Oil change question?
Oil change question?
Hello all,
First time to post here as you can usually find the answer or info. if you read past questions and answer. But, I can't find it so here goes.
I have two Softail Deluxe's, mine is a 2009 the ole lady's is a 2011(of course).
Both bikes show to hold a little over 3 qts with filter change. I can only get about 2 qts. In them with the filter change.
Am I missing something here.
Only thing I can figure is the specs. show 3.3 qts. with filter change is for a new install.. I am guessing there is about a quart left in the motor.
Could some one please clue my dumbass as to weather I am doing it right or not.
This is a great site, I had not been on a Harley for almost 40 years and bought two about 8 months ago. And the information on here is endless. Hope to meet some of y'all in the future maybe at the State Hog Ralley here in San Antonio, Texas where I live.
Thanks
Michael Johnson
First time to post here as you can usually find the answer or info. if you read past questions and answer. But, I can't find it so here goes.
I have two Softail Deluxe's, mine is a 2009 the ole lady's is a 2011(of course).
Both bikes show to hold a little over 3 qts with filter change. I can only get about 2 qts. In them with the filter change.
Am I missing something here.
Only thing I can figure is the specs. show 3.3 qts. with filter change is for a new install.. I am guessing there is about a quart left in the motor.
Could some one please clue my dumbass as to weather I am doing it right or not.
This is a great site, I had not been on a Harley for almost 40 years and bought two about 8 months ago. And the information on here is endless. Hope to meet some of y'all in the future maybe at the State Hog Ralley here in San Antonio, Texas where I live.
Thanks
Michael Johnson
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
There's more in the crankcase of the engine that doesn't come out when you drain it. So yeah, you won't get it all out unless you do a full oil cycle (which involves draining the oil that you can, leaving the old filter on, fill with new oil, disconnect oil return line from the oil tank, attach a hose to that oil return line and then starting the engine to cycle the old oil out from the engine in to a bin, once it runs clear, re-attach the oil return line, then top it off with fresh oil)
I think I only put like 2 3/4 qts back in on my last oil change.. something like that.
I think I only put like 2 3/4 qts back in on my last oil change.. something like that.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Same as most do, I put a little in the filter before I install it (don't take as long on restart to refill) then I add 2 1/2 qts in tank.
Then I start her and check to make sure see the oil is about 1/2 between the low and full mark.
Next time I run her up to full temp then I put her on the Jiffy stand and recheck and add more if needed to maintain the level at 1/2 between the full and low marks.
3 qts will probably be too much to add to the tank,, if U added too much, U can take a turkey baster and suck some of it out.. don't ask how I know that will work.
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Then I start her and check to make sure see the oil is about 1/2 between the low and full mark.
Next time I run her up to full temp then I put her on the Jiffy stand and recheck and add more if needed to maintain the level at 1/2 between the full and low marks.
3 qts will probably be too much to add to the tank,, if U added too much, U can take a turkey baster and suck some of it out.. don't ask how I know that will work.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Had the same issue for my first two oil changes - 3 too much, 2 1/2 too much, now I put 2 in and top off. Also, if you use synthetics the oil level doesn't change much hot or cold.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
Likes: 2,606
From: san antonio
Conventional or synthetic doesn't matter as far as getting different readings hot or cold. The softail oil tank is above the crankcase and gravity will allow oil to drain from the tank to the crankcase while sitting; some more than others. That is why checking oil cold gives false readings. The amount of oil in the tank will depend on how long the bike has been sitting and/or how much has drained into the crancase.
There will be anywhere from 18 to 24 ounces of oil remaining in the motor after the oil has been drained from the tank, plus whatever is in the oil cooler/lines if a cooler has been installed. A complete oil change is the only way to remove that oil. Certainly not necessary but if a complete oil change is what one wants, there are kits to do that.
http://www.roguechopper.com/index.htm
There will be anywhere from 18 to 24 ounces of oil remaining in the motor after the oil has been drained from the tank, plus whatever is in the oil cooler/lines if a cooler has been installed. A complete oil change is the only way to remove that oil. Certainly not necessary but if a complete oil change is what one wants, there are kits to do that.
http://www.roguechopper.com/index.htm
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
If you just want to take it apart, try to pinch the black tabs together and gently pull it out. sometimes it may be a little stuck and give you some issues, but it's not that bad