I had upgraded my oil pump to the screaming eagle when I had some work done and have had an issue with the oil blowing past the dip stick seal. I replaced the dipstick thinking the seal was bad but it didn't change. It is not a lot but is an annoyance. Any ideas?

 

When changing the oil only use 2.5 quarts not 3. should solve the issue

 

Mine does the same thing if I run above 80mph for extended periods.

 

You have too much oil in the oil tank possible. Or possibly the vent line (the one at top and toward the back on tank that attaches high on motor near lifter box) is getting excess pressure from an issue in engine. (Blow by or some modifications to vent in head that goes in back of air filter.)

My 04 after topping off when it's hot after an oil change takes 3.5 quarts.

Now for sure, make sure you do an oil change with oil hot and bike has just ran a good 30 minutes. At my bikes age, I need to make sure any oil has seeped past the o-ring in the pump and the anti reverse flap in the oil filter.

Mine dumps the bag at least a quart in 2 months. It's empty in 6 months. And it takes a while running to get it back in bag which is what you dump and change.

Remember, return side is just slightly bigger then pump pressure side.


I would be down a full quart at 2 5 quarts of oil with a oil and filter change.

 

This is pretty accurate. The drain pan I use is marked on the inside. I ride 20-30 min before an oil change.
Typically, when I drain the oil, btwn 2.5 & 2.75 qts comes out. And I put exactly that much back in.
Then, I'll ride it some more and check the level. It's always good.

 

Interesting so much less oil in softails

 

I have to ask. What work did you have done?

The oil tank will be pressurized for two reasons;

1) Too much oil. Others have adequately advised you on that scenario.

2) Excessive engine blow-by. Barring piston/cylinder/ring issue(s), a messed up breather valve can quickly ad excessive crankcase pressure. If a breather is totally blocked, it can launch a dip stick...

Did your work involve the handling and/or disassembly then reassembly of the head breather valves?

What is your mileage? At 19 years old, your breather's umbrella valves could be in need of replacement. Where they checked during the current work?

Always start with the easy stuff. Try all the oil level advice first. If it doesn't fix your issue, then you need to look at crankcase pressure as the culprit.





Just an FWIW....
The oil dip stick seal getting loose is a common issue. I have attached a pic of two of the early twin cam oil tank dip sticks.

The older one on the left, has an o-ring that will wear and can be replaced. The newer version on the right is just a plug, with no o-ring.




If the newer version gets loose, many will ad an o-ring, to help when the dip stick seal gets weak. The o-ring is usually put up at the top of the "plug" as shown in this pic.





EDIT: After posting the info above about the dip stick seal, I noticed that someone resurrected the actual thread where I got that info. It also has the o-ring size you need for the newer dip stick if you need one. It's titled "Softail oil dipstick loose - problem fixed"

 

Some TC88s had issues with dip sticks blowing out. There were nots of theories. Oil pump not aligned. They added a hose around 2002-03 and made a retro fit for older TCs. With a vent from spout. Harley gave up, and I believe in 2007 went to screw in oil cap. ******edit, I am talking about FLHs.

Half quart low? Align oil pump? Check breathers as mentioned?

I would google this, and read 20 year old threads to see what they had to say. Some of this has been lost to sands of time.