[kenhorse]

i just bought a 02 sporty with 2100 miles when i got it i ask the guy about his services, he said he had never checked the primary because it did not call for it till 5000 miles and it was not half way. so considering its age i decided to do it and when i drained it i only got 16 oz out and i am sure cause i measures it, magnetic drainplug was not to junked up so ass the book calls for 32oz i refilled per specks to the measurement given in the tech book i used Mobil 1 15-50 took it for a ride and it shifted smoother and ran fine. my question is where did the other 16 oz go? did the factory screw up or did it evaporate? ps rode today and it shifts like butter

 

[ctd]

I have the same concern, but not as drastically with my Sportster. When I drained the primary/tranny oil, I got 24oz out. 8oz short. I installed the 32oz as spec'd but it put the level about 1/8" above where it should have been. I drained about 2oz back out to correct the level. My only thought was the ridges in the castings held some oil, but in your case, 16oz is more than would be trapped. No obvious leaks? Hopefully someone will chime in with a answer.

 

[LeavenworthJeff]

I can tell you that you should put in only 28 oz, not the 32 oz that the book calls for. When you put the full 32 in, neutral can be somewhat harder to find than it is usually. As for the missing fluid I couldn't answer that. I would say you made a good catch!

LeavenworthJeff

 

[ctd]

I found that by adding the 32oz it overfills the primary/trans by a few ounces. I know only draining 24oz out got my attention. That was with the bike propped level and draining for quite awhile while warm.

 

[Chip_3]

I Had A 2000 model 1200 custom, always used 32oz I always used syn3 from the time it came available and had no shifting problems, some of the boys around here use less, I sold my sporty late last year after riding 52,000km in 2005 alone a great bike, I was sorry to sell it but no room for the new one, dont worry about only finding 16oz, just do another change after riding a few more miles and check the amount, if you record a loss then it is either coming out of the rhs bearing seal "easy to check just look" or into the crank case but that would be very unusual as it usually fills from the crankcase if a seal is gone. the primary chain only directs the oil over this area when running.

 

[EG Willy]

It is possible that the factory did not top it correctly.