Uh-Oh. Changed the primary oil on my '05 FLHTCUI yesterday and the stench of the oil was terrible. Smells like something died and was burned inside. The oil itself was a dirty dark gray color, but there was very little in the way of metal dust on the magnetic primary drain plug. The bike has 45,000 miles on it and it had 2,500 miles since I last changed the primary oil. I use HD Formula + Transmission/Primary Oil. I have a HD automatic primary chain tensioner which I installed 30,000 miles ago. The bike is stock from the air cleaner to the exhaust.

What's causing the smell? I've got no electrical indications of problems with the stator (yet). Since Christmas I've been riding in the clutch friction zone a good deal following the practice guidelines in "Ride Like a Pro IV," but I've religiously followed the cooling recommendations in the video. Have I cooked the clutch? The bike was running normally before I changed the oil (I've not done a road test yet as the wheels are still off the bike getting new rubber).

What should I do now?

Thanks,
Nomadic RAM

 

burned clutch

 

Burnt Stator, They really stink when they toast!!!

 

How do I determine if its the stator? If it is a burnt stator anybody know if that would be covered under warranty??

 

May be Formula Plus it smells like a fish died in the oil.

 

what is your volt meter reading?

 

Absolutely normal - 14+volts just like always.

 

Electrical components really stink when they burn,dont know if thats the problem.
Was the the oil level low when changed out?

 

If you could still smell it days later, you may want to pull the cover and look at the stator. When they burn it really smells bad. If you click on the link in my signature you can see one of mine that cooked.

 

Don't know if there is a way for early warning of the stator going...however I know from experience that when they do go...it's sounds exactly what you're talking about.....would like to know also if there is an early warning sign...sounds like the voltage is aok...I've had mine go while on vacation...there one minute...gone the next......keep us posted..................
BC