2018 Softail Slim 107
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Livingston, Tn 38570
2018 Softail Slim 107
Recently purchased a 2018 Softail Slim from the local dealership in Cookeville, Tn. Boswell's Country Roads Harley Davidson.
After my first 1000 miles Dealer service I checked the oil with the engine hot on the Jiffy Stand as the manual (and the dipstick) instructs with the top mark indicating full. There was barely the tip of the dipstick registering oil. So I returned to the dealer and questioned them about it. I was asked if I checked the oil with the bike vertical because they service bikes on a bike lift. I did this and the oil checked fine. They said the put the exact amount of oil in the bike that the manual instructed (the manual they had to remove the shrinkwrap from). My question is (if it's not already obvious) which method do I use? Check oil with the bike vertical or on the jiffy stand? It seems to me that if you follow the manual instructions to check on the jiffy stand then not enough oil was used. Also, because I check the oil on the jiffy stand, I added 3/4 of a quart of oil to be able to check it in this manner. Seems to me that the dealer filled the bike vertically until the oil hit the mark (which would have been cold). Just not sure what's going on here. Please help
After my first 1000 miles Dealer service I checked the oil with the engine hot on the Jiffy Stand as the manual (and the dipstick) instructs with the top mark indicating full. There was barely the tip of the dipstick registering oil. So I returned to the dealer and questioned them about it. I was asked if I checked the oil with the bike vertical because they service bikes on a bike lift. I did this and the oil checked fine. They said the put the exact amount of oil in the bike that the manual instructed (the manual they had to remove the shrinkwrap from). My question is (if it's not already obvious) which method do I use? Check oil with the bike vertical or on the jiffy stand? It seems to me that if you follow the manual instructions to check on the jiffy stand then not enough oil was used. Also, because I check the oil on the jiffy stand, I added 3/4 of a quart of oil to be able to check it in this manner. Seems to me that the dealer filled the bike vertically until the oil hit the mark (which would have been cold). Just not sure what's going on here. Please help
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 595
From: Living in a van down by the river
Oil is checked with the bike on the jiffy stand per the manual. If cold, oil should be half way between the marks on the dipstick. If hot, after sitting for a couple minutes, oil at the top mark. That dealer needs to get off their high horse and get educated.
Please don't take this as me trying to be a smart a$$ but your owners manual has a wealth of information.
-jeff
Please don't take this as me trying to be a smart a$$ but your owners manual has a wealth of information.
-jeff
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 575
Likes: 263
From: Spokane, WA
Oil checks on the new Softails are going to be interesting due to the new dry sump system. The old dry sump was less mysterious because you could just look in the oil tank. I have read my owner's manual and understand and follow the instructions on checking the oil. I do find that the hot check does not repeat from one ride to the next. The cold check seams more stable to me and I just look for oil on the stick but not exceeding half way between the hash marks. Low on the stick is still four plus quarts. No worries for me. Too much oil will increase the crankcase pressure and send oil to the breather.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 679
Likes: 120
From: Fairbanks, AK.
Dealers usually put the bike upright on a work stand when servicing. Makes it easier to get to. They may check the oil after a test ride before delivery
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Livingston, Tn 38570
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hdrider1
Milwaukee Eight (M8)
16
May 3, 2019 06:51 AM
89flhtcu
Oil Archive (no new posts)
0
Aug 23, 2008 07:08 AM