Oil Level Question...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 3
From: California
Oil Level Question...
Since new, I've always only checked the oil level on my Ultra with the engine cold due to wanting to check it before riding. It always seems to be right where the owners manual and service manual say it should be, in the middle of the dipstick when on the jiffy stand.
Today, I rode the bike maybe 15 miles and when I got back, I decided to do a 'hot' check. It showed in the middle of the dipstick, but since I didn't check it when cold, I didn't have a reference to the 'before' and 'after' fluctuation on the dipstick. Naturally, based on the manuals, I decided to bring it up to the top of the 'hot' scale on the jiffy stand. It's probably been 9+ hours since I parked it, went out and checked it, and it's only down slightly from the 'full' mark (Two bubbles or whatever the marks are on the dipstick.)
Why would the 'hot' reading from nine hours ago be almost the same as it is right now when the oil should be cold? Or should the 'cold' reading only be done after sitting over night?
Lastly, does it seem that it is now overfilled and should I remove some of the oil?
Today, I rode the bike maybe 15 miles and when I got back, I decided to do a 'hot' check. It showed in the middle of the dipstick, but since I didn't check it when cold, I didn't have a reference to the 'before' and 'after' fluctuation on the dipstick. Naturally, based on the manuals, I decided to bring it up to the top of the 'hot' scale on the jiffy stand. It's probably been 9+ hours since I parked it, went out and checked it, and it's only down slightly from the 'full' mark (Two bubbles or whatever the marks are on the dipstick.)
Why would the 'hot' reading from nine hours ago be almost the same as it is right now when the oil should be cold? Or should the 'cold' reading only be done after sitting over night?
Lastly, does it seem that it is now overfilled and should I remove some of the oil?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
Cold is cold, 9 hrs sould suffice. On my 96 ( non balanced) when its cold its in the middle, when its hot it reads full. After getting it up to operating temp did you idle it for a minute or two before checking it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 3
From: California
All sounds good, so what happened that the 'hot' reading was such that I had to add oil and now the 'cold' reading is the same as the 'hot' reading? And would you say that it's now overfilled?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I did a similar experiment with my Limited when it was new. The difference on the dipstick between 70 deg. and 220 deg. is 3 dots.
I see absolutely no reason to check the oil when hot unless you enjoy burning your hands. And besides, what is hot? Is 160 deg. hot? Or 180? Or 200, 220, 240, etc.?
If it was really that critical a specific temperature should be specified, not simply "hot".
I see absolutely no reason to check the oil when hot unless you enjoy burning your hands. And besides, what is hot? Is 160 deg. hot? Or 180? Or 200, 220, 240, etc.?
If it was really that critical a specific temperature should be specified, not simply "hot".
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
I strongly suspect the concern in the manual regarding not overfilling a cold engine has to do with engines that have sat for days and weeks or even months, slowly leaking oil into the crankcase. These engines will show a false low when checked cold.
This is that spring time phenomena many experience, of finding no oil on the dipstick after winter hibernation. The oil has leaked from the tank into the crankcase. Fire the engine up and let it run for a bit, and the scavenge pump will pull it from the crankcase and refill the tank.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Great State of Canada
This is that spring time phenomena many experience, of finding no oil on the dipstick after winter hibernation. The oil has leaked from the tank into the crankcase. Fire the engine up and let it run for a bit, and the scavenge pump will pull it from the crankcase and refill the tank.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 927
Likes: 256
From: North Arkansas
I was told overfill is bad and HOT is after riding several miles.. not just running for a few minutes. OP, I would think a few more checks may make it clearer?? Maybe you have done that already
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
I could be wrong with my thinking but the Harley oil level stick is designed for normal dyno oil, which expands and rises more when hot compared to a synthetic oil. OP are you using dyno oil or synthetic?