How Full Should Oil Tank Be

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Nov 3, 2009 | 01:09 PM

#21

tas_todd

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,884

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From: South La.

ASTARK, I put 3 qts in my 93 and it puts it a little below the filler neck weld while on the jiffy stand. That's what my manual had and so far, I've had no oil blow out the neck.

Nov 3, 2009 | 03:40 PM

#22

teamstersteward

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 4,640

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From: Corpus Christi,Texas

my 98 fatty requires 3qts.

Nov 3, 2009 | 06:06 PM

#23

astark

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 606

Likes: 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by miacycles

While everybody has an opinion, there are only one true set of facts, no matter what you are talking about. That being said, sometimes you can improve on the true set of facts. Now, are you confused ???

Nope, not confused one bit. In fact, your answer to my question could not have been better, and was in and of itself an improvment of fact, and I greatly appreciate your response.

Nov 4, 2009 | 09:03 PM

#24

Jim Kraft

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

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From: Middle of Kansas

The manual says 3 qts. with a filter change. I put in 2-1/2 qts. and run it. Sometimes add another 1/4 qt. The manual also says to have the oil level, with the bike upright, up to the bottom of the rubber on the filler cap. I like to keep mine a little below that to keep it from blowing out the breather. This is from a 99 Softail shop manual. You have to remember that the oil is being pumped from the oil tank into the engine, and then pumped from the engine back to the oil tank. Oil level is not critical at all. Just so it is not to full, and not empty. It will lube the engine just fine with only a qt. in there, but more oil lets it run a little cooler.

Nov 4, 2009 | 09:17 PM

#25

Panasoffkee

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 175

Likes: 1

From: Lake Panasoffkee, FL

Hum ! Maybe get a dipstick with a line one inch from the bottom?

Nov 4, 2009 | 10:43 PM

#26

1skrewsloose

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 2,936

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From: Driftless Area

I think I've read all the posts? But, put in the required amount of oil, add a little for oil cooler and what not. Stand the bike straight up and file a mark to show full on the dipstick. Who ya gonna believe,, the amount of oil you put in, or the dipstick, Jimmy. If the manual calls for 3 qts, so be it.

Nov 5, 2009 | 05:35 PM

#27

lionsm13

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 56,052

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From: Western South Dakota

1/2 way on the stick is where I like to be. That is usually 2.5 Qts. and add as is necessary. If you've overfilled then use a turkey baster and suck out a cup or so, ride it get it warm and then check it.

Nov 5, 2009 | 07:42 PM

#28

Dan89FLSTC

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 21,207

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From: South Carolina

When I first got my `89 (bought it new) I followed the instructions in the owners manual, filled it up so it touched the rubber plug on the dipstick, and when I ran down the road it barfed oil out the breather all over the right side of the bike.

I`ve found that 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 quarts works fine, I don`t read the level with the dipstick, I just keep the level about 1 inch below the filler neck, bike straight up.

Also, it is not necessary to put oil into the filter before you install it, because on an Evo the oil leaving the filter is on it`s way back to the oil tank.