How much oil is too much
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Northern Ky
How much oil is too much
Changed the oil today on my 012 Ultra. I put in 3 1/2 quarts of Mobil 20w50 v-twin oil full synthetic. Took it for a short ride to check for leaks. Got back and checked the oil. It showing just a tad over the full mark on the dip stick. Should I loosen the drain plug and drain some out or will this be okay. By the way this is the first oil change I have done myself. Up next is the primary and the tranny.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 351
From: Holly Springs, North Carolina
3.5 quarts should be about right. You sure you got all the old oil out? You can check your air cleaner to see if you have any spitting out. If it's a "tad", I wouldn't worry about it.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Northern Ky
Pretty sure I got all the old oil out I let drain for about 40 minute and the I sat on it and got up off of the jiffy stand for about 5 minutes and drained a little more out until it was just a very slow drip.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: Northern Ky
I used the wife's turkey Baster (yup she's gonna be upset) and removed about 3 ounces. It's now showing just a tad below the full mark which is perfect. I hope I tightened up the oil filter enough. I hand tightened it as far as it would go and then I tightened it about 1/8 to 1/4 quarter turn using the wrench. I have bad memories of changing the oil in my car as a teenager and struggling to get the filter off using the old acre driver method. I don't want to do that with my bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,888
From: Newcastle, OK
If you have engine guards you can get the dirty oil out that is left in the filter. After warming up the engine and shutting it down, carefully lean the bike onto the right engine guard (much easier with less than 1/2 tank of gas). Let the bike stand in that position for about 5 minutes and then remove the old oil filter. By then all of the old oil will have run out, and you can change the filter with no mess and install the new one. Then set the bike up level and drain the rest of the oil and other fluids as necessary. Don`t fill the oil tank all the way until you run the engine again. Then check the level and add as necessary. You will have a much cleaner change.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I concur.....put a bit over 2 quarts in, start it and let it run to check for leaks. shut off, and "sneak" up on the level you want. I never run my vehicles on the full mark. I put in the recommended amount of oil, or sneak up to the half-way point (between full and add). I run the bikes there or just below half full. I usually do not have a problem with oil blow by running there. I never put in the recommended amount without running and checking first.... and then it's never quite that much!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Canada
That might be a bit over tight, hand tight is sufficient. Did you put any oil on the filter seal before you installed it?
