Please HELP! Oil question...
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Ninove, Belgium
Please HELP! Oil question...
I'm kind of embarrassed about this one and I feel really STUPID!
Yesterday I was removing my old pipes to install my new ones (2011 Nightster). I was following an installation guide, because I have zero exp in doing this. And it said "Remove the belt cover...". And guess what, I removed the "cam cover??/big front right side cover" (I can be wrong about how it's called).
And yeah, in no time my "whole" working space was covered in oil! So...
1. What's the oil for?
2. Can I just refill via the oil tank cap?
3. Do I need to see a dealer to fix it? Or isn't it as bad as it looked?
Would really appreciate some help.
Yesterday I was removing my old pipes to install my new ones (2011 Nightster). I was following an installation guide, because I have zero exp in doing this. And it said "Remove the belt cover...". And guess what, I removed the "cam cover??/big front right side cover" (I can be wrong about how it's called).
And yeah, in no time my "whole" working space was covered in oil! So...
1. What's the oil for?
2. Can I just refill via the oil tank cap?
3. Do I need to see a dealer to fix it? Or isn't it as bad as it looked?
Would really appreciate some help.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
The oil is engine oil, trapped where you found it to lubricate the cams. No harm done! If you have bolted it back on and the gasket is not damaged you can indeed top up your oil, as per your handbook. You may find the amount lost hardly shows on the dipstick, but I could be wrong. Oil goes an awfully long way when it gets the chance.
Now go and buy a factory service manual, so you don't make any other mistakes!
Now go and buy a factory service manual, so you don't make any other mistakes!
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Ninove, Belgium
Thanks a lot for the fast answer! Already got the manual 
but went straight from work to my bike. And I forgot the manual at home.
I won't make this mistake again, that's for sure.
but went straight from work to my bike. And I forgot the manual at home.I won't make this mistake again, that's for sure.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Your cams didnt pop out or become maladjusted did they? That usually happens when you remove the gearcase cover. It can be very tough to reinstall if there is any sort of misalignment in the cam journals.
I hope this isn't your case as it requires disassembly of the rockers to reinstall properly.
I hope this isn't your case as it requires disassembly of the rockers to reinstall properly.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Ninove, Belgium
Hope not, I didn't fully remove the cover. Only like 0.5 inch I guess, but enough to remove the oil at once
Trending Topics
You're good, no worries. Scuba is mentioning basically worst case scenario. Even taking off the cover entirely, it's rare that I've ever pulled the cams out. You most likely had rocker pressure on the rods which would've held the cams in place anyway, with the amount you pulled.
again, chalk it up to a learning experience and an idea of what your "shop" needs per the mishap, i.e. motorcycle oil pan, oil absorbtion materials, towels, and some patience
again, chalk it up to a learning experience and an idea of what your "shop" needs per the mishap, i.e. motorcycle oil pan, oil absorbtion materials, towels, and some patience
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Clammy
General Harley Davidson Chat
28
Aug 21, 2006 02:43 PM