I recall talking to a dealer mechanic re/ oil levels on evo's and fathead motors. I believe at the time he said that if the dipstick was made of metal, then the oil level could be checked with the bike on the jiffy stand, but if it was made of plastic, then the oil level needed to be checked with the bike in an upright position. Both levels need to be checked when the bike is at operating temp. Any thoughts or comments on this?

 

Fathead Motor?

Nothing could be simpler than checking oil level, on any motorcycle.

Here`s how you do it:

Follow the instructions in the owner`s manual.

 

Yeah, fathead. Thought that was the nickname they gave motors made in the 2000's. And while i work on anything I own that has a generator in it, I let the dealer handle the new(er) models I own. Call me lazy, inept, whatever. My wife's '97 Heritage Springer has 60K, the 2000 Road King we share has 50k, and my '05 Springer is approaching 45K.

 

If at least half full, but not within pinky reach.....it is Fine and Good to Go for me... too full???? No Thanks.. I guess If I had newer Equipment I might check by the Manual... but, anything I own that is That new....Certainly don't Need oil level Checked...or.... it is Broken!!

 

Funny you should mention broken. Took a short putt yesterday on my 2000 FLHR. At a stop sign about 3 miles from the house, I looked down and my left foot board, and the chain case cover were glistening with oil. Further inspection showed the oil seeping from the seal around the old filter. And it's not like I just put the filter on. The bike was serviced last April and the new filter was installed then. I've probably put 1500 miles on it this season. It is now up on the lift and I'm about to go out and see if one of three things is wrong: Loose filter, blown rubber seal on the filter, or a crack in the case at the filter installation area.....Wish me luck......
Wait a minute....just went out and looked at the spot where the filter connects....It's a plastic piece that then bolts to the case. I just assumed the filter attached much like an old 3 brush generator attached, except with a thread instead of screws! This may end up not being the nightmare I thought it would be.
My nistake again. The oil filter attachment piece isn't plastic....It's anodized aluminum.

 

Probably nothing more than Broken Plastic Crap (albeit Expensive Crap)
No Twinky for Me...Thanks!!

 

Maybe 2 oil filter gaskets between the filter and the adapter...

 

He is wrong on all counts. Harley oil level is checked on the stand and you can do it hot or cold.

 

Not all Harleys are checked on the stand, after all, most pro`s and lots of other folks put the bike on a table lift.

And all should be checked at operating temperature.

 

If the oil tank is in the bottom of the motor, check it on the kickstand. If it has an oil tank on the frame (Sportsters, Softails), check it upright.