oil level
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 828
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From: USA
oil level
My Harley owner's manual gives a 4 quart oil capacity with filter change. However, on both the H-D dipstick and an after market dipstick this indicates an overfilled condition when cold. I check it the way the manual recommends and on level ground. Anyway, I started running it with 3 1/2 quarts of Amsoil 20W-50 this Summer and kept an eye on my oil temperature. I did not see any increase in oil temp as to when I ran with four quarts.
Are any of you guys running with less than 4 quarts. If so, any problems?
Are any of you guys running with less than 4 quarts. If so, any problems?
Last edited by jimski; Nov 3, 2009 at 08:22 AM.
When changing the oil there is a small amount that stays in the engine due to the design. Drain oil and replace filter. Add 3 quarts. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the new oil and top off. I top off to about halfway up the dipstick to avoid overfilling and blowby.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
4 qts. here and no problems. The motor is dry sump in design with the oil reservoir separate from the motor. The motor gets lubrication by way of a pump so overfilling the reservoir slightly will do no damage whatsoever.
A friend (novice rider/owner) filled the oil bag on his Heritage nearly all the way to the cap (for reasons that seemed to make sense to him at the time). He'd ridden it for over 2500 miles that way. At a rest stop on one of our rides I watched as he checked his oil and noticed it was waay overfilled. We drained it down to the correct level and he's never had any problems to date. That was three years ago.
A friend (novice rider/owner) filled the oil bag on his Heritage nearly all the way to the cap (for reasons that seemed to make sense to him at the time). He'd ridden it for over 2500 miles that way. At a rest stop on one of our rides I watched as he checked his oil and noticed it was waay overfilled. We drained it down to the correct level and he's never had any problems to date. That was three years ago.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,922
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From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
When I check mine cold its about 3/4 the way up the stick. Once it is good and hot when I check it, it's on the full mark.,,
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