Too much oil?
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 69
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From: Alaska
Too much oil?
I just did my first oil change on my "new to me" 89 FXSTC. I found the drain hose, drained the oil, replaced the filter, and poured in 3 qts of HD 20-50.
I then ran the bike to check for leaks and finding none, I took a little putt around the yard. Now when I check the level it's right up to the filler neck.
The book calls for three quarts, what's up?
I then ran the bike to check for leaks and finding none, I took a little putt around the yard. Now when I check the level it's right up to the filler neck.
The book calls for three quarts, what's up?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Was it at operating temp when you drained it and by that I mean had you been riding it or just letting it idle....if you don't run it long enough it holds oil in the sump and then you have too much once filled and ridden.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
The EVO bikes have a bad design..."jiffy" stand on the left, oil tank drain on the right...if you drain the oil on the stand...you leave a LOT of oil in the tank...gotta lean it over to get all the oil out.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Cental, MI
It is a Dry Sump System...No Need.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Upstate New York
I change mine IMMEDIATELY after a run, while it's still hot, and before the oil has a chance to drain past the check valve back in to the sump from the tank. I put a block under the frame and rock the bike to the right to make sure the tank drains thoroughly. Then I change the filter. I can then add just shy of 3 quarts (2 qt.-28 oz.). Of course, I don't run mine a half quart low like many here suggest. I run my oil level right up to the bottom of the filler neck (when the bike is upright and level). I find that running with the oil level low on a Softail just increases the oil temperature and rate of oil consumption.
There are some people who drain their oil, remove the filter, fill the oil tank and start the engine to let the new oil "flush" the old oil out of the motor. Watch the oil coming out of the filter port, and when clean oil appears, stop the motor, install the filter, top off the tank and ride.
Seems like a lot of trouble for relatively little benefit to me.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,054
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From: Tejas
There are some people who drain their oil, remove the filter, fill the oil tank and start the engine to let the new oil "flush" the old oil out of the motor. Watch the oil coming out of the filter port, and when clean oil appears, stop the motor, install the filter, top off the tank and ride.
Seems like a lot of trouble for relatively little benefit to me.
Seems like a lot of trouble for relatively little benefit to me.
You drain the old oil and pull the return line to the tank (filter was in the top of the tank back then) and put in a new filter. Add oil and start up the scoot while watching the oil return going into a jar/bucket. When it turned clean you killed the scoot and hooked up the hose to the tank. Top it off and you're all done.
Some folks just want it all out.
Griz