Engine Oil Capacity?
I remember the kick-starter, use to use it a few slow pumps to get that last drop of oil out of engine.
Manual says 4 quarts on late style engines, but I find that it's slightly less then that.
Only a few odd dirt Bikes now have electric starters now days, when was the last hand crank start Car made? ?
John
Manual says 4 quarts on late style engines, but I find that it's slightly less then that.
Only a few odd dirt Bikes now have electric starters now days, when was the last hand crank start Car made? ?
John
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 44
From: Fredericksburg, VA
I see that being VERY MESSY and will not be doing it on my end...
..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 307
From: mid Michigan
I drain it over nite, less mess with filter, couple holes in the end & cardboard to the left. Takes 4 guarts. Now that I'm buying the Mercury V-twin oil it works out good in the gallon jug. But I do start with less as I've over filled a few times.
Last edited by xcbullet; Jun 19, 2018 at 04:45 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 457
From: Littleton CO
The factory "capacity" is probably for a dry engine and dry filter. After that the amount of oil needed for a RE fill is totally dependent on how much oil came out. Typically that seems to be about 3 1/2 quarts but may be a little more or a little less. If you want to be sure you have enough oil on hand to complete the oil change, 4 quarts will be MORE than enough and will leave you with some left over in case you need to add a little later on. The "CAPACITY' of your gas tank is 6 gallons, but no one ever insists on pumping 6 gallons into a tank that only needs 4 1/2 gallons to fill. Same idea with the engine, transmission, and primary case.
A personal technique that makes me FEEL better but probably does little additional benefit: I start the drain (any of the three reservoirs) on the jiffy stand. When the flow is down to a trickle or just drips, I will lean the bike as far to the right as I can comfortably, hold it there briefly (my leg gets tired) and rock it back onto the stand. After 2 or three repeats, no more oil comes out when back on the stand. Put the plugs back in and fill until the dip stick is happy or the visual level is correct. I never know ahead of time how much that will take, but having the factory capacity amount on hand is always more than enough.
A personal technique that makes me FEEL better but probably does little additional benefit: I start the drain (any of the three reservoirs) on the jiffy stand. When the flow is down to a trickle or just drips, I will lean the bike as far to the right as I can comfortably, hold it there briefly (my leg gets tired) and rock it back onto the stand. After 2 or three repeats, no more oil comes out when back on the stand. Put the plugs back in and fill until the dip stick is happy or the visual level is correct. I never know ahead of time how much that will take, but having the factory capacity amount on hand is always more than enough.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
I change engine oil, trans fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, etc. on all of my vehices and have been for many, many years.
On the advice of a mechanic at Glendale Harley I'll be changing the oil in my primary every 2,500 and the motor, probably the same.
My point is, if one changes oil often enough, the tiny bit that remains in the pump, cooler etc. is inconsequential because it doesn't get real bad and you don't need to play games trying to get it out.
Also, 2,000 miles of many short trips is much harder on oil than one or two long trips totalling 2,000 miles. .
Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it.
On the advice of a mechanic at Glendale Harley I'll be changing the oil in my primary every 2,500 and the motor, probably the same.
My point is, if one changes oil often enough, the tiny bit that remains in the pump, cooler etc. is inconsequential because it doesn't get real bad and you don't need to play games trying to get it out.
Also, 2,000 miles of many short trips is much harder on oil than one or two long trips totalling 2,000 miles. .
Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 428
From: Northern NY
I do about 3 1/2....then ride it and check it later, add a touch if needed.
Followup question for all: how many folks fill up their new filter with oil before installing it on the bike?
Have read tech posts/articles on this elsewhere.....some strongly advise doing it but I rarely see it mentioned anywhere.
Followup question for all: how many folks fill up their new filter with oil before installing it on the bike?
Have read tech posts/articles on this elsewhere.....some strongly advise doing it but I rarely see it mentioned anywhere.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 646
Likes: 168
From: chicago
usually 3.5 quarts to fill mine. i do fill the filter half way with fresh oil before installing, no mess. dont like to start with an empty filter, does it hurt engine if the filters empty, dont know but thats the way i do it. same thing with the cars, half way on the filter with new oil before spinning it on.
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Canada
usually 3.5 quarts to fill mine. i do fill the filter half way with fresh oil before installing, no mess. dont like to start with an empty filter, does it hurt engine if the filters empty, dont know but thats the way i do it. same thing with the cars, half way on the filter with new oil before spinning it on.
