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I recently changed my oil and filter on a 2023 Softail, used new O-Ring on the drain plug.
I primed the Harley OEM filter with a few ounces of oil and added just under 4 quarts of oil per the owner's manual guidance. Prior to taking it out riding, I was able to see the oil on the dipstick and, going by the Cold Check level, it was just under halfway. I figure I'm good to take it out and do so. It runs great, rides great isn't leaking and no oil pressure or any other indicator lights in a quick 15-20 mile ride.
When I get it back to do a hot check at the end of the ride after pulling into the garage and letting it idle on the side stand for another minute, there is nothing on the dipstick on the sidestand. I check it cold maybe five hours later and still nothing, get on and rock it back and forth, then check again and now there is plenty of oil all over the dipstick. Check it cold the next day, still nothing so I dropped in the last ounce or two of oil from the last jug for a total of 4 quarts.
There are 4 quarts of oil in this bike, nothing leaking out of the air cleaner or anywhere else. I've read some tales of people adding a quart in situations like this and ending up way overfilled, although I've heard others say 4.5 quarts is ideal. Any similar experiences?
Last edited by Ralpf Muchachio; May 28, 2026 at 08:50 AM.
You don't need to prime filter. Doesn't hurt either way however.
All is good.
I think by reading your post, you didn't run it briefly to totaly fill filter. The filter took up some. Your a half qt low.
Have you read the owner's manual on oil change and how to check it?
Start it up and drive it around the block. Park it level and how the OWNER'S manual says to check oil.
Add as necessary to bring up to the level you prefer to run it on the stick. Go slow. That stick and clean oil is a pain to see.
Probably going to take about a approx half quart.
I personally would after you get it close, drive around till it's hot and fill it to the hot mark. Another approx 1/4 of a quart.
Done that way, obviously you need to check it regularly but it probably will be fine till next oil change.
PS..how much came out? Where was it on the stick before changing it? Think you wrong about the 4 qt. Spec says capacity is 5 qt for a new dry assembled engine in factory.
Takes about 4.5 at oil changes with the larger latest filter revision.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 28, 2026 at 09:27 AM.
Thanks for the advice. I did try to follow the manual, which seems to call for 4 quarts to start, but should have done a hot check prior to leaving for my long ride, so I skipped parts 10b and 10c below before riding it but won't do that again! Both hot and cold checks are to be done on the Jiffy Stand according to the manual. I do have an extra quart on the way
Last edited by Ralpf Muchachio; May 28, 2026 at 01:03 PM.
"dual markings for stand and upright."
With the kickstand on a Lowrider it is upright, LOL. I experience the same after an oil change, I think it takes a longer ride than 15 or 20 miles for it read properly on the dipstick.
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Odd oil change behavior, M8 114
