unusual oil tank problem
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10,374
Likes: 518
From: Southern Arizona
unusual oil tank problem
Having an issue with the oil tank on my 2012 fat boy lo. My wife has only been out riding with me twice this year. Each time during the ride oil comes out of the tank from the cap. The first time i didn't notice it til the actual oil light came on as i was pulling over to get gas. I saw oil all over the tank. As we rode home the engine was heating up and stalling out. When i got home i was a quart and a half low. I changed the oil the next day..
The second time only a little came out, but still can not figure out why. I'm 6'1 and weight 215, my wife is 5'6 at 140.
The second time only a little came out, but still can not figure out why. I'm 6'1 and weight 215, my wife is 5'6 at 140.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 16,271
Likes: 15,108
From: Somewhere SW
Having an issue with the oil tank on my 2012 fat boy lo. My wife has only been out riding with me twice this year. Each time during the ride oil comes out of the tank from the cap. The first time i didn't notice it til the actual oil light came on as i was pulling over to get gas. I saw oil all over the tank. As we rode home the engine was heating up and stalling out. When i got home i was a quart and a half low. I changed the oil the next day..
The second time only a little came out, but still can not figure out why. I'm 6'1 and weight 215, my wife is 5'6 at 140.
The second time only a little came out, but still can not figure out why. I'm 6'1 and weight 215, my wife is 5'6 at 140.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 520
From: VA
Something I learned. When you change the oil on these bike do it as soon as you pull in the garage after a ride and its good and hot.
If you wait even 1/2 hour you will only get about 2 1/4 quarts out. So then when you put oil in you overfill it.
If you wait even 1/2 hour you will only get about 2 1/4 quarts out. So then when you put oil in you overfill it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
This is not a very unusual occurrence. As other have mentioned, it is usually from overfilling the oil bag. Overfilling doesn't mean it registers above the fill line on the dipstick. It just means there is more oil in the bag than her bike likes so it is "dumping the excess."
Most of us will keep the oil bag filled so it measures between the add and full lines. Now, if oil is coming out with the dipstick still in, the dipstick needs a new O-ring. If the dipstick has a good O-ring it should be snug and when the oil bag is too full, the pressure will push the dipstick out.
All I am saying is check the dipstick's O-ring.
Most of us will keep the oil bag filled so it measures between the add and full lines. Now, if oil is coming out with the dipstick still in, the dipstick needs a new O-ring. If the dipstick has a good O-ring it should be snug and when the oil bag is too full, the pressure will push the dipstick out.
All I am saying is check the dipstick's O-ring.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 410
From: Puyallup, WA
Overfilling will make the oil bag spit oil; but having the oil light come on indicates other problems, like a supply line blockage, stuck check valve, plugged filter, or pump problem. Might put gauge on it and check pressure.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 16,271
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From: Somewhere SW
I know that if I fill my oil to the top fill line the crap will spit out all over my saddle bags.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 94
From: Belgium
Yup the oil light is worrying. Mine had oil-seepage from time to time, but never lost THAT much oil that the oil light came on.