My question is this. My service manual for my 09 FLHTC states 4 qts of oil required for an engine oil/filter change in the capacities section for an engine oil change, but in the service manual under the oil change procedures it states 3.5 qts. So do you put the full 4 qts. in or 3.5 and check, then add as necessary to get full?

 

i would start checking after 3.25 and still leave it a "little"low till warm.

 

As suggested above, put in three, warm, and then check from there.

FWIW, many motors will spit oil into the air cleaner the closer to "Full" it gets.

So, save yourself some cleaning time and don't overfill (which may be only half way up the stick on your particular machine).

 

I stay a pint below 4 qts in warm weather with my ultra, and at 4 qts in cold weather with no problems.

 

I have 96000 miles on my 06 ultra I change oil and filter every 4000 mile I
use mobil v twin hd filter and just pour in the 4qt never any trouble.
ride the bike until it is warmed up before you drain the oil. That way it
all drains out. I changed it cold once it did not all drain out and 4qt was to much
Leon

 

It holds 4 qts total but there is usually about a half qt of old oil left in the motor when you drain it. Forget about putting in a specific amount, you'll want to add just enough oil to bring it exactly halfway up in the operating range on the dipstick. Start it up, let it run for a couple of minutes and get hot, shut it off and check. You will probably have to add more but it will end up being about 3.5 qts total.

 

I changed the oil myself two weeks ago for the first time. I started with 3.5 quarts. This included putting some oil in the new filter before it was installed. After the Road King was warmed up I put in a little more. About 3.8 quarts total. Now it's just above the mid point on the dipstick. We'll see how it goues over the next few weeks.

 

Yep; exactly what I do.

 

You cannot drain all the oil from the motor no matter how hot it is or how long you let it drain.1/2 quart or so will remain in the system. But there are systems available to get it all out. www.roguechopper.com has an exellent system called SCAVENGER & www demonstrates how it works. Other folks will jump on this with suggestions from how to assemble something, another suplier, or leave the 1/2 quart of dirty oil in it because it don't matter. Check www & see. I bought one and very pleased to see how it will perform a total oil change. You then will be able to add proper amount of clean oil.
I have no ties with Rogue and I approve this message.

 

Change filter and pour in 4 Qts. I did a lot of research on this like you are and called a few buddies and the dealer and it was explained to me that 4 is not too much and you can dabble if ya want, but kind of a waste of time. Good luck