I just changed the oil on my 2008 Nightster 1200 XLN after it was sitting for about a year.
I drained it completely and added only 3 quarts (the manual says 3.6) and it came up way past the dipstick line, almost overflowing.

I've changed the oil in the past multiple times without similar issues, but never after it's been sitting this long.

Can anyone tell me why after only 3 quarts of oil it seems like I've added too much?

Thanks
Raz

 

My 04 Softails with an oil bag above an engine drains the bag thru the oil pump , then filter into the engine.

Old Sportys I thought had a high mounted bag. Not 100% sure of yours.


Mine probably takes 10 minutes or so of 2000 rpm driving slowly around the neighborhood to get it back to normal.


Always start with a warmed up hot engine after a 5 mile run to change oil in any vehicle.

 

My '14 72 only takes 2.8 in the oil tank, the other quart is for the primary and transmission. Putting 3 in the oil tank would be too much.
Maybe the manual was giving the total for the bike, counting both holes. ??

 

Can't tell you why.

Seems you've done this before.
Drained the oil once the engine (and oil) was hot.
Replace the OEM spin on oil filter.

Easy enough to "fix" by sucking oil out of the oil tank.
Run the engine and re-fill to the correct level

Whether one of the oil tubes/pipes is clogged with debris et al is unknown.
Still have the old filter?.....cut it open and look for debris.
Might be (might be) worth running as mentioned above for 5 minutes and doing a second oil & filter change.

All FWIW .... Good luck.

 

 

WTF?
Brain fart!

I'm not sure why my manual says 3.6 quarts of oil.

Thanks mate!

 

The manual gives you a dry engine amount and an oil tank amount.

During the service you are called to only put 2 quarts in and 4 oz in the filter, run the engine and then check and top up tank as necessary.

 

That is true for your 2017. The OP's 2008 manual calls for 2.8 qt minus the 4 oz already added to the filter. Do the math. 2.8 qt minus 4 oz is more than 2 qt.

 

This is step 1 from the 2008 manual I have here:-
Always use the proper grade of oil for
the lowest expected air temperature before the next regularly
scheduled oil change. Pour 2.0 quarts (1.9 liters) of
oil into engine oil tank.

Step 4:-
Check for oil leaks at oil filter and oil tank drain hose.
Check engine oil level.

 

I'm not doubting your words, I'm doubting your source. All I can say is my information comes from HD's Service Information Portal which was last updated on March 17th 2023.