the dealer did the " fix" and havent had enough miles on it yet to see if its fixed( I kinda doubt it).So has anyone one else with this issue noticed the smell of transmission oil more prevalent than before.I have checked the underside of the trike with a white shop towel and besides road dirt there is no signs of any leaks,running Belray so the red would show up.No drops on the garage floor.I know the trans is vented so i may get a whiff every now and again but this seems like more than any bike i have ever owned this is HD number 11 for me so I have owned a few lol. Just curious.

 

[MDO]

I don't have the problem. I run Lucas 20w50 full synthetic in all 3 holes & I never smell it.

I would think you would only smell it if it's burning.

Does Belray smell different than regular lubricant?

 

[Jack Klarich]

Steve, I do not have the transfer problem on my M8 tho I smell the Redline gear oil when it is hot outside

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I don't have the problem. I run Lucas 20w50 full synthetic in all 3 holes & I never smell it.

I would think you would only smell it if it's burning.

Does Belray smell different than regular lubricant?

To me Belray smells more like the rear end lube you use in your car or truck.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Steve, I do not have the transfer problem on my M8 tho I smell the Redline gear oil when it is hot outside

Thanks Jack i always worry about a leak when i can smell trans fluid.

 

[jc1300]

Prior Knowledge

I'm curious if any of the owners of the Newer trikes with the M-8 engine were aware of the migration Oil problem before you bought your bikes? I would be considering an upgrade, but can't get my head around that issue. Thanks jc

 

[Trampas]

I curious if any of the owners of the Newer trikes with the M-8 engine were aware of the migration Oil problem before you bought your bikes? I would be considering an upgrade, but can't get my head around that issue. Thanks jc

Yes I was aware of the oil migration, not all of them have this trouble, just so you know this is also happening on the 2014 and up, not just the M8, this is 2 wheelers and 3 wheelers with the hydrualic clutch so it seems, my cousin has this problem on his 2014 triglide, he traded it for a 2017 and has around 6,000 miles on his 2017 and no problems so far. I got rid of my 2016 triglide but I didn't have any problems with it that I was aware of, just bought a 2018 but have not picked it up, was waiting on parts that took forever to get, all parts in now, just waiting for them to put them on and with cold and rainy weather here right now, not sure how miles I will put on before I park it for winter.

All for now Trampas

 

[MDO]

Yes I was aware of the oil migration, not all of them have this trouble, just so you know this is also happening on the 2014 and up, not just the M8, this is 2 wheelers and 3 wheelers with the hydrualic clutch so it seems, my cousin has this problem on his 2014 triglide, he traded it for a 2017 and has around 6,000 miles on his 2017 and no problems so far. I got rid of my 2016 triglide but I didn't have any problems with it that I was aware of, just bought a 2018 but have not picked it up, was waiting on parts that took forever to get, all parts in now, just waiting for them to put them on and with cold and rainy weather here right now, not sure how miles I will put on before I park it for winter.

All for now Trampas

Congratulations on your new ride. Hopefully, you won't have the oil migration problem.

 

[Trampas]

Congratulations on your new ride. Hopefully, you won't have the oil migration problem.

Thanks, I hope I don't have the migration, really won't know until next year the way the weather is going on here, sure the same for you as well

All for now Trampas

P.S. Once I get it I will post some pics if I get the chance and a sunny day, not to many here lately

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

My 17 never had any issues until it got about 10,000 miles on it.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I'm curious if any of the owners of the Newer trikes with the M-8 engine were aware of the migration Oil problem before you bought your bikes? I would be considering an upgrade, but can't get my head around that issue. Thanks jc

My answer is no Not a word of any problems with the NEW M8 and I did ask a lot of questions

 

[rhino 2]

Mine started [17 T/G] At around 1k...Then 3 times at 1k each, And when they did the so-called fix kit, It dropped to 8 hundred miles...And then i got rid if the problem..

 

[dannymax]

Double post

 

[dannymax]

It appears I may have the oil migration issue going on too. Due for the 5K service and thought a dipstik level check would be a good idea....I always check the engine oil but the trannie? Not so often thinking why would it be low....where could it go?? Well, of course, it's down to the ADD mark and assuming they added the correct amount at the 1K service I must conclude there is trannie juice going somewhere.

And so another saga begins...........keep you posted :xzqxz:

 

[rhino 2]

It appears I may have the oil migration issue going on too. Due for the 5K service and thought a dipstik level check would be a good idea....I always check the engine oil but the trannie? Not so often thinking why would it be low....where could it go?? Well, of course, it's down to the ADD mark and assuming they added the correct amount at the 1K service I must conclude there is trannie juice going somewhere.

And so another saga begins...........keep you posted :xzqxz:

They , The dealer will by Harleys edict, Tell you the'll fill both the Trans and the Primary back to the proper level's , Then come on back in another thousand miles...Like you do with shampoo , Rinse and repeat.........Again...

 

[dannymax]

Just looking at the repair order receipt for my 1K service (actually @ 1500 mi)

There are two oil related items:

-4 qts SYN-3 Quart Conversion

-2 SYN3, 1-QT, BTL

4 Qts is the engine oil change I assume, is the 2 Qts a total trannie change or just an addition?

 

[1dn5up]

Just looking at the repair order receipt for my 1K service (actually @ 1500 mi)

There are two oil related items:

-4 qts SYN-3 Quart Conversion

-2 SYN3, 1-QT, BTL

4 Qts is the engine oil change I assume, is the 2 Qts a total trannie change or just an addition?

4 qts in the motor , 1 qt in the trans , 1 qt in the primary. Using 1 qt bottles :Shrug: Looks right to me.

 

[rhino 2]

Just looking at the repair order receipt for my 1K service (actually @ 1500 mi)

There are two oil related items:

-4 qts SYN-3 Quart Conversion

-2 SYN3, 1-QT, BTL

4 Qts is the engine oil change I assume, is the 2 Qts a total trannie change or just an addition?

The Two Qts is the total fill, Approximately 28 Oz gos in the trans ...And the rest in the primary...Two Qts total...

 

[MDO]

It appears I may have the oil migration issue going on too. Due for the 5K service and thought a dipstik level check would be a good idea....I always check the engine oil but the trannie? Not so often thinking why would it be low....where could it go?? Well, of course, it's down to the ADD mark and assuming they added the correct amount at the 1K service I must conclude there is trannie juice going somewhere.

And so another saga begins...........keep you posted :xzqxz:

Sorry to here that dannymax. Here is a question. ..is it possible it was always low?

After hearing about the tranny issue, I was checking every 250 miles, then 500 & now 1,000.

You are the 1st. Freewheeler I remember hearing of with the problem.

Jack has mentioned this before, the only correct way to verify the migration is to drain/measure both tranny & primary. You have to know where your start point is.

 

[dannymax]

Sorry to here that dannymax. Here is a question. ..is it possible it was always low?

After hearing about the tranny issue, I was checking every 250 miles, then 500 & now 1,000.

You are the 1st. Freewheeler I remember hearing of with the problem.

Jack has mentioned this before, the only correct way to verify the migration is to drain/measure both tranny & primary. You have to know where your start point is.

Yes Michael, it is possible if that is the level they filled to during the 1K service. I will be calling today to schedule the 5K and will ask them if that's their normal fill to level...it would be good if it is. I should have checked after the first service but alas....I didn't.

I wanted to wait till spring for the 5K but better do it now and get on their radar in case this grows.

Thanks for the replies! :Coffee:

 

[Fearless]

Just a thought sadly Harley makes it work to check tranny oil with the need of 3/8 allen head for the filler port. I purchased a after market dip stick with a hand knurled head no wrenches required. I was concerned about not checking it easily I have no problems but you can't be to careful. :good:Ride safe Fred

 

[dannymax]

Anyone know how much difference there is between hot & cold checking on the dipstik? I checked it cold and it was on add but never checked it hot, not sure I will get another chance till spring with the weather turning like it is now.

Dealer said with a TSB out on the oil migration issue warranty or not doesn't matter,,,,they are aware of the problem but have not seen any bikes with it so far.

 

[MDO]

Just a thought sadly Harley makes it work to check tranny oil with the need of 3/8 allen head for the filler port. I purchased a after market dip stick with a hand knurled head no wrenches required. I was concerned about not checking it easily I have no problems but you can't be to careful. :good:Ride safe Fred

Fearless, could you please post specifics on what transmission dip stick you bought & where you bought it?

Thanks.

UPDATE: I just realized you don't have an M8 & I don't know if the T/C dipstick is the same, but I would appreciate the info.

 

[MDO]

Anyone know how much difference there is between hot & cold checking on the dipstik? I checked it cold and it was on add but never checked it hot, not sure I will get another chance till spring with the weather turning like it is now.

Dealer said with a TSB out on the oil migration issue warranty or not doesn't matter,,,,they are aware of the problem but have not seen any bikes with it so far.

You are talking motor oil, correct? The transmission is to be checked at ambient air temperature.

As far as the motor oil, I check cold and go for right in the middle of all the little marks. Then when hot, it's at the top.

I pretty much quit checking it hot, after establishing the cold mark. I also get no oil out the external breather after adopting this method. I used to keep it as full as possible, but learned my lesson here that I was hurting, not helping.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Anyone know how much difference there is between hot & cold checking on the dipstik? I checked it cold and it was on add but never checked it hot, not sure I will get another chance till spring with the weather turning like it is now.

Dealer said with a TSB out on the oil migration issue warranty or not doesn't matter,,,,they are aware of the problem but have not seen any bikes with it so far.

Engine oil? If so about 1/2 qt should be good, keep it 1/2 way in the cross hatch area

 

[Jack Klarich]

Fearless, could you please post specifics on what transmission dip stick you bought & where you bought it?

Thanks.

UPDATE: I just realized you don't have an M8 & I don't know if the T/C dipstick is the same, but I would appreciate the info.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/speed-check-transmission-dipstick-pa-10-3710308--1#tabs

Fits up to 2016 models, not M8 trikes

 

[Tucci]

Oil migration video

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...1B70D5574417BFDB96E11B70D5574417&&FORM=VRDGAR

FOUND THIS VIDEO. BELIEVE IT OR DON'T. I'M ONLY POSTING IT FOR FYI

 

[dannymax]

Michael, Jack, actually I was talking about the transmission oil, but noticed after posting the manual states ambient temp as Michael said.

The Service Mgr said they fill the primary to a little below the bottom of the derby hat cover so if I pull that cover off and oil spills out there is probly oil migration going on. I pulled said cover and primary oil level appears to be in the general location he mentioned.

So....crude and cobbled measuring as it is I guess I can conclude that there is probly no catastrophic migration of trannie oil going on, which will have to do until spring when I get the 5K service done and I can monitor oil levels with a hawks eye! :xzqxz:

 

[Jack Klarich]

Michael, Jack, actually I was talking about the transmission oil, but noticed after posting the manual states ambient temp as Michael said.

The Service Mgr said they fill the primary to a little below the bottom of the derby hat cover so if I pull that cover off and oil spills out there is probly oil migration going on. I pulled said cover and primary oil level appears to be in the general location he mentioned.

So....crude and cobbled measuring as it is I guess I can conclude that there is probly no catastrophic migration of trannie oil going on, which will have to do until spring when I get the 5K service done and I can monitor oil levels with a hawks eye! :xzqxz:

Dan, Michael's Freewheeler and mine so far have not migrated any tranny fluid. That said not all of them do

Question for yours, did you or dealer do last service?

If your tranny fluid is 1/2 way on your stick the fluid was either not full or it has migrated some

 

[dannymax]

Dan, Michael's Freewheeler and mine so far have not migrated any tranny fluid. That said not all of them do

Question for yours, did you or dealer do last service?

If your tranny fluid is 1/2 way on your stick the fluid was either not full or it has migrated some

The dealer did the service Jack.

That's the problem, I didn't check either primary or transmission fluid levels after the 1K service so don't know where they were. I'll probly do the 5K myself over the winter as I believe all they do is an oil change - I'll do 3 holes + filter and will have a much better handle on it for next year.