Check your engine oil...
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
With a softail, you really need to check the oil when it's hot with the bike straight and level. If the bike's been sitting for a few days or more, chances are some of the oil has drained down into the sump and if you check the oil when it's cold, it will appear low when it's really not. It's perfectly fine to check the oil when it's cold, just don't add any oil based on what you see. With my Fatboy, the oil level will be about half way between add and full when it's cold and only been sitting for one or two days. If the bike's been sitting for a week or more, more often than not the oil will be barely touching the dip stick if I check it cold. If you think you need to add oil, make sure you take the bike for a warm up ride first and then check the oil when it's good and hot. That's the only way you can be certain what the true level is.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 986
Likes: 3
From: Texas
I have what might be a dumb question on oil changes....
On my cars I get the oil up to tempt before changing to help suspend the junk in the oil.
Is that a good idea on my scoot or is doing it cold acceptable ?
On my cars I get the oil up to tempt before changing to help suspend the junk in the oil.
Is that a good idea on my scoot or is doing it cold acceptable ?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
I bought an electronic dipstick. (with the 09 part number, the 07's are no good) I check mine everytime I ride. It is wonderful. I love. I have heard of people who don't. But is sure easy to check. Just a push of the button. Ride on Dudes and Dudettes!
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From:
I've wondered that myself. Seems to me if the oil had all settled to the bottom of the sump you'd get more old oil out, right? So I tried it on the last oil change and it took hours to drain. Now I'm back to warming it up before draining.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
THis is complete rookie question on my end but what would "too much oil" do? And and what point is it considered too much??
again I apologize if its a dumb question but I'm a newb and I must start somewhere...
again I apologize if its a dumb question but I'm a newb and I must start somewhere...
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