Low Oil Level
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 50
Likes: 10
From: Tracy, CA
Low Oil Level
Hey guys!
So Im pretty new to riding and HD. Only been working on cars. Bought my 19 fxbb with about 3700+ miles last November and put about 700 since.
I remember checking the oil level when I picked it up from SF HD and it was just above recommended level.
So I just happen to check the oil after 2 weeks from my last ride and the oil level was now on the first line! Like super low, I think.
I warmed it up and rode for about 2 blocks just to see if Im looking at it right.
checked it again and its definitely at the first line.
is this normal?
any recommendations is very much appreciated.
what I type oil do you guys recommend?
thanks!!
So Im pretty new to riding and HD. Only been working on cars. Bought my 19 fxbb with about 3700+ miles last November and put about 700 since.
I remember checking the oil level when I picked it up from SF HD and it was just above recommended level.
So I just happen to check the oil after 2 weeks from my last ride and the oil level was now on the first line! Like super low, I think.
I warmed it up and rode for about 2 blocks just to see if Im looking at it right.
checked it again and its definitely at the first line.
is this normal?
any recommendations is very much appreciated.
what I type oil do you guys recommend?
thanks!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,652
Likes: 11,421
From: State of Confusion
Hey guys!
So I’m pretty new to riding and HD. Only been working on cars. Bought my ‘19 fxbb with about 3700+ miles last November and put about 700 since.
I remember checking the oil level when I picked it up from SF HD and it was just above recommended level.
So I just happen to check the oil after 2 weeks from my last ride and the oil level was now on the first line! Like super low, I think.
I warmed it up and rode for about 2 blocks just to see if I’m looking at it right.
checked it again and it’s definitely at the first line.
is this normal?
any recommendations is very much appreciated.
what I type oil do you guys recommend?
thanks!!
So I’m pretty new to riding and HD. Only been working on cars. Bought my ‘19 fxbb with about 3700+ miles last November and put about 700 since.
I remember checking the oil level when I picked it up from SF HD and it was just above recommended level.
So I just happen to check the oil after 2 weeks from my last ride and the oil level was now on the first line! Like super low, I think.
I warmed it up and rode for about 2 blocks just to see if I’m looking at it right.
checked it again and it’s definitely at the first line.
is this normal?
any recommendations is very much appreciated.
what I type oil do you guys recommend?
thanks!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I check my oil cold... always. Why burn your hands and try to read the water thin oil on the dipstick. It's so much easier cold. The oil is thicker and much easier to read on the dipstick. And there's no issue with working on something too hot to touch.
All you need to do is find the delta between hot and cold for your bike. On my bike, that delta is 3 dots on the dipstick. Once you know that delta, a cold check is every bit as accurate as a hot check and easier to perform.
As in the OPs case, if you observe a quick and unexplained oil level change, I'd be draining the crankcase to check for sumping.
All you need to do is find the delta between hot and cold for your bike. On my bike, that delta is 3 dots on the dipstick. Once you know that delta, a cold check is every bit as accurate as a hot check and easier to perform.
As in the OPs case, if you observe a quick and unexplained oil level change, I'd be draining the crankcase to check for sumping.
Last edited by 2black1s; Mar 2, 2020 at 12:49 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,310
Likes: 1,079
Follow the procedure for checking oil level in your owners manual. Other approaches may give you a false recording of your actual oil level. Come back and advise what you find when you follow the owner's manual and we can better help.
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