My bike sat 5 weeks, I checked oil and it did not register on the dipstick. I could see it in the tank, but just lower than normal. I called dealer, he said it was normal after sitting that period of time (he said his 06 springer does the same thing). I ran the bike and oil level returned to normal.

I had bike serviced, went on trip, blah, blah, blah.

The bike sat two weeks, I check oil yesterday before riding and oil level was down to end of dipstick (about 1/4" from the end). I ran the bike, oil level is normal again.

I checked oil level today (after 24 hours), level is still normal.

Is this normal, or something that needs checked?

 

It is fairly common on the softails due to the design of the oil system and pump.

It is not really "wet sumping" per se but more of a drain down when the system is not running.

Wet sumping would be if the oil did not return to the tank even when the engine was running and remained in the crankcase.

 

Check valve not seating as well as it should. Some seal better than others. Mass production thing and all.
Ron

 

AnythingI shouldtake in to get fixed or be concerned with?

 

anyone?

 

I would be 'aware' of it, but not take much notice. Unless it started to happen ALL the time.
In any event next time your at the dealer you should let them know about it, just for the 'record' so to speak. It will give them theopportunity to see if they think they need to do anything about it.
Even if they don't, and itdoes begin to present a problem at least there is a previous record to fall back on.

 

Cool, thanks for the input guys. My warranty expires in 6 months, I will make a point to keep an eye on it and mention it to my dealer next time I'm in.

 

look here

https://www.hdforums.com/m_74858/tm.htm

 

i say...Quit letting your bike sit for soooo long!!!! haha no, but i have no suggestions, id take it in while its under warranty.... your dealers prolly sayin its normal so to push you off for 6 months and hit you with the bill after your warranty runs out!!

 

I think that information is more related to the older EVO engines that had the ball check. The Twin Cam has a totally redesigned system and pump that is internal except for the supply and return lines to the oil bag. I think the only check valve is on the discharge of the pump going to the oil filter to release excess pressure. It is more of a relief valve than a check valve.

Oil on the Twin Cam softails will drain down over time due to wear in the pump cavity. The key word being "over time". Some pumps and systems are tighter than others so that the drain down is little or no real amount. My 03 Heritage with 33000 miles and the original oil pump will drain down over extended periods but it is carbed so I run it a few minutes to warm it up anyway and that recovers the oil. The drop is minimal up to a week and only to the "fill" mark if two weeks or so. But it will be pretty low after sitting all winter.

I won't be concerned until I see it drain down after sitting overnight. Then I will have the oil pump rebuilt.