Checking Oil and..
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: NC
Checking Oil and..
..found these spots at the throat of the tube.
Newbie just being a newbie...apologies!
Cam phone-sorry for the poor quality.
What am I looking at? Should I be concerned? What will remove them..other than scraping upwards with my finger?
Newbie just being a newbie...apologies!
Cam phone-sorry for the poor quality.
What am I looking at? Should I be concerned? What will remove them..other than scraping upwards with my finger?
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
From: In the World
How old is the machine? Miles? Geography? Consistency?
These A/C engines get damn hot....230 plus oil temp normal on newer bikes. Oil does cook and sludge does form. Syn oil (not HD/SUNOCO) is supremely better ...less sludge .... much higher cooking temps. I've seen syn oil reduce sludge in auto engines.
These A/C engines get damn hot....230 plus oil temp normal on newer bikes. Oil does cook and sludge does form. Syn oil (not HD/SUNOCO) is supremely better ...less sludge .... much higher cooking temps. I've seen syn oil reduce sludge in auto engines.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 458
Likes: 0
From: NC
How old is the machine? Miles? Geography? Consistency?
These A/C engines get damn hot....230 plus oil temp normal on newer bikes. Oil does cook and sludge does form. Syn oil (not HD/SUNOCO) is supremely better ...less sludge .... much higher cooking temps. I've seen syn oil reduce sludge in auto engines.
These A/C engines get damn hot....230 plus oil temp normal on newer bikes. Oil does cook and sludge does form. Syn oil (not HD/SUNOCO) is supremely better ...less sludge .... much higher cooking temps. I've seen syn oil reduce sludge in auto engines.
2011 Fat Boy Lo-Serviced at 1000 miles on 05/06...amsoil in all three holes!
Current mileage is just over 2300-Highway miles-not too much city stop/go. Commute is just over 100 miles round trip 2-3 times a week plus weekend rides
Oil color is light yellowish/brownish on the stick when cold, and darker in color after it comes up to temp. like tonight when I got home and checked it 15 minutes after pulling into garage
Another oil change?
Thanks for your response-just concerned here-want to learn everything I can to take care of this bike.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
From: In the World
2011 Fat Boy Lo-Serviced at 1000 miles on 05/06...amsoil in all three holes!
Current mileage is just over 2300-Highway miles-not too much city stop/go. Commute is just over 100 miles round trip 2-3 times a week plus weekend rides
Oil color is light yellowish/brownish on the stick when cold, and darker in color after it comes up to temp. like tonight when I got home and checked it 15 minutes after pulling into garage
Another oil change?
Thanks for your response-just concerned here-want to learn everything I can to take care of this bike.
Current mileage is just over 2300-Highway miles-not too much city stop/go. Commute is just over 100 miles round trip 2-3 times a week plus weekend rides
Oil color is light yellowish/brownish on the stick when cold, and darker in color after it comes up to temp. like tonight when I got home and checked it 15 minutes after pulling into garage
Another oil change?
Thanks for your response-just concerned here-want to learn everything I can to take care of this bike.
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
From: In the World
I never take a bike back to a dealership.... I just don't trust their work....but maybe ... if you have one of the good dealers ... they can shed some light in your issue. Your engine just doesn't have the miles ... and you are using an oil with very high relative cook off temp. In a word ... I'm stumped.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
From: n
Just went out and looked at mine. There was a small amount brownish residue around the neck, no evidence of foaming, nothing I consider disturbing. The oil was dark, but consistent with anything I have ever seen on any of my HDs. The oil is Syn 3 and has about 2500 miles on it. Definitely different than yours. I would have speculated on moisture, but it sounds like you ride it far enough to cook it off, unlike short little commutes. I live in the NC Sandhills and it has definitely been humid. Maybe change it again, wipe the crude out and give it hard weekend and see what it looks like. Change it yourself, though. Instructions are in your owner's manual. You may need an oil filter wrench if you don't have one. A strap one or the one with the cut out for the sensor.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 682
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From: In the World
Yep...looks like that in his picks.
PS: Use K&N oil filter and you have better filtration...and simple socket and ratchet will take it off.
PS: Use K&N oil filter and you have better filtration...and simple socket and ratchet will take it off.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: El Cajon Ca.
I can't really tell from the pic but it looks like it might be something left over from the coating process. Is the oil filler chromed? If it is copper is one of the base metals used when it goes through the process.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 640
Likes: 44
From: Mancheser UK
It looks to me like the base metal from plating. I know the low has a black tank but I've heard that if you take the paint off in some cases they have been chromed underneath. Your picture looks like the nickel or copper base used for chroming. I can't see clearly from your pictures but it could because by the rubber on the stopper rubbing.