Different length dipsicks for Softail's?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Pine, Colorado
tmitch......softails did go to the new style dipstick in 05 (the kind that wobbles and you check with the bike on the jiffy). But I too have wondered why my bike an 06 Fatboy that should have been very dry after I had the side cover off to replace the cams...drained the tank and replaced the filter. Put in 3 and little (book says 3.5) and it blew out the dipstick and some oil first time I road it.......problem is compounded because mine is triked so I can't check on jiffy and so its hard to know how much oil to put in.
I did however recieve some info from a couple of members who helped me with measurments and a photo..my thanks to 1of2 and Deadman77......
I did however recieve some info from a couple of members who helped me with measurments and a photo..my thanks to 1of2 and Deadman77......
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From:
Here's my take on this. My 05 FLSTC- regular dipstick-3.5 inches from dipstick rim to full mark (made for side stand checks) Temp gauge stick - 3.5 inches from rim to full mark (same...made for side stand checks.
When doing a "non-scavenge" oil change, mine takes just over 2 quarts in the tank. Then, after a warming run, I add a top off for a total of 2 quarts and 26 ounces to bring it to the full mark. I don't think it's possible to even put 3.5 quarts in the tank like the book calls for. When I use the Scavenger kit on a change, then you can see the true 3.5 quart capacity.
When doing a "non-scavenge" oil change, mine takes just over 2 quarts in the tank. Then, after a warming run, I add a top off for a total of 2 quarts and 26 ounces to bring it to the full mark. I don't think it's possible to even put 3.5 quarts in the tank like the book calls for. When I use the Scavenger kit on a change, then you can see the true 3.5 quart capacity.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
I can see where you would have to remark your dipstick, if you have a trike. It is handier checking oil while the bike is on the jiffy stand, but I would think the reading would be lot more accurate if they left it where you check with the bike straight up. I've noticed identical models that lean at different angles while on the jiffy stand. I originally thought that my bike didn't lean over far enough, while on the jiffy stand and that was why it took a quart less oil for the dipstick to read full.
My SE comes lowered in the rear. The original owner switched out the jiffy stand for an extended one. I checked on it and an extended one is the same length as a stock jiffy stand. it just has an extended prong on it so your heel can catch it easier. I don't know if a SE Fat Boy comes with a stock length jiffy stand, since it comes lowered. It should be just like what a Deluxe uses.
Tom
My SE comes lowered in the rear. The original owner switched out the jiffy stand for an extended one. I checked on it and an extended one is the same length as a stock jiffy stand. it just has an extended prong on it so your heel can catch it easier. I don't know if a SE Fat Boy comes with a stock length jiffy stand, since it comes lowered. It should be just like what a Deluxe uses.
Tom
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
Mcleod9,
Mine takes about 12 ozs. less then yours. Probably because my bike sits straighter, when on the jiffy stand.
Tom
Mine takes about 12 ozs. less then yours. Probably because my bike sits straighter, when on the jiffy stand.
Tom
Last edited by tmitchellof PG; Aug 15, 2008 at 08:10 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 485
Likes: 8
From: FLA
What ever the manual says is usually what it takes. Jiffy stand or no jiffy stand, 2.5 inches, 3.5 inches or 9.5 inches. Start the bike after you put in two qts, wait a minute add 1.3 more and meassure it. Mark it, that is the reading.
See http://www.motorbike-search-engine.c...HD_flstfse.php
or
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...saryFatBoy.htm
See http://www.motorbike-search-engine.c...HD_flstfse.php
or
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...saryFatBoy.htm
Well, sitting here thinking about this, the only things I could come up with is that the temp dip sticks are longer to try to get a more accurate reading of the actual temperature of the oil. The stock dip stick only needs to read the level of the oil, vs. the temp ones need to be further down to get a more true reading of the oil temp. I'm probably full of **** but it sounds logical.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: living in orlando
my owners manual says on the side stand your oil level should be at the weld line where the spout meets the tank body, i think this gives you a better standard to fill to. with drain and filter change my 06 night train takes 3qts.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Pine, Colorado
What ever the manual says is usually what it takes. Jiffy stand or no jiffy stand, 2.5 inches, 3.5 inches or 9.5 inches. Start the bike after you put in two qts, wait a minute add 1.3 more and meassure it. Mark it, that is the reading.
See http://www.motorbike-search-engine.c...HD_flstfse.php
or
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...saryFatBoy.htm
See http://www.motorbike-search-engine.c...HD_flstfse.php
or
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...saryFatBoy.htm
Don't know why theres such a difference in amount of oil bikes take when changing oil......but there is......
Oh and thanks for your service.......
Last edited by FBTRIKE; Aug 18, 2008 at 12:32 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
I also don't think my bike leans over as far as most Softails, so I would have to put a different amount of oil in to get it to the weld area. In my thinking it would be a lot easier if they said where the level should be when the bike is in the up right position. Then it wouldn't matter how far each individual bike leans over.
Tom