OIL Check
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Stage II
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2
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From: Nashville
OIL Check
Just bought my first HD, 2004 Sportster 883 Custom. Need some help as I'm new to Harley Davidson and the bike did not come with and owners manual. How do I check the oil on this bike?, Jiffy stand or straight up at 90 degrees.
Also how often do I check oil and whats the best way to get dipstick out after you pop the cap up?
I'm assuming you add oil in the same place as the dipstick.
Thanks for any advice.
Also how often do I check oil and whats the best way to get dipstick out after you pop the cap up?
I'm assuming you add oil in the same place as the dipstick.
Thanks for any advice.
Last edited by JLCKB; Mar 24, 2012 at 11:02 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
The oil level should always be checked when the motor is still hot/warm. Checking and adding oil after the bike has been sitting will result in an over filled tank.
When checked with the bike on the jiffy stand, add oil up to about half way between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick. After doing so, if you check the oil again with the bike in the upright (normal riding) position, you'll find the level on the dipstick will read between 3/4 and Full.
Running the bike with the oil level at the Full mark usually results in oil being puked out of the breathers and into the air filter can.
When checked with the bike on the jiffy stand, add oil up to about half way between the ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick. After doing so, if you check the oil again with the bike in the upright (normal riding) position, you'll find the level on the dipstick will read between 3/4 and Full.
Running the bike with the oil level at the Full mark usually results in oil being puked out of the breathers and into the air filter can.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 731
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From: Windsor Ontario
Except ignore what it says in the manual about how much oil to put in because it's wrong. It states 3.6 quarts, should be 2.8
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Stage IV
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
An oil change should only take about 2.75 quarts, depending on the size (capacity) of your oil filter and how high you run your oil level on the dipstick.