Guy I know bought a 2004 Softtail.

He called me the other day saying he was trying to drain the oil but only gets a cup out of the drain unless he runs the motor.

Any idea what would cause this?

 

He forgot to warm it up. They drain down at that age. And you need to do it. Filling the tank to mid stick and driving away is going to dump that drain back to the tank.

You will have a terrible mess. Read this thread for indepth info from me.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/twin-...ng-winter.html

 

And...hopefully, he's not running the motor w/ oil plug out (to drain). Like @RIPSAW said - motor needs to be @ operational temp before draining/changing. Is he warming it up?

 

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He called me the other day saying he was trying to drain the oil but only gets a cup out of the drain unless he runs the motor.
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Can we assume he`s draining the oil tank and NOT the crankcase plug ?
Plenty of people don`t get the dry sump concept

 

Agree with previous comments.

The owner needs to get the HD service manual for his bike; if he had it and read it, he would understand what is going on. Softail oil tanks will drain down into the crankcase when sitting for extneded periods of time. Which is why, assuming the owner is draining from the oil tank, he is only getting a cup. If he is draining from the crank case, someone needs to take his tools away. Softails have to be warmed up for a few minutes before checking oil level, before changing oil and certainly before riding.

 

He's a real nice guy but ain't all there..
Lives off the bike doing odd jobs.
Sleeps in a storage garage.
Always wanted a Harley and ended up with this softtail.

I gave him a case of oil a couple weeks ago. I bet he's draining from the crank plug like you said.

Me, never knew there was a difference in the motors. I have a 03 RKC and 13 Triglide.

Thanks.

 

Put down the 12" Crescent and step away from the motorcycle !

 

And we wonder why others think Harley riders are dumb.

 

Been riding HD exclusively since 74.
Change my own oil
Never owned a softtail
Never knew the secret.
Thanks!

 

It's because the tank sits higher than the cases/pump. Gravity inevitably has it's way. The wavy washer in the pump/gerators are SUPPOSE to prevent this but obviously don't work for ****. Especially after crankshaft run out does it's number on the pump and plate.
Sporties are the same way.