Author |
Message |
Mark_weiss
| Posted on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 05:20 pm: |
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Like most '08 riders, I've never really been certain of the oil level. I decided to do a careful check today, as it is oil change time. After a 150 mile ride, idling, the oil covered the second "X", dipstick on top of the threads. With the bike shut off long enough to take on 3.2 gal of gas, the level dropped low enough to see "ml" of "Add 150ml". After a short ride home, I drained the oil and poured it into a graduated container. 2 liters. |
Nittanyxt
| Posted on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 07:47 pm: |
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One thing I've been doing at oil changes is to loosen drain plug most of the way,restart and let idle for 1 minute,shut down and immediately pull drain plug with fill plug removed. Seem to get more oil out this way. After replacing filter I fill with 2.5 quarts,go for a short ride to heat things up again, then check level while bike is idling. Whatever level is on the stick,generally 2 -3 Xs is what I try to keep. My XT is at 22k and hardly uses any oil between changes. |
Portero72
| Posted on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 08:46 pm: |
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Doesn't 2 liters equal 2.2 qts or so? That leaves .3 left in the filter or just hanging around in the motor. Sounds right to me, no? |
Nvr2old
| Posted on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 09:30 pm: |
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I pull the dipstick while engine is running, wipe clean, hit the kill switch, then immediately insert the dipstick. I get a consistent reading that way, and keep oil at 2-3 X's covered, since that's where the level is when checked right after an oil change. |
Hughlysses
| Posted on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 11:06 pm: |
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Several people found that the best and most consistent checks they can get with the 08-up XBs is to do the check with the engine running. Oil won't blow out and you don't have to worry about it draining back into the engine quicker than you can measure it. |
Nvr2old
| Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 09:20 am: |
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Yes I've read that, but my bikes must vibrate more than theirs. It looks like high winds and heavy seas in the tank while the bike is running. But thanks for the tip Hugh. Gotta say, I really enjoyed your engine replacement thread. Not many bikes worth that kind of effort, but the Uly definitely is. |
Conchop
| Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 10:50 am: |
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The most ridiculous bike I've ever seen to check oil. I've changed my oil, ridden it, let it cool, then see where it is on the dipstick - couple x's - and it seems fine. Let me re=phrase this - probably the most ridiculous machine of any sort, with a dipstick, to check oil levels. |
Electraglider_1997
| Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 11:09 am: |
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No problem with our 06 and 07 bikes. |
Mark_weiss
| Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 10:21 pm: |
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That's 'cause you have inefficient oil pumps. (Message edited by Mark_Weiss on June 11, 2011) |
Electraglider_1997
| Posted on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 10:57 pm: |
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Actually my son's oil pump in his 07' is upgraded from my 06'. That having been said, my 06' with it's vastly inferior and inefficient oil pump works just fine. How can that be possible? |
Mnviking
| Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 11:31 am: |
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Come on now, it wouldn't be a Harley Davidson if it had efficient oil pumps. Every one knows that. |
Electraglider_1997
| Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 11:51 am: |
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Harleys don't change much year to year and they get blasted for it BUT engine problems get completely worked out. Harley engines are stone cold reliable. Every bike that gets a first year engine usually ends up with multiple recalls for one thing or the other. The 1125 engine had it's litany of problems Buell had to work through as did the twin cam Harley engine when it first came out. Regardless, the 06' ULY, to my knowledge did not have and hasn't had an engine lubrication problem. The only thing the 2008/09 ULYs have up on the 06/07 bikes is auto TPS and timing and those items have not been any problem with my 06 and 07 bikes. The 2010 was a bike that had some real nice updates but not enough of them were even made to really go on about. I envy those that were able to buy one though. |
Mnviking
| Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 08:25 pm: |
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FLHTC, I have a lot of love for Harley's reliability. Own a Fatboy myself. Never had an issue with the motor. My first bike was a 84' shovelhead, she ran like a top. People are always ragging on Harley motor issues, but I don't see it. Every Harley owner I know has but over a 100k on their ride without any major setbacks. |
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