Checking oil level in motor
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
Checking oil level in motor
I wont ask how because I have a Harley service manual and I know how to read. However, my brother has different ideas.
He was riding his 2012 Electra Glide Police Special and it died, just like shutting off the key. It was towed to LOS ANGELES Harley Davidson of Fullerton (CA) and the mechanic told him it was low on oil.
I didnt know there were provisions to shut it down if it was low on oil. Also, he says the Head Mechanic says it must be checked hot and he gives reasons I dont agree with. Do not check it cold. When I tell him I do it according to the book he says the head mechanic there knows better than my genuine Harley Davidson service manual.
Can I assume others check the oil when its cold, before even starting it?
He was riding his 2012 Electra Glide Police Special and it died, just like shutting off the key. It was towed to LOS ANGELES Harley Davidson of Fullerton (CA) and the mechanic told him it was low on oil.
I didnt know there were provisions to shut it down if it was low on oil. Also, he says the Head Mechanic says it must be checked hot and he gives reasons I dont agree with. Do not check it cold. When I tell him I do it according to the book he says the head mechanic there knows better than my genuine Harley Davidson service manual.
Can I assume others check the oil when its cold, before even starting it?
Banned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 435
Likes: 320
From: North Carolina
No warning lamp came on? I always check the oil cold as part of my pre-trip. Later as part of post trip inspection I'll check it hot after letting it idle for a minute. Then waiting a few minutes and checking the oil.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,537
Likes: 30,864
From: Pennsylvania
Topic has already been covered in depth. Seven pages for your reading pleasure:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-m-seeing.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-m-seeing.html
Last edited by CoolBreeze3646; Feb 3, 2020 at 11:05 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,188
It seems there are two questions here: (1) What's the best way to check the oil level? (2) If bike is low on oil, will that fact cause it to shut down as if the ignition were turned off?
Questiion 1 is adequately discussed in the link provided by coolbreeze.
The answer to question 2 is "no". If the engine had NO oil in it so that it completely seized, that would cause it to shut down; but I think that would produce its own unique sound.
I would have some doubts about that tech and that dealer.
Questiion 1 is adequately discussed in the link provided by coolbreeze.
The answer to question 2 is "no". If the engine had NO oil in it so that it completely seized, that would cause it to shut down; but I think that would produce its own unique sound.
I would have some doubts about that tech and that dealer.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
I guess that was my main question; is there some sort of monitor that will shut the engine down if its low on oil?
The way hes talking, his bike shut down on him because it was low on oil. I dont think so.
And thanks for that link. Ill go through it right now.
The way hes talking, his bike shut down on him because it was low on oil. I dont think so.
And thanks for that link. Ill go through it right now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 5,276
Likes: 4,055
From: central Fl
one mark for jiffy stand and the other for bike sitting up and level
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5,315
Likes: 4,272
From: Granville New York
Whoa...whoa...whoa...back this train right the f up. Are we talking dino or synthetic? Just because it's winter in parts of the country doesn't mean we can just omit important details. Ok...back to your regularly scheduled program.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,736
Likes: 17,577
From: Driftless Area
It says "Full Cold" and "Full Hot".
I didn't see any mention of Jiffy stand on the stick...and I looked on both sides.
I didn't see any mention of Jiffy stand on the stick...and I looked on both sides.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 203
From: Susanville CA
My 2015 Ultra Limited has something about Jiffy stand on the dipstick.