5000 Service Concerns
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
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5000 Service Concerns
question for everyone re: 08 flhx
I had the 1K service performed at a local dealer and with 5020 on the odometer, I started the 5k service tonight. checked the tires, rear good, front needed a few psi..
now the bad part..
took off the air cleaner cover.. very dirty.. almost "black".. what the hell???
checked oil level.. whoa.. what.. while I can see oil down in there, its not even registering on the dipstick.. double hell...
I can see trace amounts of oil (still wet, bike last rode yesterday) around the air filter..
should I continue 5k service or add some oil and ride off to a (different) local dealer for inspection.
thoughts appreciated.
edit to add: p.s. in case I wasn't clear, oil was tested engine cold on jiffy.
thanks.
I had the 1K service performed at a local dealer and with 5020 on the odometer, I started the 5k service tonight. checked the tires, rear good, front needed a few psi..
now the bad part..took off the air cleaner cover.. very dirty.. almost "black".. what the hell???
checked oil level.. whoa.. what.. while I can see oil down in there, its not even registering on the dipstick.. double hell...
I can see trace amounts of oil (still wet, bike last rode yesterday) around the air filter..
should I continue 5k service or add some oil and ride off to a (different) local dealer for inspection.
thoughts appreciated.
edit to add: p.s. in case I wasn't clear, oil was tested engine cold on jiffy.
thanks.
Last edited by tomryan; Jun 11, 2009 at 07:23 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,476
Likes: 3,950
From: Vermont
whoa, you have 5000 concerns....that's a lot of concerns!
Oil level cannot be accurately determined on a cold engine. Best to get it up to temperature then let engine idle for 2 minutes and check while on side stand. Depending on your riding style, it may be oil blow by that you are seeing in your filter causing this.
Oil level cannot be accurately determined on a cold engine. Best to get it up to temperature then let engine idle for 2 minutes and check while on side stand. Depending on your riding style, it may be oil blow by that you are seeing in your filter causing this.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
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From: Billings,Mt.
I have to ask,have you ever checked the oil level after the dealer service?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 120
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From: Maple Valley, WA.
If you have no oil on the dip stick with the bike cold, you better add some oil. I have checked my oil cold and hot but never seen much difference. I know the manual says to check it hot. Do the oil yourself. It is easy.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 880
Likes: 81
From: California
After removing, I'd cut the oil filter apart to see if there are any metal particles present. I'd venture to guess that there won't be any. Our bikes are dry sumps, meaning that the oil is stored in a separate oil tank. Therefore there only needs to be enough oil present to keep the oil lines full. This is very different than the needs of a wet sump oil system, such as is found in most cars.
I agree with the poster above, just do it yourself. It's easy, and you know it will be done right.
I agree with the poster above, just do it yourself. It's easy, and you know it will be done right.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Oakdale CT
Unlike every other modern engine, Harley's burn oil. I average burning a quart every 5K miles, but my brothers 06 burns a quart ever 2K miles. According the the local Harley service manager the spec is a quart every 1K miles!!! If you are at the 5K point, I recommend changing the oil, pretty easy, just make a drip tray out of a plastic party cup for the oil filter. My Dad bought some contraption that clips on and prevents the oil from going every where, but I just cut up a cup for free.
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I think that following dawgs instructions is the best way. Get it up to temp then check the level. My bike does not burn oil like that either, however it is not unheard of in the Harley world. The 5000 mile service is simple enough and if you start doing your services now you will always want to do do them. Take the money you would spend on the service and get some good tools. Spend the rest on mods for your bike. there is a great amount of knowledge here so just ask if you need any help.
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