Checking Oil
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
Please don't rip on him. They tell you right on the dip stick to check the oil level when it's hot. Probably some smart **** engineer at the MOCO laughing since he's probably never had to actually grab hold of the cap and unscrew it while it is hot. Also, problem with trying to unscrew that cap when its hot or even warm is the fact that the cap expands when its hot and makes it even more difficult.
Here's my suggestion buddy. First, when you screw your Oil Dip Stick back in don't go boonkers cranking it down. It only needs to be "finger tight". Now, when you get home from a ride, check your oil level with the bike on the kickstand and make a note of the oil level. If it is below the "hot filled level" go ahead and add oil to bring it up to its "Full" level. Wait until the bike completely cools down and go check the oil level again. This time the oil cap should be cold and you should be able to unscrew by hand it easily. Look at the oil level on the stick and if you have to make your own mark as the "Cold Full Line". Now, before you go out on a ride you shouldn't have any problem unscrewing the Cap and you can check your oil level. If it's below your "Cold Oil Level" mark then you know that you'll be needing to add oil soon or add it then depending on how far below it's below the mark.
Here's my suggestion buddy. First, when you screw your Oil Dip Stick back in don't go boonkers cranking it down. It only needs to be "finger tight". Now, when you get home from a ride, check your oil level with the bike on the kickstand and make a note of the oil level. If it is below the "hot filled level" go ahead and add oil to bring it up to its "Full" level. Wait until the bike completely cools down and go check the oil level again. This time the oil cap should be cold and you should be able to unscrew by hand it easily. Look at the oil level on the stick and if you have to make your own mark as the "Cold Full Line". Now, before you go out on a ride you shouldn't have any problem unscrewing the Cap and you can check your oil level. If it's below your "Cold Oil Level" mark then you know that you'll be needing to add oil soon or add it then depending on how far below it's below the mark.
Last edited by JJHOG; Dec 9, 2011 at 08:12 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
I would keep it at the 1/2 way mark and check when cold as has been suggested. Filling may lead to blow by and an air filter full of oil. The design of the filler screw cap does seem to "tighten up" so also as suggested, don't use too much finger torque when putting it back on. Perhaps when hot, the filler plug expends some making it tighter.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I know a buck tooth dude that claims he can get his dipstick out without channel locks :>)
In school he once gnawed a hole in the chalkboard!
In school he once gnawed a hole in the chalkboard!
Last edited by TheGrandPoohBah; Dec 9, 2011 at 08:35 AM.
+1 on a cold check. That's how I've always done it. Check it before you go, and don't worry about it.
__________________
General Inquiries:
Info@LongRideShields.com
Sales and Marketing:
Sales@LongRideShields.com
Phone:
775.331.3789
General Inquiries:
Info@LongRideShields.com
Sales and Marketing:
Sales@LongRideShields.com
Phone:
775.331.3789
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
Please don't rip on him. They tell you right on the dip stick to check the oil level when it's hot. Probably some smart **** engineer at the MOCO laughing since he's probably never had to actually grab hold of the cap and unscrew it while it is hot. Also, problem with trying to unscrew that cap when its hot or even warm is the fact that the cap expands when its hot and makes it even more difficult.
Here's my suggestion buddy. First, when you screw your Oil Dip Stick back in don't go boonkers cranking it down. It only needs to be "finger tight". Now, when you get home from a ride, check your oil level with the bike on the kickstand and make a note of the oil level. If it is below the "hot filled level" go ahead and add oil to bring it up to its "Full" level. Wait until the bike completely cools down and go check the oil level again. This time the oil cap should be cold and you should be able to unscrew by hand it easily. Look at the oil level on the stick and if you have to make your own mark as the "Cold Full Line". Now, before you go out on a ride you shouldn't have any problem unscrewing the Cap and you can check your oil level. If it's below your "Cold Oil Level" mark then you know that you'll be needing to add oil soon or add it then depending on how far below it's below the mark.
Here's my suggestion buddy. First, when you screw your Oil Dip Stick back in don't go boonkers cranking it down. It only needs to be "finger tight". Now, when you get home from a ride, check your oil level with the bike on the kickstand and make a note of the oil level. If it is below the "hot filled level" go ahead and add oil to bring it up to its "Full" level. Wait until the bike completely cools down and go check the oil level again. This time the oil cap should be cold and you should be able to unscrew by hand it easily. Look at the oil level on the stick and if you have to make your own mark as the "Cold Full Line". Now, before you go out on a ride you shouldn't have any problem unscrewing the Cap and you can check your oil level. If it's below your "Cold Oil Level" mark then you know that you'll be needing to add oil soon or add it then depending on how far below it's below the mark.
Sounds kind of dumb, but I would have the dealer check it out if its a new bike before you eventually break it like I did.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
I use gloves but if it is still tight, go to walmart and get some of the stuff for lining drawers.
It feels like rubber and it is perforated all through it with small holes. Cut you out a 5x5 square and keep this on your bike. This will give you that extra grip you need. Also works great in the garage and kitchen to open up any stubborn lids.
It feels like rubber and it is perforated all through it with small holes. Cut you out a 5x5 square and keep this on your bike. This will give you that extra grip you need. Also works great in the garage and kitchen to open up any stubborn lids.