A friend has a 2000 Softail Standard. He just completed an oil change, but is confused.

The book calls for 3 1/2 quarts of oil when replacing the filter, and he added three quarts and started the engine for a couple minutes. He shut it off and let it sit for another couple minutes and checked the oil level, and found it was showing FULL. On the stick and in the tank.

Looking into the oil tank it doesn't seem like it'd take another 1/2 quart, but he's concerned as to why the 1/2 quart discrepancy. I know the book calls for 3 quarts in the Springer model, but 3 1/2 in the softail.

I can't help him as I run a 2009 Road King, and therefore use 4 quarts.

Anyone run into this before? I feel he should just ride it.

Mike

 

Is the total capacity of the system 3.5 qts? If so, the oil change amount will be less than that.

 

The Owner's Manual calls for a total of 3 1/2 quarts capacity of oil, when changing the oil and filter. He changed the oil and filter (Harley filter), bit the bike shows FULL with only 3 quarts.

He's just wondering if it was a misprint and should he be concerned.

I figure if the oil capacity is showing full on the stick and in the tank, he should be good to go.

It just seems odd that there seems to be a 1/2 quart difference.

 

I just had my bike serviced by my Indy. One of the things that he did was change my oil. He only put 3 qts. in my 05 Springer. Personally, if the dipstick says that it's full, I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe check it again in a couple of days or so, after doing some riding and see what the stick says then. If need be, you can always add a little more.

 

If you just empty the oil tank and filter, there's oil in that motor. Usually a filter and oil tank drain is 2.5 quarts. You would have to scavenge all the oil from the motor for the full 3.5 quarts.

 

Most softail tanks have the drain on the oposite side of the bike as the kickstand...so if you don't lean it over while draining...you leave a lot of oil in the tank.

 

I have not been able to get more than 3 qts in mine. I add 2 1/2 qts, run it and then add to get the level a little short of full.

 

Double check your service manual. It should say 3 qts wet, 3.5 qts dry. Dry means it was tore down, wet means you're just changing the oil and filter.

 

As said by Albe unless its scavenged you won't get it all out.
For peace of mind your friend could always measure how much oil he drains next time and I think he'll be pleasantly surprised!

 

Yup. Full is full. No overthinking necessary.