Lots Of Metal In Oil HELP
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 32
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Lots Of Metal In Oil HELP
Hello Everyone,
I have an 08 FLHTCU Ultra Classic and upon changing the oil for the first time I noticed allot of metallic looking metal shavings (very fine) in the oil. First off let me start by saying that I purchased this bike new and didn't change the oil until it had 2000 miles on it. I realize that it calls for the first oil change to be done at 1000 miles so no need to scold me for something that I have already scolded myself on. My question is, Is it normal to have a lot of metal shavings on the first oil change or am I screwed and should I have the engine tore down and gone over?
Thanks For Your Replies In Advance
Ray
I have an 08 FLHTCU Ultra Classic and upon changing the oil for the first time I noticed allot of metallic looking metal shavings (very fine) in the oil. First off let me start by saying that I purchased this bike new and didn't change the oil until it had 2000 miles on it. I realize that it calls for the first oil change to be done at 1000 miles so no need to scold me for something that I have already scolded myself on. My question is, Is it normal to have a lot of metal shavings on the first oil change or am I screwed and should I have the engine tore down and gone over?
Thanks For Your Replies In Advance
Ray
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 485
Likes: 10
From: East Tennessee
If they're very fine and there's not a load of them I'd say it's normal for a new engine. But are there any other indications that there is trouble? Oil burning, noises, excess metal on the drain plug magnet, etc.? If not, keep ridin'. You got a warranty on it. Check at the next interval and see if the metal is still showing up. If so I'd take it in and have a dealer go over it to make sure you don't do anything that will screw up the warranty.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
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From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
One reason I change mine at 500 miles with a new break in ... the first wear in is gonna get a little metal.. Change it again in another 500 and see what you have...
Last edited by JayStronghawk; Feb 6, 2009 at 04:41 AM.
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Intermediate
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Thanks Allot... I'd have to say no as far as engine noise or anything else that would raise concern, and I will definitely change it again @ 2500 and maybe even at another 500 after that.
Oh and there was a good bit of metal in the oil.... Basically the oild was sortof silverish when rubbing thumb and the forefinger together.
Thanks again for everyones help and if anyone else has a different point of view or perspective please share it with me.
Oh and there was a good bit of metal in the oil.... Basically the oild was sortof silverish when rubbing thumb and the forefinger together.
Thanks again for everyones help and if anyone else has a different point of view or perspective please share it with me.
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From: Bedford UK
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 270
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From: Lake Charles, La
change the oil again, at 2500 miles. If you have excessive metal in the oil, bring it to your dealer because it is still under warranty. Tell the dealer you changed it at 1,000 miles, and again at 2,500 miles. Because, if something IS wrong, they will try to find ANYTHING they can to not have to pay. I am not saying Harley is bad people, but some of the dealerships will do that, and most car places do the same. They don't want to pay out money if they don't have to. But, in all honesty, it sound normal to me. You will always get a few tiny pieces of metal on the magnet, that is why I change mine every 3,000 miles instead of the Harley recomended 5,000 miles. I also use Synthetic.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Bay Area
You may want to cut open your oil filter and unwrap the paper element to look for chunks. Since its under warr document everything you did (including the mileage, dat, costs)and put the receipts for the parts in a file.
Then like others said change AND document every oil/filter change. Very important to document date/mileage/costs because if you had a legal issue it will hold up in court since you seem to do your own work.
I think if you did it again at 2500 look in the filter you will see it cleared up, if not notify the dealer.
Then like others said change AND document every oil/filter change. Very important to document date/mileage/costs because if you had a legal issue it will hold up in court since you seem to do your own work.
I think if you did it again at 2500 look in the filter you will see it cleared up, if not notify the dealer.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
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From: sand mountain Alabama
Although it is normal to find some fine metal shavings at the first time oil change but it isn't normal to have a silver color to the oil.
That is one of the reasons so many of us do not use citgo oil wrapped with HD on it.
That is one of the reasons so many of us do not use citgo oil wrapped with HD on it.