Harley-Davidson Low Rider S Oil Change
Harley-Davidson Milwaukee 8 engines, like all Big Twins, have three isolated oil systems: engine, primary drive (primary) and transmission (gearbox). The oil in these systems is changed at different mileage intervals and must be designed specifically for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- 00:00 Oil change intervals
- 00:36 How to drain engine oil
- 01:02 How to drain the oil from the primary
- 01:13 How to drain the oil from the gearbox
- 01:40 Engine oil filter change
- 02:39 Drain plug torque
- 02:57 Filling primary
- 03:29 Filling engine
- 03:45 Filling gearbox
- 04:09 Checking the gearbox oil level
- 04:35 Checking the engine oil level
- 06:14 Oil change intervals in cold climates
The large-displacement air-cooled V-Twin runs hot, some components experience high shock loads, so the oil should have damping abilities, good corrosion protection and protection for seals and gaskets, which this engine has more of than others. All this places high demands on the oil.
The best choice of oil is a special 20W50 fully synthetic oil that is suitable for all three systems: engine, primary and transmission. The original one is called SCREAMIN' EAGLE SYN3, but all major brands have their analogues.
The manual also recommends semi-synthetic oil H-D360 for the engine only and FORMULA+ transmission oil for the primary and gearbox. The advantage of mineral-based oils is that their performance doesn't drop as much as that of synthetic oils when contaminated or when water gets in. Also, they have higher thermal conductivity, so the engine temperature is lower. But their rated characteristics are worse, and they protect the engine worse, especially under extreme loads and overheating.
It is not recommended to mix oils of different brands and viscosity, and it is forbidden to mix fully synthetic and mineral oils in the transmission, as it can lead to bearing wear and gearbox failure.
To change the oil in all three systems, 6 liters are required. The engine oil filter is changed at every oil change.
We recommend checking the engine oil level when the engine is hot. In our experience, such a measurement is more accurate and stable.
You can get a consultation and purchase components for Harley-Davidson motorcycles in our motorcycle shop.
