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too much fork oil

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Old Mar 31, 2013 | 07:20 PM
  #1  
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From: central Il
Default too much fork oil

Changed my fork oil because I had a seep on the top nut because I didn't change the washer last year when I installed the race tech so I didn't know how much I lost, I put in 11.1 like the book says and on my ride it clunked real loud, like it was bottoming out but it responded good on the bounce while sitting still and handled nice, but when hitting a large bump or approach on a driveway sounded and felt like hell, well I drained it back out and noticed more came out than I put in, got about 12.1 a side so I didn't let it drain long enough. I thought I used SE heavy last year But I don't know for sure I didn't write it down, would that cause the severe bottoming out sound if its filled a ounce too much or do I need heaver oil. race tech says to use 15 w that they no longer have and SE heavy I thought was 15 but cant find out for sure what weight is is
 
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Old Mar 31, 2013 | 07:30 PM
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I had the same problem after my fork service, I sucked out a little at a time from the top and the false bottoming went away. If I read the manual correctly, the level it gives is for the fluid level before the springs are re-installed. Pretty useless for those of us just changing fluid. Going for as thorough a drain as possible and just replace the same amount that came out is the best way for the shade tree job.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2013 | 07:30 PM
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It is really simple to measure the fork oil height as in your service manual. Get one of these tools:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...WT.MC_ID=10010

As you found out too much oil and you get hydraulic lock, too little and it bottoms out. Fork oil height is something that must be correct.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2013 | 07:43 PM
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If you truly want to run some 15w quality fork oil Try some Bell Ray. The local jap bike shop is good for something lol.
 
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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 06:04 AM
  #5  
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So a ounce too much will cause that sound hydraulic lock guess I need a fork tool thanks for the info
 
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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 06:27 AM
  #6  
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? never used the tool , only a measuring beaker that i use to measure paint with...i use SE Heavy in the FLHTC and SE in the Dyna.
 
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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 06:54 AM
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Noble Jim
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Yea, I found out the hard (costly) way. Too much fork oil and she'll weep like a woman with a broken heart.
 
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