Question about oil level

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Jul 21, 2009 | 06:01 PM

#21

Taildraggerdave

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 642

Likes: 3

From: Southern California

I changed my 09 Ultra engine oil last night and put in the first batch of synthetic in it. I used Mobil 1 15W-50 in the 5 quart jug from Wally World.

I had the same dilema about getting the dino oil out so after I drained the pan and changed the filter, I poured one quart of Mobil 1 and ran the engine for about 20 seconds. Shut it off and drained the pan again. Got about a quart of dirty brown oil out so I felt good about that, as well as getting the pressure side primed with fresh synthetic.

Filled the sump again with 3 quarts and it is in the upper third of the stick. Would like it to be a 1/4" lower on the stick but see no signs out the breather and I did 60 miles today in 100* heat on the freeway.

Take care,
Dave

Jul 21, 2009 | 07:54 PM

#22

sfchief

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 348

Likes: 7

From: Idaho

From what I can determine, the crank case holds oil when draining. The oil pan is separate from the crank case. My 09 has a plug in the bottom of the crank case. Has anyone tried removing the plug to see if oil drains out?

Jul 21, 2009 | 09:42 PM

#23

bigskyhd

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 8,051

Likes: 50

From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)

I've been adding 4 qts every oil change, and have never had any blow back, leaks, and it's rock solid. Just followed the manual from day 1. Maybe the newer ones are different. But when I drain it, it's hot, and I let it sit for about 15 minutes before the plugs go back in. Never had a problem.

Jul 21, 2009 | 11:32 PM

#24

jcanrun

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 336

Likes: 9

From: Elk Grove, California

I do my oil and filter change after a ride, so the engine is nice and warm. If I put in 3.5 quarts, then that will translate to 1/2 dipstick level when checking cold. And when back up to operating temperature, it will be just below the full line. I also let the oil drain for at least 15 minutes, usually the time I take to take off the filter and clean it up. Also, when draining, after letting it drain for a while on the jiffy stand, I'll take it off the jiffy stand and sit on the bike for a few to let additional oil drain out.

Jul 22, 2009 | 12:21 AM

#25

NAUIdvr1

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 434

Likes: 1

From: Port St Lucie, FL

I just changed the oils in my 09 Street Glide today. Sittiing striaght up on a J&S jack. I changed the filter and used an Amsoil EaO134M filter, which is a little bit shorter than the HD filter (should take a bit less oil to make full).

I added 3 quarts, started bike up and let run for a minute. Shut down, waited 5 mintues to check oil, added about another 8 ounces. So for me it was 3.25 quarts and the level is smack dab in the middle = right where it it supposed to be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfchief

Has anyone tried removing the plug to see if oil drains out?

To the guy who asked about removing the crankcase plug - Yep, I did it buy accident (this is my first oil change on a touring bike), only a few tablespoons came out, not even worth your time to remove the plug.

Neat little trick some of you guys do with starting the bike for 3 seconds to get that last 1/2 quart out of the bike, I just might have to try that on the next oil change.

Last edited by NAUIdvr1; Jul 22, 2009 at 12:24 AM.

Jul 22, 2009 | 07:10 AM

#26

Ultrasweet

Road Captain

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 675

Likes: 0

From: Willis, Texas

My owners manual on my SERG says 4 qts with filter. Like I said earlier when the tech changed it the other day he said he always puts in 3.5 qts. and that made it slightly over full. There have been several threads on here about overfilling and causing oil to come out of the breather through the crankcase vent tubes. I think after reading this thread I would only put in about 3 to 3.25 qts then get it hot and check it. T.

Jul 22, 2009 | 07:18 AM

#27

1flhtk4me

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 10,675

Likes: 95

From: Billings,Mt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by beary

One other note is I read here that if you start the engine for 3 seconds after you drain the oil, you will get another half quart.

I have never done this with my '06.
I drain it,change filter and install 1 gallon.

Jul 23, 2009 | 01:29 PM

#28

Dalejb

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 47

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From:

If all the engine blocks are made the same and all of the pans are made the same and the factory says 4 quarts, why do people indicate that their bike is different than another? What works for one should work for all unless the factory is making individual engines for every bike. I have always put in 4 quarts and never get oil out of the breather. I suspect something else is causing the breather problem and shorting it on oil to avoid it isn't the right way to address the issue.