Hey everyone,

I just did my Spring TCLOCS inspection on my bike and I can't believe the oil in my tank is extremely low. I can't believe how low. I checked under the bike and there is no evidence of leaks. Strange...

Anyway, I use Harley Screamin Eagle Synthetic 20w-50.

I have an appointment tomorrow first thing in the morning for a Spring inspection, oil change, etc. So I'll have to put some oil in before I ride her there, and it's Sunday and all the Harley dealerships and auto stores are closed.

Walmart is open and I have to get some tonight. They say they have:

Valvoline 20W-50 4-Stroke Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

Just want to be sure... does it matter that it says 4-stroke? 20w-50 is 20w-50 right? That it says "4-stroke" shouldn't matter, or does it?

Sorry, still learning about oil changes, etc.

Thanks!

Peg

 

Did you run the bike, warm it up, then check the level?
If the bike sat all winter, there's a good chance it just drained down into the crankcase...

 

No I didn't dare start it once I shined a flashlight into the oil tank. Was hardly anything in there. I put the rest of the synthetic I had on hand which was about 1/3 quart. Didn;'t even bring it up to a level that registered on the dip stick.

And yeah the bike sat in the garage all winter (4.5 months) on a battery tender, never started since November.............

???

 

Exactly what jam said. There's a ball check (I believe that's what it's called) that let's oil sit in the case and the tank looks empty.

 

jam is right. run it for a bit u should be fine.

 

Mobile 1 20w-50 v-twin formula should be comparable. Most auto parts stores carry it now and most are open on Sunday

 

First off the above posters are correct.

Secondly, if you add oil and then start it you'll have a mess to clean up on the bike, walls and garage floor when the dipstick blows out of the oil tank like a missile as oil in the sump is returned to your oil tank.

Third, Harley's only use about 1 quart of oil at any given time to lubricate. The rest is for cooling. When you start it, ( low as it looks,) your oil light will go our just as usual.

Let us know what it measures after it warms up.

 

Let it run up to temperature, shut it down and check. You will notice the oil light will go out right after it starts up. It sat all winter and the oil is in the case. Normal.

 

Agreed. start it and let it warm up. With the 1/3rd quart you already added you will be a bit overfull now. Adding more will setup a volcano effect. That would be one pink and black mess.

 

Ive over filled before. IF your oil cap doesn't come off you will see it coming up around the edges. It blows... lol

you'l see 2 strokes in lawn equipment and dirtbikes.