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I am not sure if this theory would be correct, assuming that there would be a certain amount (perhaps 2.67 quarts or more) in the crankcase before it even starts to register on the dipstick. Also the sides of the crankcase are not straight up and down vertical like in a rectangle. Instead they are in a V configuration so the amount needed to go from one dot to the other would not be consistent. If the dipstick went to the bottom of the crankcase it would simplify this exercise in futility. It is kind of like asking if you can tell how deep the water is in the well by the length of the handle on the pump.
Now, what was the original question? I forgot. Pondering something like this always makes my head hurt. I am still trying to decide if the chicken or the egg came first. I think I will be taking the rest of the day off to go ride.
My theory is absolutely correct.
It makes no difference how many quarts of oil it takes before it begins to register on the dipstick, or whether or not the dipstick goes to the bottom of the crankcase/oil pan. This exercise begins once the oil begins to register on the dipstick and whether that occurs at one, two, or ten quarts is irrelevant. What is relevant is the level of the oil in relationship to the dipstick. Once the oil is registered on the dipstick it will continue to rise as you add oil, and it will subside as you take away oil. The question was how much... With the unit of measure being the dots on the dipstick.
I do agree that the geometry of the oil pan can influence the answer and I addressed that in my footnote.
The OPs question was really quite simple. I don't understand all of the confusion here.
Some people just have too much time on their hands...Owning a Harley is not rocket science...As long as the level is between the marks ride it and enjoy it.
If the quart measurement lines were half an inch apart, and there were 20 marks between, each mark would be 1/40th of an inch. If the quart marks were 1/4" apart, and again with 20 marks between, each mark would then have a value of 1/80th of an inch. Now, if the quart marks were 5/8" apart, then the corresponding 20 dots between would in fact be 1/32nd of an inch apart. Exactly how did you measure the OP's 'dip stick'?
When doing mathematical functions, you must be aware to use similar items. You cannot judge half a water melon as being the same as half an orange...
To wit, you cannot say a line measured to equal one quart is also equal to a line measured to be equal to one inch...
My post was "tongue in cheek" I think you got that.
I've still got a headache from doin all that math...
And, I don't believe anyone actually appreciates my effort!
Just to let you all know...
I failed fifth grade, and later I had to take introduction to algebra twice before the instructor was kind enough to give me a C- just so he wouldn't have to deal with me another year!
I've still got a headache from doin all that math...
And, I don't believe anyone actually appreciates my effort!
Just to let you all know...
I failed fifth grade, and later I had to take introduction to algebra twice before the instructor was kind enough to give me a C- just so he wouldn't have to deal with me another year!
Your appreciated we are just not too good at showing our feelings.
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