Oil Fill
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Oil Fill
Just looking for some more experienced input. I just changed my oil for the second time on my 2010 Softail Deluxe. I used Mobil 1 vtwin. Last time I added 3.5 quarts like my service manual said to and when I checked the oil after a short ride to get it cycled in my dipstick read overfull. I removed some oil (not pleasant) and rode.
3000 miles later I change my oil again. This time I just added 3 quarts. I again took a short ride and checked the oil - my dipstick again reads overfull (to the second L on the word full).
What's the deal?
3000 miles later I change my oil again. This time I just added 3 quarts. I again took a short ride and checked the oil - my dipstick again reads overfull (to the second L on the word full).
What's the deal?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 2
From: New Hampshire
When you drain the oil, you only empty the oil tank. The rest of the engine has as much as 24 to 28 ounces left in it. Even if you put 3 quarts in you can still be overfilling.
It is always best to put in less and check the dip stick.
Personally I use a scavenger to pump out all of the old oil, so I end up with 3.5 quarts of new clean oil.
It is always best to put in less and check the dip stick.
Personally I use a scavenger to pump out all of the old oil, so I end up with 3.5 quarts of new clean oil.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
On our Softail(s), after draining the tanks and changing the filter, I put TWO quarts in the oil tank and start the bike and let it run until the oil light goes out.
I then stand the bike upright (level) and add enough oil to the tank to bring the oil level up to just below the neck of the tank where the dispstick is inserted.
From past experience, of you just dump in THREE quarts, or if you fill the bike to the neck of the oil tank while it is on the kickstand in you may get a "trace" of an oil leak from dipstick seal on the outside of your oil tank.
I then stand the bike upright (level) and add enough oil to the tank to bring the oil level up to just below the neck of the tank where the dispstick is inserted.
From past experience, of you just dump in THREE quarts, or if you fill the bike to the neck of the oil tank while it is on the kickstand in you may get a "trace" of an oil leak from dipstick seal on the outside of your oil tank.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
2 1/2 quarts. Ride it (all day if you want). Check oil and add if necessary. Remember, as long as there is oil in that tank the engine is getting all it needs. The only other issue from there is oil temp, which more oil would help.
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