Hello, I have a 2006 softail deluxe with a mechanical temperature gauge/oil dipstick. The dipstick is a straight stick (doesn’t move or pivot). It’s OEM part number from harley is 62896-00B. I was wondering if I should check the oil level on it’s jiffy stand or stand it up level? Again, this is not the OEM dipstick that came in the bike when it was manufactured.

 

Before inquiring further I refer you to the Official Correct Oil Level Thread that is mandatory reading for new Forum members who have the need to know about correct oil level readings. Suggest getting the correct OEM dipstick for your machine, then go from there.

Your owners manual should provide guidance on checking your oil level.

Oh and welcome to the Forum.

 

Nonsense, this doesn`t help the OP at all.

Zachme94: Here`s a real answer:

Check oil after the engine has run for a while, ideal time to check is when you pull back into driveway after riding.

Pull dipstick, stand bike up straight, look into oil tank, the level should be about an inch below the bottom of the filler neck.

Now lean the bike onto the jiffy stand, wipe any oil off the dipstick, install and remove, you will now see what the reading should be on the dipstick when on the jiffy stand.

 

Damn, forgot the link. Attempted humor gone bad. I give myself 1 ea dumbass award. Here is the link to the "Official" Oil Level Thread in case you have not seen it:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-m-seeing.html

 

That is just another thread of people beating oil level subject to death, and is no help to the OP in determining the proper level on a Softail with an oil tank mounted higher than the engine. He has a different type engine, with a different type of oil reservoir.

The method I posted is simple and works, I`ve been doing it that way on the same Softail for over 31 years.

 

When they are new in the package, there is a sticker that reads "CHECK OIL LEVEL ON JIFFY STAND".

 

For the OP whom I doubt will be back in a timely manner, my response referenced the Owners Manual which provides the information you seek.

In case you do not have a copy you can down load one here: https://ownersmanuals2.com/harley-da...s-manual-66451

Here s the information from the manual:

Checking Oil Level: Softail Models
Oil level cannot be accurately measured on a cold engine.
For preride
inspection, with motorcycle leaning on jiffy
stand on level ground, oil should register on dipstick
between arrows when engine is cold. Do not add oil to
bring the level to the FULL mark on a COLD engine.
(00185a)
For dipstick location, see Checking Oil Tank Level: Softail Models.
NOTE:
The motorcycle should be on jiffy stand when checking oil level.
Oil Level Cold Check
Perform engine oil level COLD CHECK as follows:
1. For preride inspection with the vehicle on jiffy stand on level ground, wipe off the dipstick
and insert it back into the oil tank with the plug pushed completely into the fill spout.
2. Remove the dipstick and verify oil registers on the dipstick between the two marks.
a. See Engine Oil Level: Softail Models. If oil level registers on the dipstick, proceed
to Oil Level Hot Check.
b. If oil does not register on the dipstick, proceed to step 3.
3. With the dipstick removed, look into the dipstick opening and verify the oil level is at the filler
neck weld.
a. If the oil level is at or near the filler neck weld, proceed to Oil Level Hot Check.
b. If the oil level is not at or near the filler neck weld, add only enough oil to bring the
level to the filler neck weld. Then proceed to Oil Level Hot Check.
Oil Level Hot Check
Perform engine oil level HOT CHECK as follows:
1. Ride motorcycle until engine is at normal operating temperature.
2. With the vehicle upright on level ground, allow engine to idle for 12
minutes. Turn engine
off.
3. With vehicle on jiffy stand remove and wipe off the dipstick. Insert dipstick back into the oil
tank with the plug pushed completely into the filler neck.
4. Remove the dipstick and note the level of the oil. Add only enough oil to bring the level to
the FULL mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
NOTE:
Refer to Recommended Engine Oils. Use only recommended oil specified under Engine
Lubrication.
5. Start engine and carefully check for oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter.
Engine oil level should be checked only when engine is at normal operating temperature.
NOTE:
The engine will require a longer warm up period in colder weather.
Do not allow hot oil level to fall below Add/Fill mark on
dipstick. Doing so can result in equipment damage and/or
equipment malfunction. (00189a)
Do not overfill oil tank. Doing so can result in oil carryover
to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or
equipment malfunction. (00190a)
Check engine oil supply at each complete fuel refill.
Refer to Regular Service Intervals: 2006 Softail Models. Oil should be changed at
proper intervals in normal service at warm or moderate temperatures.
Oil change intervals should be shorter in cold weather. See Winter Lubrication.

 

It doesn`t take 500 words to tell a guy how to check the oil on a TC Softail.

As I already said...

The method I posted is simple and works, I`ve been doing it that way on the same Softail for over 31 years.

Go ahead and get the last word in...

 

This is how I check the oil on my '05 Softail Deluxe.

 

This is how I check the oil on my '05 Softail Deluxe.