Different length dipsicks for Softail's?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
Different length dipsicks for Softail's?
Last week I started a thread in the oil section asking about the different length dipsticks for 2000 and up Softail models. Thought I might get more information on the Softail forum.
The 2 times I have changed oil and filter, on my 2005 SE Fat Boy, it took a bit less then 2-1/2 quarts to bring level up to the full mark. From what my manual states, it should be closer to 3-1/2 quarts for a change and 4 quarts for a completely dry engine.
I make sure the engine is up to operating temperature and the bike on the jiffy stand when I change and check the oil level. When it stops draining I stand the bike upright to get the last few drops out.
I thought I might have the wrong dipstick, so I went to the dealer and checked it against their stock one, a digital one and a HD accessory one, with a fancier pattern chrome top.
Mine measures just shy of 3-1/2" from the bottom of the rubber seal that nests against the oil tank filler neck to the top of the full mark. The fancier HD dipstick measured 2-1/2" from the same point to point and the digital one measured approximately 4" (I measured it while still packaged).
It has me confused as to why the dipsticks don't read the same. I would guess that there is about 1-1/2 quarts difference between the HD accessory one and the digital one.
Any feedback?
Tom
The 2 times I have changed oil and filter, on my 2005 SE Fat Boy, it took a bit less then 2-1/2 quarts to bring level up to the full mark. From what my manual states, it should be closer to 3-1/2 quarts for a change and 4 quarts for a completely dry engine.
I make sure the engine is up to operating temperature and the bike on the jiffy stand when I change and check the oil level. When it stops draining I stand the bike upright to get the last few drops out.
I thought I might have the wrong dipstick, so I went to the dealer and checked it against their stock one, a digital one and a HD accessory one, with a fancier pattern chrome top.
Mine measures just shy of 3-1/2" from the bottom of the rubber seal that nests against the oil tank filler neck to the top of the full mark. The fancier HD dipstick measured 2-1/2" from the same point to point and the digital one measured approximately 4" (I measured it while still packaged).
It has me confused as to why the dipsticks don't read the same. I would guess that there is about 1-1/2 quarts difference between the HD accessory one and the digital one.
Any feedback?
Tom
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From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
My 05 Fatty manual says 3.5 quarts but in reality it takes 3 to properly fill it.
Dipstick measures on the jiffy stand and shows the same as the oil temp dipstick that I have. Mine is NOT the SE edition. That may be different but I dont think so.
MikeM
Dipstick measures on the jiffy stand and shows the same as the oil temp dipstick that I have. Mine is NOT the SE edition. That may be different but I dont think so.
MikeM
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
I just can't figure out how the majority of 2000 and up Softail owner's can put in close to 3-1/2 quarts of oil, which is considered the normal amount and I can only get in 2-1/2.
All the 2000 and up oil tanks are the same size.
This is a very minor problem. It just bothers me, since I can't figure it out.
Thanks for the replies,
Tom
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From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
My 07 Custom requires 3 quarts. If I put the full 3 in it will be too much when it heats up so I set it at about 1/4" below the full mark cold and usually have a few ounces left in the 3rd quart to accomplish that. I'm using the longer of the two analog gauges.
Ron
Ron
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From: Westminster Texas
My 02 88B takes 3.5 total from dry (from the manual). I'm not sure what I put in when I change the oil. Stock dipstick was 3 1/2 inches from the bottom of the chrome cap where it sits flush on the oil tank neck to the full line and to be checked cold with the bike upright and level. My after market temperature dipstick is 3 3/4 to the top line and checked on the stand. If your using the wrong length dipstick to measure when its full then your not putting in the right amount of oil. I have no idea whats different from your 05 and my 02.