Just picked up a 1995 fatboy,no owners manual,how much oil for an oil change? deraler said 3qts others say 2.5 qts dont want to overfill,thanks

 

For every oil reservoir on your bike, there are three, there is a means of checking the level. Don't put in a given quantity, fill to the correct level. There is a dip stick on engine oil.

As for quantity, a dry fill will be more than a refill, because some oil will remain even after draining it. If you get 3 quarts you will have enough to get you going, but may have a little left over.

 

Get the oil scavenger then write up a report or the rest of us. I am curious

 

I have a 1992 Fatboy. Every oil and filter change, I tend to use about 2 1/2 quarts of Mobil 1 (15/50 synthetic). Either Amsoil, or Mobil 1 will run about 15 degrees cooler and tends to coat the parts better for less wear.

My buddy, who owns a full service gas station, convinced me to change about 10 years ago and I'll never go back. Another guy I know (an actual chemist @ University of Washington) did an experiment on viscosity and breakdown of different synthetic oils (he also rides) and these are the results. #1 was Amsoil, #2 was Mobil 1, #3 was Castrol, don't remember #4, but #5 was Harley.

When I switched to synthetic, I noticed a little more valve/lifter noise and any possible worn gasket will show. One trick to having the proper oil level is when your bike is on it's stand, pull your dipstick and if there is oil on the tip, you're fine. I do this every time I go for a skoot. Just remember, oil is cheaper than replacing parts!!! Hope this helps!

 

By the way, the manual does call for 3 quarts, but this is "dry" application. I agree with GRBROWN that it doesn't take as much when changing due to leftover residue.

 

I have a 95 fat boy and it's three qts, the best thing is to put 2.5 in and add slowly till you reach the mark. You must remember it depends on weather you run the extra long filter or a short filter or if you even have an oil cooler. I live in Florida and it hot down here so I run the long filter and will be putting a cooler on mine as well very soon.