Harley Davidson Oil Change – DIY Transmission Fluid Change
- By web admin
- Published 08/2/2011
In order to maintain your Harley Davidson bike, you not only need to ensure that the shine and the looks of your bike remain, but the engine needs to be perfect and clean as well. Transmission Fluid Change and oil change play an important role with regards to this as well. Here are a few instructions that are noteworthy with regards to Harley Davidson Oil Change, DIY!
First of all, you need to understand when and how often you should go for a Transmission Fluid Change before you actually learn how to do it on your own. Most shops recommend that you should go for a Harley Davidson Oil Change every 30,000 miles (same for automatic transmission fluid change for other vehicles) for the optimal results. Some shops may also point out that a really good transmission fluid can last you up to 100,000 miles, especially if it is a new vehicle that you have got. But ideally, it’s not a good idea to test the limit if you want a smooth run.
The transmission fluid not only prevents the generation of internal heat through friction, it also helps in adding to the life of the motorbike parts, and increases fuel efficiency as well. There are a number of terms that you should have knowledge on with regards to transmission fluid change, like auxiliary cooling, ATF fluid types, and the recommended specs of your Harley Davidson as well.
Use a dipstick to measure the level of the transmission fluid for your Harley Davidson, dip it and then pull it out. Check the level of the fluid, and then find out if there is the need to change. The right level will be mentioned in the Harley Davidson manual for you.
The Actual Process
The Transmission Fluid Change process can be quite messy at times, as there is no drain plug to help you with changing the fluid. When you actually get to the process, you will have to change the pan that holds the fluid, and here you may find the fluid dribbling out from the pan.
Along with changing the fluid (completely or partial), you will need a few parts that become very important in the process. For example, you may need a new filter, a new pan gasket (which is also called a RTV sealer), and around 6 to 8 quarts of ATF. You will need to do a bit of scrapping, and should wipe all the residual fluid before you pour in the new fluid. Some technicians suggest that if this seems to be too tricky, you can even do a partial fluid change. This is better than nothing.
The process is definitely a headache if you consider doing it on your own. But it is definitely something a Harley Davidson lover will love to do it on their own! There are a number of ways in which you can simplify your task. Using an oil extractor pump is one such technique.
There are a number of brands that offer very reliable and user-friendly Do It Yourself Harley Davidson Oil Change Systems. The trick is to get the right one and use it in the right way. These vacuum pumps are very effective for sucking out the oil from your Harley Davidson Bike, especially when you are an amateur trying to change the fluid on your own!
Author Bio: Kevin Murdoch is a Harley Davidson fanatic. He owns a couple of garages, and has been writing manuals (e.g. Transmission Fluid Change manuals) for novices and amateurs to help them get more out of their Bikes and enjoy a safe ride throughout.
