Changing fluids today.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i change it at 20k. looks pretty much the same coming out as going in. and to further add fuel to the fire, i use supertech full synthetic 75w-90 (yes, walmart oil). runs about $6 per qt.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,535
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Oil level midway up the etching is perfect for me, less oil goes back to the breather.
In fact, on many vehicles, the etched area on the dipstick is "Safe". With lots of vehicles, the oil maintained at that level, less oil is pulled up thru the PCV resulting in a cleaner throttle body and intake system. I have cleaned throttle bodies and found that most of the junk was oil fume related. When rings and compression are found to be good, PCV becomes suspect, and lowering the oil level to half way in the etching usually produces favorable results.
Something that has always amused me is The MoCo will tell you that a little oil pulled up into the air filter is "Normal". What's funny is many HD original air filters are a white gauze type element that stamped right there on the metal in the middle of the air filter are the bold words - "Do Not Oil".
In fact, on many vehicles, the etched area on the dipstick is "Safe". With lots of vehicles, the oil maintained at that level, less oil is pulled up thru the PCV resulting in a cleaner throttle body and intake system. I have cleaned throttle bodies and found that most of the junk was oil fume related. When rings and compression are found to be good, PCV becomes suspect, and lowering the oil level to half way in the etching usually produces favorable results.
Something that has always amused me is The MoCo will tell you that a little oil pulled up into the air filter is "Normal". What's funny is many HD original air filters are a white gauze type element that stamped right there on the metal in the middle of the air filter are the bold words - "Do Not Oil".
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
I noticed that. The service and owner's manuals say 38 oz. My bike was level, not on the kickstand, and 38 oz came right up to the opening but didn't spill.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
If I can ask, is there a specific reason for your 18,000 miles ago remark? I'll be changing oil sometime soon.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
Supertech Synthetic is most likely excellent stuff, I suspect.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 57
From: N. IL
Engine seems to make less noise. Transmission shifts smoother and nuetral is easier to find.
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