Different length dipsicks for Softail's?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
I found it on page 86 of my "2005 FLSTFSE Model Owner's Manual".
It is for checking the oil before a trip, when the engine is cold. I was looking in the Service manual. I am sitting here waiting on tropical storm Fay to pass by us, then I will go out and check it.
Thanks,
Tom
It is for checking the oil before a trip, when the engine is cold. I was looking in the Service manual. I am sitting here waiting on tropical storm Fay to pass by us, then I will go out and check it.
Thanks,
Tom
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
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I'd say it's the entire lubrication system that holds 3.5 qts. Of course, it never all comes out during an oil change, unless you pull off the oil lines like some do, and pump it all out by spinning the engine with the starter. Then you would fill the bag, fire it up and let the lines and filter fill up, and then add the rest after the level in the bag dropped. If you look at an oil bag (tank to some), there's no way that thing is going to hold almost a gallon, probably even if it was filled to the top. From the side it looks like a lot of volume, but the middle is hollow for the battery. I just put in what I take out.
Just sayin...
Just sayin...
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
Per the manual, it takes 4 quarts for the initial fill. Then it takes 3-1/2 quarts for an oil and filter change. The manual states not to overfill by putting in more then 3-1/2 quarts, when doing an oil and filter change.
It was stated in this thread, that the 2005 Softails is when they first started to check the oil level, while the bike was on the jiffy stand. If that is the case, why do they use the same dipstick for the 2000 model year and newer?
Tom
It was stated in this thread, that the 2005 Softails is when they first started to check the oil level, while the bike was on the jiffy stand. If that is the case, why do they use the same dipstick for the 2000 model year and newer?
Tom
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 596
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Per the manual, it takes 4 quarts for the initial fill. Then it takes 3-1/2 quarts for an oil and filter change. The manual states not to overfill by putting in more then 3-1/2 quarts, when doing an oil and filter change.
It was stated in this thread, that the 2005 Softails is when they first started to check the oil level, while the bike was on the jiffy stand. If that is the case, why do they use the same dipstick for the 2000 model year and newer?
Tom
It was stated in this thread, that the 2005 Softails is when they first started to check the oil level, while the bike was on the jiffy stand. If that is the case, why do they use the same dipstick for the 2000 model year and newer?
Tom
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
I have now decided that my dipstick is probably correct, but !!
My bike doesn't lean over very much, when it is on the jiffy stand. My theory now, is that if I had a stock height bike (not an SE that comes lowered in the rear) and the stock jiffy stand, the bike would lean noticeably more, when on the stand. This could amount to the reading on the dipstick showing it enough lower from the full mark to require another quart of oil.
I wonder if the Se Fat Boy and the Deluxe models (both of which come lowered in the rear, from the factory) have different length jiffy stands, then the regular Softails. If they don't, the oil readings will be false. This would not have been a problem before 2005, when the oil level was checked with the Softails standing straight up.
Tom
My bike doesn't lean over very much, when it is on the jiffy stand. My theory now, is that if I had a stock height bike (not an SE that comes lowered in the rear) and the stock jiffy stand, the bike would lean noticeably more, when on the stand. This could amount to the reading on the dipstick showing it enough lower from the full mark to require another quart of oil.
I wonder if the Se Fat Boy and the Deluxe models (both of which come lowered in the rear, from the factory) have different length jiffy stands, then the regular Softails. If they don't, the oil readings will be false. This would not have been a problem before 2005, when the oil level was checked with the Softails standing straight up.
Tom
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Dry sump system and the motor itself uses very little oil at any one time. That is why many will say it is better to be low than over full. Over full will blow it out all over the place, a little low will do no harm!
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
I know it wont hurt my engine, if I run with a quart less in the oil tank. It is just puzzling to me why my bike only takes 2-1/2 quarts for an oil and filter change. I am thinking with the thousands of members on this forum, someone must have the same condition and figured out why.
Tom