Panhead Oil and Transmission Fluid

Kevin says he prefers to change his Panhead oil between 1,500 and 2,000 miles. A rider should not exceed 2,500 miles on an older, air cooled, Harley Davidson. Before attempting to drain motor or transmission oil, it is important to bring the motorcycle up to operating temperature. Then, allow the motorcycle to cool down a little. Until it is safer to handle without getting burned. This way, the oils will be very fluid and will more thoroughly drain from the Panhead oil system and transmission case.

Kevin gets started by lifting the seat out of the way and removing the battery cover. This allows him to access the top of the Panhead oil tank. The oil tank fill plug is now removed for oil tank ventilation when draining.

Kevin sets an oil drain basin beneath the motorcycle. The Panhead oil drain plug is on the bottom, right side corner of the oil tank. Before releasing the drain plug, Kevin sets up a funnel and a small piece of cardboard to direct the drained oil into the basin. Kevin uses a 3/4″ socket to remove the transmission drain plug. Engine and transmission oil is inspected as it drains. Kevin keeps an eye out for metallics or debris in the draining oil.

He closely examines the drain plugs for debris prior to cleaning and prepping the plugs for re-installation. It is important that drain plugs are not over-tightened when re-installed. Extra care should be taken. Especially with the transmission drain plug. The drain plug is steel and the transmission case is aluminum. This combination is always more susceptible to stripping.

Kevin fills the Panhead oil tank with 3 full quarts and fills the transmission case with 24 ounces.
The transmission oil level should be halfway across the throw out bearing or up to the bottom threads of the fill plug hole with the motorcycle upright and level.

Final Panhead oil level should be set after the motorcycle is started and has achieved operating temperature.

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