Oil change problem, tank overfilled
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Stage III
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Kaneohe, HI
Oil change problem, tank overfilled
I recently brought my 1995 FLSTN out of storage and changed the oil and filter. After refilling to the correct level, I ran the engine up to temp and checked the oil level. It was overfilled so I drained some out. The next day I ran it up to temp again and checked the level and again it was high. The engine did not overheat and the oil was hot, so I know it was circulating, but I am lost on why the tank continues to increase in level. I only put atout 2.25 quarts into the tank intially and not the recomended 3.
Any thoughts?
Mahalo
Ken
Any thoughts?
Mahalo
Ken
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,176
Likes: 12,748
From: South Carolina
Don`t worry, this is not uncommon.
While the bike was sitting inactive, the oil in the tank leaked past the check ball in the oil pump and accumulated in the crankcase.
You drained the oil out of the tank, not noticing how much was in the tank.
You refilled the tank to the correct level and cranked it up, and the oil that was down in the crankcase is being returned to the tank, causing it to be overfilled.
Just run it a while and keep an eye on the level, and don`t panic if you get oil blowing out the breather, once you get the level correct you will be fine.
Nothing to worry about, it happens sometimes when the bike sits for a while.
It is best to check the oil level after the engine has run for a few minutes, so that all the oil that may be down in the crankcase has a chance to return to the tank.
While the bike was sitting inactive, the oil in the tank leaked past the check ball in the oil pump and accumulated in the crankcase.
You drained the oil out of the tank, not noticing how much was in the tank.
You refilled the tank to the correct level and cranked it up, and the oil that was down in the crankcase is being returned to the tank, causing it to be overfilled.
Just run it a while and keep an eye on the level, and don`t panic if you get oil blowing out the breather, once you get the level correct you will be fine.
Nothing to worry about, it happens sometimes when the bike sits for a while.
It is best to check the oil level after the engine has run for a few minutes, so that all the oil that may be down in the crankcase has a chance to return to the tank.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Feb 17, 2012 at 04:14 PM.
Stage I
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
I changed the oil in my 2011 Nightster. Started the bike up watched the oil light go out. I then turned the bike off. Then went to check the dip stick and as I turned the cap oil squirted out from around the cap. The oil level was almost over flowing. The oil was bubbly. Its almost as if the oil didn't circulate into the motor like there was air in the lines. How do I fix this problem?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 547
Likes: 2
From: So. Cal.
I changed the oil in my 2011 Nightster. Started the bike up watched the oil light go out. I then turned the bike off. Then went to check the dip stick and as I turned the cap oil squirted out from around the cap. The oil level was almost over flowing. The oil was bubbly. Its almost as if the oil didn't circulate into the motor like there was air in the lines. How do I fix this problem?
Be sure to check your oil according to service manual. Mine is checked with the kickstand down and the bike resting on it as if parked. Some bikes are checked with the bike vertical.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Bubbly oil shows it has been returning to the tank from the engine. Everything is fine! When you have corrected the oil level, if you watch inside the tank while the engine is running, you will see that the return pipe from the engine is above the oil level, so it dribbles into the oil and creates those bubbles.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Don't worry about overfilling your Harley engine....because your engine is fair minded it will give you back all of the extra oil it doesn't need via the breather or even allow your friend riding next to you to have some via the oil cap blowing off with a torrent of nice hot 20w50. 
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Stage II
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Billings Mt
to whom ever can help i changed the oil in my bike 2006 night train ive done this five time since ive had it and this is the first time that it over filled. can anyone tell me why it did this, cause im stumped and need to get to gaurd drill this weekend and its my only means of transportation.
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