I just purchased the bike and performed an oil change with filter. I tipped the bike so as to get as much old oil out as possible. I also cleaned the in-line filter. The service manual says that with a new filter, the oil needed is 3 quarts. So, I blindly dumped 3 quarts in and found the oil came up to the oil tank neck! I know that there is always some residual oil left in an engine, but I've syringed out 16 ounces so far and the oil is still about 1/2" above the dipstick "full' mark. Any ideas on this?


Rick in Indiana

 

the oil filter will hold some after you start the motor.

 

Silly billy! An ongoing problem with newcomers is not paying attention to the various levels that apply when filling things up with new fluid. The quantity of oil called for is only there for guidance, so in this case fill by checking the dipstick. The level may go down when you run the engine, but if not then syphon off the surplus and put it back in your oil bottle - for another day!

 

Great! I thought something might have been plugged. Thanks guys.

 

Ok, now that that is sorted, how about some pics of your new bike!!!

 

As 0maha points out, we think better with pics! You have our attention, so let us see the patient!

 

Did the same thing the first time I changed the oil on my '91 Heritage. Now I start with a little more than 2 quarts, start it up and idle for a couple minutes. Shut it down and add enough oil to bring it to the bottom of the filler neck. About 2 1/2 quarts.

 

Don't forget to mention that the crank case does not have a drain plug and holds a half quart of dirty oil after being drained. Oil capacity in the book is based on a dry engine like after reassembling after a rebuild...
When I change my oil,I start the bike after adding the new oil WITHOUT the filter on it and wait until oil turns clean(1/2quart) ,turn off, install new filter, warm it up and top off to where you like it. I maintain my oil level at a 1/2 quart low all the time.

 

My '94 FLSTN holds about 2.75 quarts with a filter change. I always drain the oil hot, right after a run so the oil in the tank hasn't had time to seep back into the sump. Then I change the filter, add two quarts of oil then run the bike for a few minutes to circulate the oil and fill the oil filter. Then I top off the oil.

 

the oil in my bike was neglected when I got it so I drained the tank, removed the filter, added fresh oil an started the motor with the filter removed. got the old dirty oil out of the motor. I don't do this every time just when it's been in there longer than I know.