Risking riticule by seasoned bikers in this forum I am going to post my bonehead move of the day so hopefully I will save someone else from doing it. This morning I went to change my oil (07 WG). Second oil change since I got the bike. The first time I had a buddy helping me, but I decided I could handle it. First off I am not an expert when it comes to wrenching, but I do have a modest amount of skills. Anyway I drain the old oil change the filter etc. All is well. I know the capacity for the motor is 3 quarts so I begin pouring in the fresh oil. On the thrid quart all of a sudden I have oil coming out the fill spout around the funnel. I stop and look checking the level thinking mabye there is an air bubble or soemthing. Nothing doing Motor is clear full. I check again and it was the oil that I drained, not the tranny or anything else. So I am scratching my head wondering what the hell is going on. I reread the maunal and come to find out on a change you are only supposed to put in 2.5 quarts. Anyway long story short I drained the oil and refilled with 2.5. After that all was well. Ran the motor and checked the level all was good. So if this saves someone the same problems the flack I know I am going to recieve will be worth it. Just thought I would share. Hope if nothing else it will give everyone a good laugh.

 

That's how you learn, from your mistakes.

At least your doing it yourself, and not going to the stealer.

 

Flack

 

Honest mistake. Fortunately, I caught that little note in the manual first.

 

Yeah, the oil change amount is 2.5 quarts. 3 quarts is for a dry assembly, like you just rebuilt the motor. At least this is true for the 04's...apparently the 07's (96 inch motor?) are the same?

 

It's okay, most Harley dealers were putting the extra 1/2 qt in the 06s. When ya got home you just drained 1/2 qt out.
Wonder what their excuse was
Now ya know better. Just take your time, and you will be maintaining your bike, getting an education, and saving $$at the same time

Glad all came out well.

DougJ

 

If it holds 3 qts. but change only 2.5, you are mixing 1/2 qt oldwith new oil? Can that be good for the engine? Sorry for the question, but my experience with HD so far is sportster and Vrods. My new Dyna is still on its way.

 

Your going to have this issue with any engine. You can't get all of the old oil out of the oil passaged so there will allways be some old oil left over. If you change it at the proper intervals the contamination should be a non-issue.

 

Yes, you are mixing 1/2 quart old with 2.5 quarts new. Unless you bleed the whole engine dry (which would entail removing the motor and disassembling it) that last 1/2 quart is going to stay in the bike. Hasn't hurt anyone yet.

 

It happens more times than it's posted. Doesn't surprise me.

What does, is that people don't seem to refer to their Owners manual.

I don't know why that surprises me though, after being in the car
business for many years and seeing people that can't even set their clock.