oil levels
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: south coast nsw Australia
oil levels
After some discussion on oil levels decided to check mine when cold and then hot. Level at cold indicated oil was at the hot level line...damn the dealer has overfilled it....anyway checked it hot and the level was exactly the same ie at the correct hot level line..doesnt make any sense to me... I checked it the same both times ie on sidstand and removed dipstick wiped it clean and screwed it back in as the manual states....so WTF ?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Southwest Missouri
I don't think it is hot and cold so much. I think when the bike is sitting gravity pulls oil out of the tank and down into the case. I think in order to get a good check on the level, you have to run the engine a bit to pump the oil up out of the case and into the tank. If you top the tank when there is a bunch of oil in the case, when the pump comes up to pressure the tank will be over full.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
I don't think it is hot and cold so much. I think when the bike is sitting gravity pulls oil out of the tank and down into the case. I think in order to get a good check on the level, you have to run the engine a bit to pump the oil up out of the case and into the tank. If you top the tank when there is a bunch of oil in the case, when the pump comes up to pressure the tank will be over full.
I'll continue to check my oil according to the manual. You may do as your knowledge directs you to do.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
I always check when very hot. The cold check shows differently but not by much. But I check it 4-5 minutes after riding.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Palm Harbor fl.
the hot check procedure outlined in my service manual suggests after longer ride(over 20 miles) let idle for 2 minutes then check fluid. When my bike is hot but not fully hot(maybe a 5 min, ride) the oil level appears the same as cold almost.