Oil Checking Procedure

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Apr 23, 2018 | 01:11 PM

#11

blackxpress

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2016

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From: Heart of Georgia

3.5 quarts is too much for a softail. My 2017 FLSTC takes just a tad over 2.5 to bring it to the full mark with an oil and filter change. The manual says start with 2 quarts, warm it up and then add until full.

Apr 23, 2018 | 03:56 PM

#12

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricklee4570

What is the purpose of the 2 minute idle time before checking?

If I go by the owners manual, and put 3.5 quarts in, I believe it would be all the way up to the filler neck. Surely this is not right.

I suggest that you regard the oil level on the dip-stick as more important than the precise amount of oil you put in! As already suggested above, fill to a nominal level, then top off after running the engine for a short while, even after taking a short ride. Same comment applies to the other two oil reservoirs - fill to the level specified.

Apr 26, 2018 | 05:47 PM

#13

Ed Ramberger

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2015

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From: Then Wisconsin, now North Carolina

Purpose of letting it idle on the jiffy stand is because the scavenge hole in the case will allow the max oil to be scavenged from engine case back to tank - when engine is on side stand, oil runs toward the hole and the pump picks it up.

If a softail is severely overfull it blows the dipstick out.

Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Apr 26, 2018 at 05:48 PM.

Apr 28, 2018 | 02:03 AM

#14

Ed Ramberger

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Joined: May 2015

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From: Then Wisconsin, now North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Ramberger

Should clarify - oil collects in the return while on jiffy stand and leaves a known quantity of oil in the engine if all is well. Actually tilting toward cam side would scavenge max oil but factory isn't going to recommend that because on the jiffy stand is safe and consistent.

Apr 28, 2018 | 06:31 AM

#15

ricklee4570

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Joined: Apr 2018

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From: Southwest Virginia

Mine says to let it idle in the upright position for 2 minutes. Turn engine off and then check the level on the jiffy stand. Not to idle while on the jiffy stand.

Apr 28, 2018 | 09:03 AM

#16

Ed Ramberger

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2015

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From: Then Wisconsin, now North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricklee4570

Mine says to let it idle in the upright position for 2 minutes. Turn engine off and then check the level on the jiffy stand. Not to idle while on the jiffy stand.

Ok - that's just to allow more oil to get to the return - follow the manual.

May 27, 2018 | 02:34 PM

#17

Keith455

Intermediate

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 43

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From: Mantua NJ

Harley owners manual is off for the oil capacity too much. I let my 16 slim drain for about half hr when oil is hot I keep dipping the bike to level then to the right to get all the oil I can get out. 2.5 qrts I put in after with a new filter if I ride the bike for 20 min it will show a little below full If I ride the bike for over a half hr or more with hot air temps it will show just full this is with the oil temp atleast 220 degrees.There is a big difference between oil levels and how long you ride bike for. 2.5 qrts for my 16 slim with new oil filter is right on the money. I do check oil on jiffy stand, if checking level of course it will show more.
Keith
"LETS JUST RIDE"

Last edited by Keith455; May 27, 2018 at 02:35 PM.

May 28, 2018 | 12:28 PM

#18

Flstcjay

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 280

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From: Manitoba

Owners and service manuals are way off on Softail oil levels. I put in 2 liters, check, add a bit more, check etc. I keep the level about 3/4 of the way between add and full.