2012 ultra limited
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From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2012 ultra limited
2012 ultra limited 103 stage 2 (when new) SE255 cams intake and pipes SE tuner, 75,000miles (126000km) seem to go through a 1/2 of a liter of oil in a 500 mile trip running 65 -75 mph. Did a compression test 215 front 210 rear. leak down test showed front a little better than rear but both within spec. bike is not filling the primary. have some oil in air cleaner, Run oil below full line by about 1/3 a liter. No visible leaks Where is the oil going??
using HD dino 20/50 oil.
Thanks
Terry
using HD dino 20/50 oil.
Thanks
Terry
Last edited by Tinbasher; Sep 24, 2023 at 05:01 PM.
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From: san antonio
OP says "seems to go through 1/2 liter............" If no leaks, no migration into the primary, regardless of compression and leak down results, oil has to be getting into the combustion chamber and burned which is why Harley1004 is asking to see the plugs. Oil could be getting by the head breathers, slipping past the guide seals or getting by the rings; or all three at 75K miles depending on how the bike has been ridden and maintained. I suggest to the OP to perform a measured test; fill to whatever level he choses (I don't subscribe to the "run the oil low" theory) but whatever level the OP wants to use. Get the motor up to operating temps, check oil and photograph dip stick. Note the mileage and at mileage plus 500, check oil hot as he usually does, photo the stick and lets confirm how much oil is being consumed. Oil consumption of 1/2L every 500 miles is not normal and is an indication that the top end may need to be addressed, compression and leak down tests notwithstanding.
Also would like to know what oil, is the consumption issue new, how the leak down test was done and the percentage.
Also would like to know what oil, is the consumption issue new, how the leak down test was done and the percentage.
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Joined: Jun 2018
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From: WI
op says "seems to go through 1/2 liter............" if no leaks, no migration into the primary, regardless of compression and leak down results, oil has to be getting into the combustion chamber and burned which is why harley1004 is asking to see the plugs. Oil could be getting by the head breathers, slipping past the guide seals or getting by the rings; or all three at 75k miles depending on how the bike has been ridden and maintained. I suggest to the op to perform a measured test; fill to whatever level he choses (i don't subscribe to the "run the oil low" theory) but whatever level the op wants to use. Get the motor up to operating temps, check oil and photograph dip stick. Note the mileage and at mileage plus 500, check oil hot as he usually does, photo the stick and lets confirm how much oil is being consumed. Oil consumption of 1/2l every 500 miles is not normal and is an indication that the top end may need to be addressed, compression and leak down tests notwithstanding.
Also would like to know what oil, is the consumption issue new, how the leak down test was done and the percentage.
Also would like to know what oil, is the consumption issue new, how the leak down test was done and the percentage.
Last edited by Harley1004; Sep 25, 2023 at 07:04 PM.
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From: san antonio
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From: Queens NY
True, the MoCo has a CYA tech bulletin (TT461 for the M8) full of weasel words positing that oil consumption of 1QT in 1500 miles is "normal". However, if the MoCo also says oil/filter should be changed at 5000 mile intervals and the capacity is 3.5 to 4 quarts, that would mean that "normal" oil consumption would consume 85% of the capacity between changes. Sorry, but I gotta call bullshit on that. Oil consumptionn of 1 quart every 1500/1000 miles is not normal.
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True, the MoCo has a CYA tech bulletin (TT461 for the M8) full of weasel words positing that oil consumption of 1QT in 1500 miles is "normal". However, if the MoCo also says oil/filter should be changed at 5000 mile intervals and the capacity is 3.5 to 4 quarts, that would mean that "normal" oil consumption would consume 85% of the capacity between changes. Sorry, but I gotta call bullshit on that. Oil consumptionn of 1 quart every 1500/1000 miles is not normal.
Just over a qt for 1k mi on a bike with 75k is perfectly acceptable and is considered running fine.
Big difference.