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

[Capt.Bob]

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?

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Had you ever checked it before? It might not of been there to start with.

[Capt.Bob]

Had you ever checked it before? It might not of been there to start with.

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!! 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!! 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]

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. 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. 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]

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 fearless

[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.