| Author | Message | ||
     Dwardo |
Bought a 2002 Road King in really nice shape. I only rode it 10 minutes and bought it and have no tags now so no real report on how it runs. I think the clutch is so heavy there must be a problem but otherwise it seems to be mechanically fine. I'm going to change the oils. Any recommendations for engine, tranny, and primary fluids? I like Mobil-1 15W-50 in the Buell. Any general advice? I know NOTHING about the big twins so I'm all ears! | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Mobil makes an oil especially for Harley's called Mobil 1 Vee Twin oil. I use it in all three holes. The Big Twins have a separate oil system for the tranny, unlike the Buell. The drain plugs are all under the bike, and it is easy to confuse which is which at first. K+N oil filters have a nut on the end of them which makes them very easy to change, especially since the Harley as very little clearance between the filter and the engine. One puts tin foil or something under the filter before removing to keep oil from spilling all over the place. The good news is that the spark plugs are much easier to change than a Buell.  | ||
| Fung |
I like to go by the book. motor oil plug, points out the side and the primary, faces the ground. Have fun thats a nice bike! | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Any recommendations for engine, tranny, and primary fluids? Dwardo, congrats. As for fluids, I'd recommend H-D's SYN3 for all three cavities. Here's a comprehensive FAQ on the stuff: http://www.harley-davidson.com/pna/pa_chart_syn3_f aqs.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448648531&FOLDER %3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302290455&ASSORTMENT%3C%3Ea st_id=2534374302290455&bmUID=1053950238917&bmLocal e=en_US The oil filter is a lot easier to change if you'll remove the nuts that hold the voltage regulator in place and move the regulator out of the way. It's not necessary to disconnect any wires, just move it out outboard as far as it will go. Use a high-quality steel strap-type oil filter wrench with a swivel handle. If you scrimp on the quality of the wrench, the filter is going to laugh at you, but it's not going to come off. While you're at the dealer getting the filter and fluids, be sure to get replacement o-rings for the drain plugs. They're cheap insurance against leaks. FB | ||
| Tq_freak |
Congrats and you will love it, I have an 01' Standard Dresser to complement my lightning. oil changes are a breeze except the 4 quarts of motor oil, can get pricey. I have so far used syn 3 and had good results, on the next changed I'm going to give amsoil a shot since the local dealer is getting $12 a quart for HD brand. One word of advice, buy and extra set of running boards, the lean angle is FAR less then any Buell and the Boards take the brunt of it. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
I think the clutch is so heavy there must be a problem... Dwardo, first thing I'd do is thoroughly lube the clutch cable. Seems cable care seldom gets a second thought for many of us, and maybe lubing the cable will solve your perceived issue. Be advised that Harley makes a "Reduced Effort Clutch Kit" (p/n 36808-05, MSRP $44.95, fits '99-'05 Twin Cam models), which consists of a revised clutch spring (diaphragm type) and inner/outer ramps. This kit is OE on '06-later Twin Cams - I have this kit on my Road King ('06) and think the clutch effort is cake. Also be advised that Harley offers a "Hydraulic Clutch Kit" ($299.95 black, $459.95 chrome, various part numbers depending on model of bike and desired finish) that includes clutch master cylinder and cover, clutch lever, braided stainless steel clutch line, slave cylinder, and all hardware. They claim this kit reduces clutch lever effort by "up to 30%." I don't have any experience with this product, but I'm betting it works as advertised. FB | ||
| Dwardo |
Thanks for all the advice, and keep it coming! On the clutch, I was fooling around in the driveway and noticed that it also drags some. It will need to be adjusted and lubed. The local dealer wants some outrageous price for that but I might let him do it anyway because he is inspecting the bike for general condition and state requirements. I notice that the cable runs behind the crash bar and it kind of has a sharp turn. Should it go in front of the bar? Also, the manual says that using the improper oil filter wrench can damage the crank sensor. What's the deal with that? | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
The clutch may very well need adjustment (it is a wear item, after all, plus a small amount of normal cable stretch may exist), but the clutch itself doesn't need to be lubed, per se, as it lives its life bathed in oil in the primary chaincase. Maybe the dealer (or you) meant the cable needs to be lubed. The crankshaft position sensor lives right behind the oil filter. It one were particularly ham-fisted or careless removing the oil filter, the sensor could be in damaged. Knowing that it's there in the first place is half the battle. You might consider getting yourself a service manual. You'll amortize the expense the first time you tackle a job - such as adjusting the clutch - that you could just as easily do yourself rather than paying the dealer. FB | ||
| Dwardo |
Oh yeah, I'm definitely getting the manual. I can do any of the work once I have it. I just think since I'm unfamiliar with the bike that I'll let the dealer look at it initially. I did the same thing with my M2. I paid through the nose for the service but they discovered that the rear caliper was installed improperly, among other things. Probably worth it since they seem to know what they're doing. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
...Probably worth it since they seem to know what they're doing. Cool. Hope to see some pix of your new motor when you get a chance.  FB | ||
| Ftd |
2000 Road King, orig. owner, just turned 63,000 miles engine Mobil 1 V-Twin syn. 20W-50 HD oil filters trans Mobil 1 syn. gear lube primary Type F ATF Frank | ||
| Ftd |
This is a good site for HD info: http://harleytechtalk.net/htt/index.php | ||
| Citified |
agree with Ftd. same stuff I use in mine. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Dude gets a new bike and turns it into an oil thread. CONGRATS ON THE NEW BIKE! HD sells an oil filter wrench for like 10 bucks that grips the end of the filter and will allow use of your 3/8 drive ratchet and extension. It has a cut out in it to clear the stator plug so you can only make little turns and then reset it on the filter but once the filter is loose, ya don't need it. You won't have to take off your regulator or anything else. | ||
| Dwardo |
Hey, thanks! That sounds like a tool that's worth the price. The dealer is about done with the bike. The only thing he found wrong with it so far is the front tire needs to be replaced because it's cupped. I went over and looked at it and it really is, pretty badly. He's going to lube the clutch cable. I'm hoping to get tags on it this week. |
