My first Harley. I went by the owners manual to check oil. Warmed up engine by riding for about 20 minutes, let it idle in the upright position for 2 minutes, then checked the oil on the side-stand. It was way over the full mark (about 1.5 inches above). Checked the air filter, no oil in the filter. A tiny amount from the rubber hoses running to the air cleaner (I assume this "vapor" amount is normal). I decided to change the oil. The owners manual call for 3.5 quarts. So after a thorough draining and filter change I added 3 quarts. Went for a 25 minute ride in about 58 degree weather. Came back, let it idle for 2 minutes and then checked on side-stand. About a 1/4 inch above full. I figured that was acceptable. The next day I went out for a ride, about 88 degrees. After about 45 minutes on the highway I decided to check the oil. Let it idle in the upright position for 2 minutes, checked on side-stand and it is about 1.5 to 1.7 inches above the full mark. Checked air cleaner, no oil in there puking out. I removed 8 ounces of oil and checked again and it was right on the full mark. Next day, weather is cooler (50 degrees), same procedure, now it is about a good half inch below the full line.

Good grief! New to Harleys, what is the deal? I have read that you have to be careful because if it is over filled and you run it hard (high rpm's) you will have issues puking oil into your air cleaner. I have not run it over 3500 rpm's since I have had it. Should I add the 8 ounces back, or leave it? Anyone that can offer some insight or educate me on the finicky oil checking procedure would be appreciated it. I am assuming that the hotter the engine, the more the oil expands, hence raising the level? If this is unique to the 96 engine and softails I will post this in that section as well.

 

The only thing I can think of is that you didn't add oil into the oil filter when you changed it out. If you don't do that you 'lose' a bit of oil in the crank case to to the filter to compensate for that small amount. I always add oil to the filter before putting it in then in all honesty.....I just put the 3.5 quarts in her and don't even think about it. I never get oil in the air filter and it runs great. I'd be sure that your bike is at 3.5 quarts and be done with it.

 

I posted this in your other thread but Softails take 2.5 quarts (approx.), not 3.5 quarts. Are you sure your manual is for a Softail and not a Touring bike?

 

Looking at my owners manual now. Page 23, oil capacity 3.50 quarts. 2011 Softail owners manual. The shop manual also says 3.5

 

Looking at mine too. Page 112 Table 31 - 2 qt. 1.8 liters initial oil fill after oil drain and filter change. Maybe they changed them between 2011 and 2017 but I don’t think so. Either your owners manual has a misprint or it’s a manual for a touring bike. They hold 3.5 quarts.

 

 

 

Mine has the 96 engine, I believe yours has the 103, since we are talking about two totally different engines, that is probably why there is a difference.

 

That is crazy. I just looked at my manual again and table 11 (capacities) says 3.0 qt. for oil change with filter. So even my manual contradicts itself. But I know for a fact my 2017 only holds slightly more than 2.5 quarts. That’s pretty common knowledge. When I did my first oil change I went to my local independent shop to pick up supplies and they only sold me 3 quarts of oil. Since I was used to working on touring bikes I asked at the counter why 3 and not 4. He said Softails only take 2.5.

 

Seems there is a real inconsistency. I called two Harley dealerships and asked to talk to service. One said they put 3 quarts in, the other said 3.5 quarts. So far, everyone I have talked to outside the dealerships says 2.5 to 2 3/4 quarts.