Engine oil level
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
My oil stays pretty much the same level, hot or cold.
When cold, it's about 1/2" above the lower line on my temp gauge dipstick. When hot, maybe 3/4" above the mark, putting it right in the middle. My bike's 22 years old and the 1/4" difference could easily be explained by thermal expansion, so I don't see this "leakdown" issue on my bike.
Sounds to me like you might be a bit low on oil.
John
When cold, it's about 1/2" above the lower line on my temp gauge dipstick. When hot, maybe 3/4" above the mark, putting it right in the middle. My bike's 22 years old and the 1/4" difference could easily be explained by thermal expansion, so I don't see this "leakdown" issue on my bike.
Sounds to me like you might be a bit low on oil.
John
The check valve that's supposed to keep the oil in the tank, leaks oil to the sump to some degree on every Harley, some just leak down faster than others.
This is why every Harley Owners Manual calls for the oil to be checked when Hot.
If you check the oil level at the end of a ride, the bike will have the same quantity of oil the next time you ride it, unless of course, you find a big puddle of oil on the ground under the bike.
.
ok yes, I see all what you mean, I will warm her up and check the oil, I would say that she does need topping up especially as the oil doesn't even register on the dipstick when cold though, I find it strange to check the oil while the bike is leaning on the jiffy stand, surely all the oil is to 1 side and not level in the oil tank, therfore not giving a true reading....?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey Somerset
ok yes, I see all what you mean, I will warm her up and check the oil, I would say that she does need topping up especially as the oil doesn't even register on the dipstick when cold though, I find it strange to check the oil while the bike is leaning on the jiffy stand, surely all the oil is to 1 side and not level in the oil tank, therfore not giving a true reading....?
Last edited by Knights2TheEnd; Sep 27, 2012 at 01:46 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
ok yes, I see all what you mean, I will warm her up and check the oil, I would say that she does need topping up especially as the oil doesn't even register on the dipstick when cold though, I find it strange to check the oil while the bike is leaning on the jiffy stand, surely all the oil is to 1 side and not level in the oil tank, therfore not giving a true reading....?
It does vary when measuring on the jiffy vs straight up, this is why mid way between the dipstick Low and Full marks is considered "Normal" when measured on the jiffy stand. The MoCo does not call for the oil to be kept at the Full mark.
If you've raised the suspension on the bike like I have, the bike will lean further over on the jiffy making the oil level show even lower. Mine will measure at mid stick on the jiffy and just short of Full with the bike upright.
.
Great! I will not top it up until I have warmed the bike......I will leave on the jiffy stand and once warm I will top the oil up until it is half way between low and full!..then I will put my new analogue temp dipstick on and hopefully it will show me how hot the oil is as well.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,558
Likes: 3,982
From: San Diego, CA
I really don't think the 5 to 10 degree lean when on the jiffy stand (especially if you also turn the bars the the right) makes much difference when checking your oil level. It's not like you're laying it on it's side when parked.
John
John
Last edited by John Harper; Sep 27, 2012 at 05:03 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,558
Likes: 3,982
From: San Diego, CA
John
Last edited by John Harper; Sep 27, 2012 at 05:08 PM.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
And who parks with the forks turned to the right?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,558
Likes: 3,982
From: San Diego, CA
It may not be on yours, but on mine with 12.5" rear shocks the extra lean is noticeable and the difference on the dipstick measurement, on jiffy vs bike straight up, is just less than 1/2 quart. We're also talking 04up bikes where the plastic tank runs across the width of the bike, giving the oil plenty of space to move away from the dipstick.
And who parks with the forks turned to the right?
And who parks with the forks turned to the right?
You're probably right about the plastic oil tank design.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Sep 27, 2012 at 06:33 PM.