Harley Primary Oil

By Dennis Santopietro

Q: Hello, while doing my 10k service, I drained my Harley primary oil and it came out very silver on my 2014 FLHTK. Took it to the dealer and they pulled the case and said they found nothing wrong and said it was normal. Talking to several other people they all said the same, you better get it check, they have never seen oil that silver( I have pics). What’s your opinion on this? I would love to ride this bike over a 100k. They did the 1k service with synthetic oil in all 3 areas.

A: Usually that silver color is aluminum. We suggest removing your outer primary cover and inspecting further. Look for any unusual wear or markings inside.

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5 Responses to “Harley Primary Oil”

  1. tbryan

    I joined fixmyhog to see how change my oil in my 2010 FLHTK. The into $3.00 deal isn’t a great deal if I can’t try out the fixmyhog site for the main purpose I wanted to see in the first place. It seems that should be a standard free video!

  2. Dale Burke

    That much fine aluminum in your primary is definitely not normal. It indicates abnormal wear. I certainly wouldn't ride it another 100k without identifying the source of that metal.

  3. Andrew

    I too usually get a small amount of silver in my primary oil. But I emphasize small amount. Are you changing the primary oil on the Harley recommended maintenance schedule of "every other engine oil change"? Personally, I change my primary fluid with EVERY engine oil change. Considering the trace amounts of aluminum are being circulated not only around your clutch, but around your stator. Aluminum is conductive, and abrasive to the stator windings, and the winding insulation. Changing the oil more often will clean out the contaminents quicker, and prolong the life of the components in the case. Oil is always cheaper than parts. Also double check the slack on your primary chain. Too much slack can allow the chain to contact the aluminum case, causing excess metal contamination suspended in the oil.

  4. Doug

    I say this is completly normal. You should get some wear on the friction plates on the clutch and this is what you are seeing suspended in the oil. Completly normal wear. No worries.

  5. Elwin

    My 1997 Heritage Springer has 13,000 miles. I bought it with 2,500 miles on it and it's always made a whining sound in the first 4 gears. Then when you shift into 5th everything was perfect, no weird sounds. I had a Road Max six speed installed thinking it was the tranny. However, it has the same noise in the first 4 gears and 6th gear is almost unbearable. Fifth is perfect!!! The shop that installed it insists its just the nature of the beast. I don't think so. It sounds like it's mostly coming from the primary side. I was going to have the compensator replaced but friends have told me they think that's a waste of money & won't cure the problem. I really don't know what else to do as no other shop has the answer. One shop owner said he thinks the 'harmonic balance' is way off when in all the gears except for 5th, which I understand is a 1/1 ratio. Any ideas??