I went to change the oil for the first time since i upgraded to the HD hydraulic tensioner and hi flow oil pump last year (around 5k miles). first, i noticed that my oil was a little low, no big deal. when i went to drain it, it seemed like there was hardly any oil in the motor at all. question is, does the new setup hold more oil in than the old or did i just burn that much oil?

 

What plug did you remove to drain the oil? There's one in the bottom of the engine that should not be removed to change oil. Sure you got the right one?

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ot-remove.html

 

^^^What he said?

 

I definitely removed the correct drain plug. I dont know how he could have removed that one btw. why would he even think to bring an allen wrench out for an oil change?

I dont know how much oil i actually drained, but it sure didnt seem like 3.5 quarts...

 

Keep an eye on the oil level for a while. Cold and hot. See if it is dropping as it cools off. Probably nothing.

 

Yup! Fill it to the correct level, then check occasionally. This is one of those occasions when having noticed something for the first time, don't allow it to dictate your life! Most likely everything is fine and the bike will be happier, now it knows you are keeping a closer eye on it!

 

yeah, i hate checking the oil after the change. it's very difficult to tell if it's full when the oil is so clean. i keep second guessing myself. i put a little more than 3.5q in...

 

When checking clean oil level...

Always have a light source nearby. Rotate the dipstick so that the oil on the flat shines. Better to see oil level when the light is reflecting off of it, the dry area won't shine as well.

You first said level was a little low, then you stated there wasn't much oil in it...
Kinda confusing.

I might check oil in the crank case. See if maybe there is some dry sumping goin on.

Both old and new hold same amount of oil. Might be slightly more since you're going through the chain tensioners, but prolly not as much as you are thinking.

Have you got an oil pressure gauge? Any difference there?

 

Best to leave that little crank case plug alone. Not worth the risk.