softail transmission drain plug location

[smurfsdad]

I'm going to do the 1000 mile service on my new FLSTCI today. At least
I'm going to do all that I'm able. I am new to the Harleys and am a novice,
(although I'm 59 y/o), mechanic.
I bought the service manual. I've purchased a tension gauge, I've got all
the fluids, filter, and new primary inspection gasket. I've found where to
drain the oil and the primary fluid. I'm not sure where to drain the
transmission fluid and the picture in the manual isn't helping me a lot. I
won't do anything until I'm sure of myself. Can anyone describe the location
of the transmission drain plug for me?
Thanks and have a great weekend. It's raining here in central Illinois.
Good day to do some minor maintenance.
Thanks.
Smurfsdad

[Yard dog]

It's right smack in the middle of the two shocks. Just feel between them and you'll find it.

[FATVETTE]

What Yard Dog said. It may also help to use a mirror.

[Octain]

On my first change thats what I had to do, the mirror thing. And I had it up on a lift, lol.
It was a search for sure but its there.

[smurfsdad]

Thanks for the help guys. Found the drain, will change the transmission fluid today. Got the engine oil and primary chaincase done yesterday, no problem.
Again, appreciate the help.
Smurfsdad

[Top]

Is your daughter or son a smurf??? LOL*

[stonep]

I found the workshop manual for 2002 softail useless as well on location of transmission drain plug ...but now that I've found it, is there any way I can change oil easily without a bike lift? The only option seems to risk getting hot oil all over yourself, the shocks, rear tyre and ground.

[JTS1469]

I got the urge to change mine at a friends garage. I have a lift but of course it was home so I just used a few 4 by 4's and bolcked it up straight worked fine. Just felt stupid...new bike up on wood blocks and a lift at home.
JTS

[FatBill]

For the tranny and crank, just use a cookie sheet. There isn't that much oil and it allows you to inspect the used oil better. Fatbill

[Hermit_au]

Thanks very much for this answer, I've been trying to do my first transmission fluid change (just bought the bike second-hand), and the diagram in the harley manual was completely useless.

[reekers529]

Originally Posted by FatBill

For the tranny and crank, just use a cookie sheet. There isn't that much oil and it allows you to inspect the used oil better. Fatbill

great idea will use that next time a change fluids!

[Recon Dad]

The 1,000 mile inspection is more than a fluid change. It is the first check that your bike is setup properly. An experienced HD mechanic will spot things that may not be in the 1,000 mile list.

My dealer felt is was so important that they do the 1,000 service for free. I know some people say they include it in the cost of the bike but I got a good deal on mine.

I did the 5,000 myself. The 1,000 and 10,000 mile service calls for the "steering head bearing free fall check". Some people just snug up the bearings. If you follow the procedure in the manual and get repeatable results three times in a row your doing it right. It took me 8 hours practice before I got it right.

Its up to you but I like a pro to check my bike once in a while. I'm just a weekend mechanic.

[bolt54]

It is all well and good to have a pro check your bike, but when I bought mine I asked in advance how much prep time they would need before I took it home. I was told that all of their bikes are ready to go and prep time is minimal.

As I went to leave the dealer with my 'prepped' bike, when I tried to start the bike the battery was dead. Then, as I was driving home, I noticed that my brand new machine acted funny on winding roads. When I got home I found out that the dealer let me leave with 18 psi in the front tire.

So much for letting a pro look at my ride. I'll get a manual and learm how to check the steering bearings myself.