strange Engine oil change ...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 191
From: Boise, Idaho
I drain the oil on my Touring bike and add 3 quarts, run the engine and check level. Sometimes level is spot on, other times I need to add a little.
I have to agree, 3 1/2 quarts is too much.
I do believe level is correct when the oil level is at the center reading on the dip stick and not at the top.
I have to agree, 3 1/2 quarts is too much.
I do believe level is correct when the oil level is at the center reading on the dip stick and not at the top.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 191
From: Boise, Idaho
Great question. The amount of oil will be the same. You haven't added to or taken any away. It may have expanded some because of the heat. I think the reasoning of warming the bike up prior to draining is to get most of the contaminants in suspension first. That way most of the crud comes out with the warm oil.
If I'm changing I do warm it up first.
-G
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 266
Likes: 14
From: Illinois
I was also worried about the level in the oil pan being too much as in reading high on the dip stick. Correct me if I'm wrong but, it won't affect anything will it ? My oil level is well below the fill opening ... I don't see where 1/2 quart too much will be detrimental ... Or will that be hard on the seals, etc...?
Last edited by ral819; Sep 14, 2016 at 02:08 PM. Reason: adding to message
Oh ya, The fill plug was out. It creates a vacuum, if not. I think from now on I'll start with just 3 quarts. The oil in the drain pan was poured back into the bottles. There was less oil, the only variable was the old filter oil, and there didn't seem to be a lot of that oil noted.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I think you are missing something. I have never put only 3 quarts in, on my 01 and 07. I do have oil coolers on them now. I am not sure you have to add more, since old oil is left in cooler.
Did you pull the dipstick before putting plug back in? It does speed up when the dipstick comes out.
I would be more concerned with sumping. Maybe something wrong with oil pump.
Unless the newer bikes are different then my TCs
Did you pull the dipstick before putting plug back in? It does speed up when the dipstick comes out.
I would be more concerned with sumping. Maybe something wrong with oil pump.
Unless the newer bikes are different then my TCs
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,537
Likes: 6,411
From: Honah Lee
I was also worried about the level in the oil pan being too much as in reading high on the dip stick. Correct me if I'm wrong but, it won't affect anything will it ? My oil level is well below the fill opening ... I don't see where 1/2 quart too much will be detrimental ... Or will that be hard on the seals, etc...?
You are overthinking it. Put some action in, get it done and move on.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 304
From: mid Michigan
I like fresh oil so it's so easy to ride then pull in at end of day poke two holes in filter pull plug then next day add oil after work. Just did over last night. Dip stick in all night. Put in 3 1/2quart's then long ride, come back add half. Now at the half way in the good range. I did cheat this time and started bike with plug pulled , for like three seconds and more oil ran out after that. Reason I did it is I usely always pull in clutch with primary plug pulled to spin out the clutch but most the time it's not the same day I do engine oil.
Last edited by xcbullet; Sep 14, 2016 at 07:31 PM.