I just did my first oil change.

I pulled the dipstick and oil plug and let it drain until the oil stopped flowing.

I then placed foil under the filter and punched a hole in the top and bottom of the filter and let it drain until the oil stopped flowing.

I installed the new filter, and put 3.5 qts. of oil in.
I then ran the bike for about a minute to let the oil flow into the filter.

I then checked the oil level and it's about 1/2 qt. high.

Does the oil system not totally drain?
And should I be concerned or let it be and enjoy the ride?

Thanks,

 

Did you run the engine right before you drained the oil? If not you probably left some oil in the crankcase.

 

Damn, no I didn't run it before the change.

I just read that should be done in my Clymer manual.

Should I just drain the 1/2 qt. out and let it be until the next 5k oil change?

I hate to drain $45 worth of oil out unless I have too?

Thanks,

 

I have not been able to get 3 qts. of oil in mine during normal oil changes. You may encounter dipstick blowout if over filled. It is normal for some oil to be left in the bottom of the crankcase during an oil change. There are various options in here and on the interweb to perform a "clean" oil change.

 

Drain out enough so you can put the rest of your new oil in.

 

Use a turkey baster to remove excess oil.

 

I was wondering the same thing.
Just did my 1st oil change on my new to me 2010 Fatboy.
Warmed her up good with a 15 minute ride.
Drained the oil bag.
Removed and replaced the filter.
Added 3 qts of oil.
Ran the bike to get the oil through the engine and filter.
Checked the dipstick, right to the top of the full hot mark.
Figured maybe i needed to run it a bit more.
Took it for a short ride, checked again, same thing...
My book also says 3 1/2 qts???

 

Well it looks like I left about a 36 oz. of oil in the crankcase.
So I pulled 36 oz. more out after the oil change and then put 36 oz. of fresh oil in.

So in short, I left some old oil in but I'm not too worried about it.

Next oil change I'll make sure I run the bike for 10 minutes or so before I drain it.

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Thanks,

 

will be changing oil myself for first time soon, will be switching from dino oil to synthetic... am somewhat concerned about leaving the old oil in the bike... seems I read somewhere that even when done right, there may be as much as 24 ozs of old oil left somewhere in the motor... ive seen the ads for the scavenger, does it work? whats is cost? and should I be concerned about old dino oil mixing with synthetic in the motor?

 

There are oil scavenger systems available if you want to be sure you get ALL of the old oil out...
Here's one:
Scavenger TOTAL Oil Change System for Harley Davidson

..and here's a thread about it:
Use an oil scavenger ..... or not