Harley Tech Tip On Oil Changes & Dipstick Levels

It is Easy to be Confused/Make a Mistake on Reading the Dipstick and Putting the Correct Amount of Oil into the Engine... Both on Regular Oil Checks AND When Changing the Oil.
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ Click Show More Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
4 REASONS:
1. Dipstick markings are confusing
2. Confusing Cold & Hot Oil Checks
3. Only add Oil if at or below Add mark
4. Misunderstanding the manual regarding INITIAL Oil Fill
➡️ Link to a VIDEO on The Best Way to Check Oil Levels on an M8 - • Harley M8 Oil Level Ch...
💥 LINK To Oil Filter Relocation Kits- www.dkcustompr...
💥 LINK To Oil Oil Coolers- www.dkcustompr...
💥 LINK To Permanent Cleanable Oil Filters- www.dkcustompr...
➡️ Link to a VIDEO about the M8 Sump Plug- • Can a Harley M8 Sump w...
➡️ Link to a Fun VIDEO that "answers" all Questions about the Great Oil Debate- • The Great Oil Debate F...
➡️ Link to a VIDEO about WHY an EBS is Important to Your Bike- • Your Harley Will Love ...
➡️ Link to a VIDEO Series about How To Get Your Bike Running Optimally & Reliable for the Long Run- • Multi-Part Series on W...
💥 Link to Tuners- www.dkcustompr...
💥 Link to Exhaust Components - www.dkcustompr...
💥 Link to Performance Air Cleaners- www.dkcustompr...
💥 Link to External Breather Systems- www.dkcustompro...
💥 Link To Photos & Details about WHY an External Breather System is so Important- www.dkcustompro...
💥 Link to Differences Between HiFlow Air Cleaners, with Dyno Charts- www.dkcustompro...
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[@timmytexlonghorns2206]

That was way more informative than I expected as a auto technician I thought I knew all I needed to know about my Harley, never once thought about the oil left in the bike, never could understand what made my breather bolts ooze after a longer ride, love the video guys

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you found the video useful/interesting. 👍😎👍 Here's a video, specifically on the subject of the power robbing hot, oily, oxygen depleted air, and what can be done about it- kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5enlnmQl9GAmc0

[@MichaelMcCaughn-iz3gk]

Thank you guys! Crystal clear explanation. So many you tube clips that make it confusing. You boys spot on!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! 👍 Glad you are finding the videos useful/interesting.

[@kyle_slow_bagger_dad]

Harley always over fills my m8. I see the same thing all over FB saying they run all their motors at the add mark because a builder told them. Glade someone is putting out videos like this.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment. 👍 Sorry to hear of your dealership. 😱

[@scottkisner8737]

Nice job explaining an important topic for people that cause their own problems due to failure to read the manual or understand the manual.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 😎

[@MKandKCCampbell]

Excellent video. Cleared things up for me. And I’ve been riding for 26 years. 😂 Thank you.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you. Glad you found the video useful. Ride Free!

[@highpeaks6542]

Before I did oil changes myself, all dealers I used overfilled it on return. I have a plastic syringe I bought with a foot long flexible clear plastic tube (Amazon) and the next morning suck it out to perfectly getting it up to the mid point cold. Have a dedicated plastic box to keep the syringe in. So it it’s screwed up or your screw up it’s simple to amend. Works for me. I drain the bike hot and while draining I add new oil to the new filter while upright on the bench. It will wick up while it drains. Don’t go nuts with filling it to much :). Great video… thanks.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good perspective! Thanks for commenting. Here is another video you may find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE

[@charlescastell4638]

You guys are great. Thanks for all of your effort to bring these videos to us, they are appreciated. Happy holidays!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you. Great to hear you are finding the videos useful! 👍😎👍

[@flyingv8293]

Nice ,plain and simple instructions. Who would’ve thought.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! 👍😎👍

[@tomhopkins6758]

Very important. Very thorough. Seems very basic. Most humans that own Harleys are dudes, and we don't need anyone telling us how to check oil on a dipstick, ya dipstick. lol..but I've heard that "run it a qt low" statement. And I've been guilty of doing this wrong. I used to check the oil- "before starting it" . Thank you for your time.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the good words! 👍 Glad you are finding the videos useful/interesting.

[@josephblough5856]

Thanks so much guys,you just saved me. I changed oil for first time on my 2013 CVO Road King,more than you wanted to know but just bought it this spring with only 4000 khm on it,mint. I regress,so I measured oil that came out as only 2 and a half qtrs. So I replaced it with 2 and a half qrts,ended up adding 1/2 qtr to get it to 3 qtrs,it was then checking perfect at midway on stick on jiffy stand. But reading about people saying it needs 4 qrts or more,I put in half qrt next day,yesterday,and now it reads full. ONLY went to town yesterday,out 30 minutes. Right now am going out to drain 1/2 qrt,and make sure its halfway on stick cold,thanks

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good deal! Lots of folks confused on how much to put in. They are used to wet sump engines where all the oil gets changed out during an oil change. Not so on the dry sump Harleys. Doing a full oil change does require more oil, but most don't take the time/effort to change ALL the oil. Enjoy your new to you ride! 👍😎👍

[@waydel1]

I check my oil on my M-8 FXLRST when it’s cold and on kickstand 1/4” to midway on dipstick from add mark. Checking oil when engine is hot takes too long and as you said when it’s 230 degrees you are not wanting to play with dipstick’s. Best explanation on checking oil without having to warm engine to operating temperature. Thank you.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Awesome! I am glad that you have a routine that works for you. Glad you like the video! Thank you for commenting! 😎👍 MB

[@garybaldwin1061]

Thanks for posting. Most Harley guys I know have no idea the difference between a dry sump engine and a wet sump. I think the best advise is check cold and mid point on the dip stick is good. Harley has said there shouldn't be more than a few ounces of oil in the crank case at any given time other wise you have a sumping engine...ie too much oil in the crank case.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad that you liked the video. All good points! Here is another video you may find interesting/useful-kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKvNfHSVpbecbJY Thanks for commenting!

[@jackklarich7045]

Good info for all, too many people do not understand this or do not read their manual like they should. This could help solve oil puking out of the air cleaner, plus too much oil defeats the scavenging side of the pump IMO can cause smoking out the exhaust

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks Jack. Merry Christmas! 👍

[@jackklarich7045]

@@DKCustomProducts Merry Christmas to All @ D K Customs

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@jackklarich7045 Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@nathandevine552]

So if it's over full what's the worst that could happen... puke a little on the ground?

[@jackklarich7045]

@@nathandevine552 Overfull is bad JUJU, this can drown your crank case causing severe overheating, the pump canno keep up pumping the oil back to the oil pan

[@schachat01]

Maybe an overkill; after draining the hot oil and removing the oil filter, I screw on my homemade oil puck, remove the return line to the oil tank, add 2 Litres of Syn3 and start the engine and run it until the oil return line has cleared all the old residual black oil. Reinstall the return line, remove the oil puck, install new oil filter and add new oil to the correct level. You end up with a pristine oil change that makes it difficult to see the level of oil on the dipstick.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Nothing wrong with that. You are getting a complete oil change doing that. 👍😎👍 We've done that in the past. It is on our list of videos to shoot this next year...we have 3 different ways to do a complete change, and we want to do a video showing the different ways to do it.

[@timhenry2028]

Thanks for the info iam guilty of filling it to the full line. For now on I will do it the right way.

[@ForeverintheQ]

Maybe? Definitely overkill and expensive.

[@robbyclark6915]

This is the best advice I have heard in two years of riding and only riding Harleys, on “how much oil” what is “full” ? Thanks guys! Another information packed video from DK.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment, and glad to hear you are finding the videos interesting/useful. 👍😎👍

[@JittersOn2]

Great info/advice. Just did the first oil change on my new to me 2012 Fatboy, thankfully somebody recommended using 2 and a half quarts and go from there. I ended up using less than a full 3 quarts and was good to go.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good deal. Congrats on your new to you Ride. Wishing you many miles of smiles. 👍😎👍

[@shaunallen8902]

Thanks Guys for keeping us focused on the important stuff we need to keep up with on our bikes. Merry Christmas!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you for the comment, much appreciated. 👍😎👍 Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@jasonbreedlove495]

Plain English, thanks ya'll. Always love your vids, you keep it simple and provide solid info.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you. Great to hear you're finding the videos interesting/useful. 👍😎👍

[@javelinjim4699]

Excellent advice guys, thanks. I always run the bike upright for a couple of minutes before checking the oil, to make sure the scavenge pump can lift any oil that’s collected in the sump or cam case back to the tank.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for watching and thank you very much for the suggestion. Certainly a great idea to let the bike idle while upright.

[@tmcd366]

absolutely this.

[@nebulonv6015]

finally a complete explanation. THANK YOU gents!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment.👍😎👍

[@Model_Rockets]

wow, thanks so much for the info. I have a 2021 tri-glide and have always been confused by what level on the stick and the wording of upright and on a jiffy stand. A trike only has one stance, assuming level ground. I had just checked mine and before I just left it at the level I got it back from HD servicing, but always had an idea it was running low, now that I really know all my checks have been with a cold engine it makes sense.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Very welcome! Glad that it helped! Thank you for your comment! 😎

[@supermanlol67]

Just as a fyi,Specifically for my bike, 2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S, user manual says to check the oil while on the jiffy stand in neutral after 10 minutes or to drive it for 5 minutes at intermediate speeds and then check oil level in neutral on the jiffy stand. The revolution max engine is very sensitive to low oil so you will know if it's missing oil. It will make a clacking sound when you press the clutch and the revs goes back down to the idle position when you go to a full stop. Also the dip stick is different, it has 2 sides with markings, one side is the markings for when it's on the jiffy stand, and the other side is the markings for when it's in the upright position. Good video by the way!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the info. We have not started messing with the Rev-Max engine bikes. Glad you found the video interesting/useful. 👍

[@BrewCityRider]

Great info guys. I didn't realize it took so long to get up to "hot" engine temp. One thing I slightly disagree with is that on a cold engine I always make sure I'm at the midpoint of the dipstick. If I'm just above add, I will add some oil to the midpoint. Thanks!

[@ketobeast8489]

Most likely won’t be accurate once it heats up as you can’t accurately measure for expansion at that point. You might get lucky but better off adding a bit when hot over span of a few rides.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment. 👍 That's not going to hurt anything, but it is of no measurable benefit to the engine. It does give an extra cushion to prevent it from dropping below the add line, especially on long, fast riding days. 👍😎👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is the nice thing about a dry sump engine. There is no need to be precisely accurate...as long as it is between the add and midway point, the same amount (which is enough) of oil is going to flow thru the engine. 👍

[@KindredGh0st]

This is almost as confusing as trying to get car play to work without a whim. Good info guys. I thinki know how to check my oil now. I'm a first time Harley owner. My road glide limited has 345 miles on it.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you found the video useful. 👍😎👍 Congrats on your first Harley!!!! Wishing you many miles of smiles on it. 🏍

[@Wrench-King_of_Angmar]

CAT 3512-C series diesels have a cold and warm marks on the dipstick. Just off the top of my head. Love the videos!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for sharing, and good to hear you are finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍

[@grimfandango6137]

Thanks guys, for clearing up a confusing and important subject.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad it was helpful! 👍😎👍

[@bigm383]

Merry Christmas, gentlemen, a great year of videos just gone and looking forward to another great year.🍺

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you, glad you're digging the videos. Appreciate the comment. Merry Christmas. 🎄

[@anthonymartin8769]

Another good, insightful video. 6 time H-D owner, but not too proud to listen and learn.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! Glad you are finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍😎👍

[@markpatrick7072]

Great information ! Have a Merry Christmas ! I have been very pleased with my external breathing kit with the filter . The best improvement for the ride has been the Twin Adjustable shocks by Bitubo . I watched all of your videos and comparisons and they were a great value . Front suspension next .

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you for the comment. We appreciate your business, and great to hear you are enjoying the parts. 👍 Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@robertsaylor4429]

Good video. Checking oil on a Harley is harder than one might think. Specially if you're new to bikes.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! Yes, it can be hard if you do not know! Thank you for commenting! 👍😎👍 MB

[@THEREALBONZO]

Years ago before I had a Harley and I was still riding sport bikes, my dad had an 89 sportster. He probably followed the manual or misinterpreted it someway. When he would change his oil and overfilled it the bike would shoot the dipstick out of the oil tank and across the garage when it was started.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yep, that can happen...with Softails too. 😱

[@jackb4307]

😂

[@MichaelRCarlson]

Good info guys and spot on. This is step one to a solid high mileage Harley.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you. Great to hear you're finding the videos interesting/useful. 👍😎👍

[@FeatheredDino]

Very informative video. Personally, I put 4.5 quarts in my '20 FXST, and that puts it right in the middle of "Full" and "Add". Bike seems happy that way.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for sharing! There is no need to be precisely accurate...as long as it is between the add and midway point, the same amount (which is enough) of oil is going to flow thru the engine. 👍

[@fcal6758]

Same here on my 117 RG ST@@DKCustomProducts

[@scottschiller1153]

Very good video! I only wish more people would see this and " READ YOUR MANUAL" !!!!!!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! Yeah, reading the manual or instructions seems to be a difficult task for many. 😱

[@doug3805]

Thanks, that cleared it up for me. Hadn’t really understood it being a dry sump system.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you found it interesting/useful. Thanks for the comment. 👍

[@curtducken7515]

Thanks for a great video and clearing up the issue of oil levels. I’ve had my ‘92 Heritage taken in for oil changes and they always over fill it. Oil coming out of the breather tube. Owners Manual is confusing too.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad it helped! Thanks for commenting! 😎

[@jgaltsrd1]

Excellent video. What's the difference on the Harley dipstick oil level between upright and on the side stand?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Oil will be sitting at one level on the dipstick when the bike is upright, and at a different level when the bike is on the Jiffy stand.

[@jgaltsrd1]

@@DKCustomProducts understood. What is the actual difference, measurement-wise.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I don't know if it varies bike to bike. But one I just measured 3 of them that I have here and it is a 1/2" difference. Do you not have one that you can measure?

[@tonyl8314]

OK, I am just the opposite of what you are saying on my 2020 Heritage. If the bike is completely cold, sitting a day or longer, my oil reads right to the top dot of my oil stick. When I check the oil hot it's midway where you are saying should read cold. Why such a contradiction in my bike?

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is strange indeed. Two thoughts come to mind: 1. Some M8's have the tendency to give a "wrong" reading when not checked as talked about in this video- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE 2. There could be a sumping issue, where too much oil is sitting in the "dry" sump. This is talked about some in this video- kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWXaqXmgpt6Hd7c

[@rykerolaoghaire8781]

Merry Christmas to the Dream Team! God bless you and your families 🙏 🎄

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you Ryker. Merry Christmas to you and yours! 👍

[@jondoe8816]

Merry Christmas to all and a happy New Year from Australia

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!!! 🎄

[@BT-ih6kr]

hi guys, i came across this video this morning. interesting information. since i was set to do a 3 hole oil change today anyway, i paid a bit more attention to the capacity of the engine. i have the Milwaukee 8 in my 2019 Eglide standard. i change the oils on a bike lift, so the bike is level and upright. the bike was not warm. my manual states an initial fill of 4 quarts. i added 3 quarts, then started the bike to let it run for a minute, shut it off and checked the level. I was low. i then added 1/2 quart, start, run, off, check again, still low. i ended up adding the rest of the quart, so now a total of 4, start, run, off and check and now i am 5 dots into the zone of the upright scale. i then went to the engine section of the manual. i had not been there before and "table 4-5 oiling system" indicates that the capacity with the filter of an oil cooled engine, new system is 5.2 quarts (twin cooled being 5.0 quarts). it also indicates that the service oil change for all is 4.8 quarts. i have never put that much in due to the note that indicated 4 quarts at the initial fill for an oil change. 4 quarts is what puts me in the right zone.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Sounds like you have it dialed in right. 👍 Thanks for the comment and info.

[@williamforbes5826]

Isn't it amazing the number of controversies you guys put to rest?? That is if people would listen! Good stuff again, guys! Keep it up! Gotta rob my bank account (piggy bank) to pay for more parts from you guys!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you for the kind words. Always good to hear that the videos are useful/interesting. Thank you for your business, we do appreciate it. 👍😎👍

[@riderone5030]

May Consider Scavenge oil removal tool. Flows a quart or less of dirty oil with my oil changes. Gonna try it with the DK added oil cooler kit this week.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Let us know how it goes! We've done that in the past. It is on our list of videos to shoot this next year...we have 3 different ways to do a complete change, and we want to do a video showing the different ways to do it.

[@jodyhodge2129]

Took a bit to get my head wrapped around this since I only rode metric cruisers. I check my oil when I get done riding and it is full. Check it the next day and it's not really much lower on the stick. About 3.5 or so qts to get it to the full mark when hot.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment!

[@MadMexism]

My 2020 softail, and 2021 Road glide always took 4.5 quarts perfectly. I did notice when they each had there 1K mile service, oil would be spitting out of the fueling vented dipstick. That told me the dealership would overfill. I’m guessing they were doing 5 quarts straight, because with 4.5 quarts, it would never spit up like that. What the hell is wrong with the damn dealerships!?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Unfortunately there are a bunch of folks in the workforce that read directions, and not too well...there is a serious lack of actual mechanical thought/deductive reasoning occurring.

[@JCunningham21]

I have a 131ci 21 Low Rider S. I need to check my gauge. I have a electric oil temp gauge with the sensor in the oil drain plug. Same as the Harley ultra gauge. I never get over 190f or so. Usually its reading 160- 170. M8s are full at 4.5qts.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Those are great oil temps! One bike or even one oil change it may take 4.5qts the next bike or next oil change it may be different. Here is another video we've made on oil capacity that you my find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE Thank you for commenting!MB

[@clausschieritz6350]

My dealer over here in Germany overfill my oiltank at the service, too.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Crazy, but not surprising.

[@garryhorton9105]

Lol 😂 thanks guys good info and I haven’t laughed this much for a while especially when Kevin repeats himself lol😂

[@DKCustomProducts]

ROFL, glad you enjoyed. What is amazing is a bunch of his repeating himself was edited out. lol 😂

[@CatfishLove]

@@DKCustomProducts I THINK THAT MUST BE A MISSISSIPPI THANG. I am from Pontotoc MS now in SC. My wife says I repeat myself way too much. I just tell her if she would listen the first time I wouldn't have too. Lol. I just purchased all of your upgrades for my 2013 Tri Glide. Took a while to install all of them but I am hoping for good results on the temp drop. The only thing about installing them all at once is I won't be able to tell which one is giving the best results. Thanks guys I really appreciate the vids. It is definitely a good marketing strategy and a huge plus for the Harley community.

[@leewarry8641]

On my 013street bob it takes 3 quarts to fill & I do check it after riding all day & it’s at running temp .

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good deal!

[@BackRoadKing]

Wow, that blonde could heat up my 103 to "FULL HOT" just by sitting on it!! Thanks for all your help guys, and Merry Christmas!

[@DKCustomProducts]

There ya go. 😂 Glad you're finding the videos useful/interesting. 👍 Merry Christmas. 🎄

[@georgesnuffleupagus7920]

U guys really have some great informative videos.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! Glad you are finding the videos useful/interesting! 👍😎👍

[@Greenjeans2020]

On my 2002 and 2012 ultra's, when filled to the required 4 qt capacity, the oil level was mid way on the dip stick. On my 2020 Tri Glide, when filled to the 5 qt capacity, the oil level is at the top of the dip stick. BTY, on my 2020 Trike, there is no misting of oil in the air filter after 11,000 miles. The first Harley I've had that had no oil misting in the air filter.

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is awesome! Here is a video that you may find interesting on checking oil levels on a M8 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE Thanks for commenting! 😎👍

[@Greenjeans2020]

The dipstick shown this video is not what I have on my 2020 Trike. It's more typical to the ones on my Ultras. Both my owners manual and the shop service manual say the oil capacity, with the new longer filter, is 5 qys. Obviously my Trike does not lean on the kick stand. Also, for whatever reason, I have little difference on oil level between hot and cold. Here again I laterally have zero oil accumulation in my air filter. @@DKCustomProducts

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is great and it sounds like your bike is running at a great oil level!

[@Greenjeans2020]

I have experienced the same thing between my 2002, 2012 Ultra and my 2020 Tri Glide. While there is a difference between hot and cold, it was minimal. And yes I did wear a glove to check it hot. Also, I have near zero oil misting in the air filter on my 2020 Trike. However, I did install an external breather filter for peace of mind.

[@tricycle_adventures]

Say it louder for those in the back. It’s in the manual. SMDH. 3 quarts in my 103 is perfect on an oil change. I’m sure that will change when I add your oil cooler.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for your comment and your business. We appreciate it. 👍😎👍 Yes, the oil cooler will add a few ounces capaicity.

[@rogerpaxton7375]

Thanks for explaining this to me great video , do u add some oil in the oil filter, when changing oil, sorry im new to riding im a rookie lol

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are liking the videos. Appreciate the good words. I do put oil in my oil filter before installing it...about 1/2 full. It is not necessary, but it does not hurt, and it is a decades old habit. Enjoy your ride! KP

[@robertglancy4474]

The oil level COLD on my 12 Road King sits at 9 dots on the stick I go out for a ride and 4 hrs later when I get it home I check again knowing it's hot at operating temp and it really hasn't budged off the 9th dot. And the 4 qts thing in the manual just adds to the confusion, mine usually goes 3.5 on a oil change to get it back to 9 dots...thx for some clarification.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for sharing, that is our experience with most bikes too! Good to hear you got it wired on your ride. 👍 Way too many folks running around out there with overfilled oil tanks.

[@fourftr]

Really enjoy your channel. Had to hit subscribe button🍺🇺🇸👍 One point I would like to make is Harley-Davidson needs to change the color on the dipstick on their M8 The friggin color is the same as the synthetic oil making it very difficult to see the level

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the like and subscribe! Yeah they could have made it a different color for sure!

[@markmaese1599]

I watched this video AFTER doing my oil change on my 117 M8 just to verify oil level. I did put the full 4 quarts and my oil on dipstock is coming to the exact center of add and full. So, was I lucky this time or should I next time go with the 3.5 quarts initially.?

[@DKCustomProducts]

There are several factors to consider, but aiming for halfway between the 'add a quart' and 'full' marks is generally ideal. I recommend checking the oil level again after riding. Alternatively, you could add 3.5 quarts and then check the level before adding a full 4 quarts at your next oil change. The amount of oil required can vary slightly from one oil change to the next. Here is another video on Oil Levels that you may find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE Thank you for commenting! MB

[@richardrussell500]

Before changing your oil, what procedure do you follow? Manual says to get engine up to operating temp before draining. Do you stand the bike upright, run it for 30 seconds, and then drain? Do you think you are getting most of the oil out this way? I watched the Hoodie video and left a comment. I want to go the cold check route. Much simpler. Please advise... Thanks :-)

[@DKCustomProducts]

It takes 45-60 minutes to get oil to full operating temp. Ideally go for at least a 45 minute ride prior to changing the oil. That way you will get as much oil out as possible. Sometimes, if in a hurry, or don't have time or ability to ride, at least let it idle for 10 minutes. It will not drain quite as much, but it won't be a big problem either. The only way to get all the oil out is to scavenge it all. We do not have a video on how to do that yet, but we will later this year.

[@ZevGriffin-s5u]

Appreciate y’all! Thanks for the detailed info.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment! 👍 Good to hear you're finding the videos useful/interesting.

[@ezryder8]

Yep, great information. I had many discussion about this with friends over a beer or two \

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment. Your experience sounds very familiar! 👍😎👍

[@scrumthebum2451]

My twink 103 when I change oil I get it hot , drain it & change filter then I put 3Qts in ride it for around 20 minutes & check it. Usually takes 1/2 court to get it close to full mark. However I run a A1 dipstick vent , the A1 instructions tell you to run 3 dots below full hot so that’s what I do.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad it's working for you! 👍😎👍

[@davidholbrook1118]

Hay dudes love y'alls videos but I have a question for ya, how hot is to hot when it comes to oil temperature if 230° is normal temperature. I use Red Line in all 3 boxes.

[@DKCustomProducts]

As long as you are not exceeding 230° you should be good!

[@frankprettitore6192]

Thanks for info and Merry Christmas Men...

[@DKCustomProducts]

Cool, glad you liked the video. Thank you for the comment. Merry Christmas. 🎄

[@jiml5233]

I understand the dipstick, hot or cold check and upright or jiffy. My question is: does the engine have to be started at all for a cold check? Once I get the answer to that, I can figure the rest out on my own.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Like we say at the 5:32 minute mark on this video, it is recommended that you start your bike and let it run for a minute or two before doing a cold check. It is not considered a hot check unless you get the temps up to 230ish degrees. Thank you for commenting! MB

[@jiml5233]

@@DKCustomProducts okay thank you I appreciate the confirmation! By the way, awesome videos!

[@DKCustomProducts]

No problem, Glad you help and glad that you like the video!!! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@anthonymroczka5213]

Explain this for me.. brand new 22 m8... i added 5+ qrts and it wasnt even half way up the dip. Makes no sense but ive done 2 oil changes and that was the case both time

[@DKCustomProducts]

Can't do that over the internet. Would need to be with the bike to see what is going on.

[@anthonymroczka5213]

@@DKCustomProducts ill have to shoot a video on my next oil change.

[@baustin2402]

Thanx guys!!! Makes sense to me. 🤷

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for commenting!

[@nevermindthebull0cks]

I did my 1st oil change on a hd. Road king 103 to be specific. I ended up with 3qts and it was in the middle of the side stand hash mark after a ride. I was like..... what is the extra qt for? Also I haven't seen any of those Harley leaks I heard about. | don't think it takes that long to warm an engine up btw, 15-20 min ride should be good. My diesel truck warms up in the winter in 20min so I would think an air cooled engine in the summer would be faster.

[@DKCustomProducts]

In this video, starting at the 7:15 mark, it is explained where the extra oil is. Yeah, HD's have not had oil leaks for many, many years. That is the 1990's and earlier. Harley's will not get fully heat soaked in 15-20 minutes of riding, even on a hot day. You can verify this by a variety of means. Look at your oil temp after 15 minutes of riding, then after 45 minutes of riding. It will be hotter at 45 minutes. You can also use an infrared temp gun, same 15 and 45, shot at the base of the cylinder.

[@nevermindthebull0cks]

@@DKCustomProducts I checked mine warmed up, a few min of idling and 5 miles down the road, in toasty ok weather. When I got back from riding for hrs I checked it again. A 1/4" ish higher on the dipstick than the warmed up check. Still only took 3 qts of oil to get it to the middle. Do people really run the straight weight oils? I ask because it's hot in OK, but I was thinking 20/50 was good. Bike doesn't use oil at all.

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@nevermindthebull0cks Yep, only 3 quarts because there was still quite a bit in the engine at the change. Yes, many run straight weights. HD still recommends straight weight oil for warmer temps. 20/50 is ok in warmer temps, but straight is better. See this link for a photo from the HD manual- www.dkcustomproducts.com/image/Links/Oil%20Weight.jpg

[@QGJohn]

Can you explain the 2 sections a little better? Jiffy Stand vs. Upright. My bike is a Trike, so it's not gonna be on a kick stand and at any angle. Does that just mean use the Upright?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, with a trike you just do the Upright!!! Thanks for commenting! MB

[@GetnNauti]

Soo how do you check the oil level with out lines or markers on the dip stick?

[@DKCustomProducts]

I've never seen an OEM dipstick without markers on the dip stick. If you are using one from JesCustoms, like what we use, we put marks on the dipstick ourselves.

[@mikelivingston6157]

Is this procedure the same for an evo engine sportster? I am learning that I have been doing it wrong for a long time

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, it is the same with the Sportsters. Thank you for commenting! MB

[@crspcritter]

Do they drain it hot at the dealership??? Always wandered but always change it myself.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I would assume that they do, but I am not sure how the dealerships drain the oil. That is a good question. Thank you for commenting! MB

[@crspcritter]

@@DKCustomProducts👌👍

[@WilliamBlake-ih7ok]

Do you check your oil on your bike's on the kick stand or totoally upright ?

[@DKCustomProducts]

It really depends on the year and model of your bike. It will state in your owners manual how you should check your oil level. Thank you for commenting! 😎

[@giorgioiurcotta]

Is there a way to empty the engine completely? If I want to have fresh new oil in it, this way there will always be contaminated oil. I didn’t know Harleys and I thought I was running out of oil because the tank was empty when checked after a month or so left it in the garage. The results was that the oil went down into the engine from the tank showing me my tank empty, but in reality it was at almost full capacity. When I put the new oil in it, it started overflowing and spit it out of the cap like a volcano

[@DKCustomProducts]

It is not a bad idea to do a complete change. There is still ½ to ¾ of a quart in the engine when you completely drain the oil...because it is only draining oil out of the tank, not the engine. You can use a product like the Rogue Chopper Oil change kit to do a Complete oil change. We plan on doing a video on it and some other systems in the next few months. 99% of all Harley's never see a complete oil change, it is nice, but not necessary.

[@Hodado]

So to be safe only add 3 1/2 quarts when you do the oil change???

[@DKCustomProducts]

No. Depending on what engine you have (Sporty, TC, M8) add enough oil for it to be midway between the bottom and the top mark. 👍

[@jeremytarpley-z3j]

Are the markings based on the bike leaning or straight up? I ride a trike and am never sure if I'm over filling because its not leaning.

[@DKCustomProducts]

According to the manual two wheel bikes should be put on a stand up right to check the Oil level. So you should be good if you are keeping your oil at the mid way mark! 👍

[@peterbergeris6510]

You need to keep saying, add oil only when hot which means running the bike. When you drain the tank pour that oil in a measured container to also see what came out. But the service manual on an 09 deluxe calls for a capacity of 3.5 qts between tank n filter. So does that mean the tank only needs 3.25 n the filter .25? In the summer I checked coming back from a half hour and it showed a little past full mark. Was told as long as the oil level is not past the spout weld on the tank I should be good. Haven't seen any leaks.That oil level has been the same since I bought the bike in June of 2022. But I only put maybe 50 miles on it due to 95 ° temperatures in Pa. n other responsibilities.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Whoever told you that misinformed you. At no point do you want the oil above the full mark. Regarding capacity... There is no way to know how much oil is still sitting in the engine after the oil has been drained...it can vary quite a bit. After draining the oil, and pulling the filter, you should put 2.5 quarts in (including what you may put in the new filter). Then start it up, let it run 30-60 seconds. Then check the dipstick and only had how much oil is needed to get the level on the dipstick midway between the bottom and top marks.

[@peterbergeris6510]

@@DKCustomProducts I agree the oil level should be at the full mark or a little below only after riding the bike so the oil is at ambient temperature. Per service manual you never add oil on a cold mtr because if you do you will be over the full mark when the bike is hot after being ridden.When I checked the oil level after a ride and noticed it was a little past full I called my dealer and talked to the service mgr and was told re the weld mark on the oil tank. Next week I will call again. When the original owner traded the bike in it went thru a full service where the oil was changed . I thought at the time maybe the tech overfilled. Because this is my fourth Harley n I never had my oil past full or even at the full mark. Always kept it a little before full.Starting the bike for 20 minutes n adding is still adding to a cold mtr which is wrong.

[@DKCustomProducts]

@@peterbergeris6510 Agreed with everything you said, except, you can start a cold engine, run it for a minute, then check the oil level. If it is below the add line, oil should be added to bring it to midway between the add and full line. IF it is a M8, then this video is an important footnote to checking oil level- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE

[@MiikeG114]

I checked my oil yesterday after a ride, I was 6 dots up the dipstick I ride a 2022 streetbob is that oil level to low?

[@DKCustomProducts]

If it is above the Add Oil line (bottom line), you do not need to add any oil. 👍

[@joe8662]

I did a cold check with out running the bike first, the level showed really high. Then I ran the bike a few minutes and it was right in the middle. Is this normal. And do I disregard the first reading and use the one I took after running it a few minutes. I want to know if I should take some out or keep it the way it is. I don't want to run it too low or too high.

[@DKCustomProducts]

There is no instance I can think of, in the manual or otherwise, where one should check the oil level without a start-up (unless you are just checking to make sure there is even any oil in the engine). Do a few checks as outlined in your manual, or in the video...then if it is above the fill line, use a turkey baster to pull some of the oil out.

[@toolmaker5150]

Check it cold to make sure you have oil in it. My ‘21 FXLRS registers at the very bottom of the dipstick. After a half hour ride at highway speeds, I recheck. and it registers between the halfway mark and full. Not terribly difficult 😂

[@DKCustomProducts]

Nope. And below is a video so that you can get a more accurate read on your M8 Softail when cold. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE

[@billbalyx8799]

hey guys, so I was looking on my dipstick the other day, my oil level at hot, rode for 2 hours, was just below like 1 dot the full hot mark. So after the bike sat overnight I checked it cold and notice an "arrow" mark on the dipstick which points to the 6th dot on the cold scale and this was where my oil level was at cold...so is this a cold level mark or?? thought, 2018 FLTRU

[@DKCustomProducts]

I believe the video at the following link will answer your question- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE

[@13thSwarde]

My 2007 Fatboy trike has a 3 quart capacity, I run it with 2 1/2 quarts in the oil tank. It is at a level between the low, and full marks. I have to run the engine for a couple of minutes, before checking the oil level, since some of the oil drains into the engine sump.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It sounds like you've got a good system for keeping your engine happy! Thank you for commenting! 😎 MB

[@tcatnat70]

95% of the time I do an oil check after I get back from a ride. This way I know I'm good for next time. The dipstick is very confusing. Checked hot, five marks up on the stick is my sweet spot.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Good to hear you have it dialed in for your bike! 👍😎👍

[@wipeout-f6o]

On my 93 fat boy their is only 1 mark about 3/4 the way down the dip stick, just for clarity it has to be checked standing straight and i thought that mark is the add mark, if so how far up that stick with no other marks is truly full when cold ? thx in advance

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am sorry, this video is applicable to Twin Cams and M8's. You will need to check your manual on the Evo, I wish I could be of more help.

[@brandot.7466]

Thanks guys great video well explained !!!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! Glad you found the video useful/interesting. 👍😎👍

[@tony55575]

Question, I have a 1997 wide glide, Evo motor, hot or cold it seems to be mid way I have the long oil filter and a Harley oil cooler,,, so when changing my oil with the filter change, how many quarts do I use? The manual says 3 quarts with filter change, dose the long filter and the oil cooler .. Need more oil? I know I'm making this real confusing because I am very confused... But as I mentioned I changed the oil with three quarts it was about halfway on the stick I drove for about an hour came back checked it again it was still about halfway on the stick freaking confused

[@DKCustomProducts]

We have not done any testing on the Evo's, so we do not know what the ideal level is. But it sounds like you are probably good in the range that it is at on your dipstick. The larger filter and the oil cooler are only going to increase capacity by 4-6 ounces.

[@tony55575]

Thank you for replying

[@DKCustomProducts]

No problem! You could also probably find more information about EVO's on the HD Forums if you have not looked there yet! Ride Safe! Thanks for commenting!

[@nelmar5522]

Can you mix std HD & synthetic oil on a 2019 M8 114?

[@DKCustomProducts]

It is not recommended. If you have to, as soon as you can, drain it and replace it with all the same oil. 👍

[@matthewheidenreich3401]

Another reason to have an external breather system. The extra oil (if over filled) will equalize itself to it's correct level into the catch can.. maybe not all of it but it won't go in to the intake. A full can will drain and make a little mess, but so what. It cleans up easy enough.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment, you hit the nail on the head. 👍😎👍

[@marvelharris9540]

thank you for this video...when I check my 22 low rider s 117, I run the engine for a minute or two upright, place it on the kickstand and pull the stick, it measures halfway.. then when I put it in to check again, there is no oil on the stick?? what the hell is going on?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Sounds like you need more oil. If you are running the bike upright, then pulling the dispstick, there is going to be oil on it, even if you are low on oil. You have to wipe it off after pulling it, then check it again to get true level. KP

[@marvelharris9540]

@@DKCustomProducts hmm, put 4qts in, I'm hesitant to put more at this point.. I must be missing something

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yeah, the total capacity is 5 quarts, but with the roughly one quart that did not drain out, you are about right. I would go to my manual and follow the step by step procedure for checking the oil level. Pro Tip- If you do end up putting too much oil in, you can use a turkey baster to pull some out. KP

[@bigblue3568]

When I do check I always check mine after a ride and up to operating temp.. not a big deal. Softail tank is right there under seat.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, with the tank on the Twin Cam Softails (and Sportys), it is definitely easier to check hot than the Dyna, Bagger, Trikes, and M8 Softails. Thanks for the add. 👍😎👍

[@Quantumfuturestrader]

I check my oil cold I keep it above the middle line. Thanks boys.

[@DKCustomProducts]

It’s great to hear you’re keeping on top of your bike’s maintenance. Thank you for commenting! MB

[@trophyhilll]

So if there is still a little oil in the motor, aren’t you mixing old with new?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, that is how all Harley's have been for decades. Unless you do a complete oil change (by forcing the older oil out of the engine) the new oil will mix with around 1/2 to 3/4 of a quart that is still in the engine after you drain the oil. Here's a video you may enjoy- kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH-rmIGKndekh9E KP

[@stevedavis342]

Guys, Twin Cams are checked warm, not hot, with the bike level not on the kick stand. Full is at the top of the mark. M8's are as you indicate.

[@ketobeast8489]

Wrong. It depends on what dipstick you have. Dipstick with moving level gauge are on jiffy. Dipstick that is solid is checked on level. Not all twin cams are checked while level.

[@stevedavis342]

@@ketobeast8489 Do not start a sentence with the word wrong. This is a very good, friendly forum so keep it that way. AND straight from the manual: Engine Oil Level Check Check the engine oil level with the dipstick/oil filler cap (Figure 5) on the right side of the oil tank. 1. Start and run the engine for approximately ten minutes or until the engine has reached normal operating temperature. Then turn the engine off and allow the oil to settle in the oil tank. 2. Place the motorcycle on a level surface and hold it upright. CAUTION Checking the oil level with the motorcycle on the jiffy stand will result in an incorrect oil level reading. 3. Wipe the area around the oil filler cap with a clean rag. Then pull the oil filler cap (Figure 5) out of the oil tank. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag and reinsert the filler cap all the way into the oil tank until it bottoms.Withdraw the filler cap and check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil level should be at the upper groove mark on the dipstick (Figure 6). If the oil level is even with or below the ADD QUART mark, continue with Step 4. If the oil level is correct, go to Step 5.

[@ketobeast8489]

Freedom of speech ain’t it great? It’s ok to be wrong. What i said still stands. It depends on what year and model you have… If you have a solid dipstick you check upright. If you have a swivel dipstick like I do on my 2010 Dyna WG you check on the jiffy stand, it literally says on the dipstick. So sorry your comment was partially “incorrect” (hope that word doesn’t offend you).. There are many models with TC engines not all are checked the same. Hope that clears it up. Cheers

[@DKCustomProducts]

There may be some differences over the almost 20 years of the Twin Cam. HOWEVER, the chart shown at the 2:41 mark in this video clearly states "Oil Level HOT Check", and that chart is from a 2014 Twin Cam Manual. I don't know if there are any Twin Cam manuals that instruct a warm check, but I have never seen one, and the 4 different year manuals I just looked at for Twin Cams all say HOT oil check, as well as Cold oil check.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, Harley has varied over the years on checking oil on the Jiffy stand or while held upright. Just depends on which year you have. Manual will indicate which way for your particular bike. Then there is this on the M8's that you may find interesting- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE

[@markwilkinson2389]

I always do a hot oil check after a ride. I figure that the only way the oil volume will change before the next ride is by an oil leak, which would be obvious. On another topic, Kevin, when are you going to do a beard video. Cheers.

[@DKCustomProducts]

That'll work. Thanks for the add. 👍 Beard video? 😂😂

[@bullskull1166]

Awesome video! I purge my oil, or why even bother changing the oil if you are not gonna do a complete oil change... Rouge Chopper: SCAVENGER total oil change system... It's much easier.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, the Rogue Chopper System and the FloNGo both enable for complete oil changes. In the next few months we are going to do a video showing how to use these two systems to get a complete oil change...we are also going to show how many HD owners can easily do a complete change. To comment on your comment....a complete oil change is preferred, but, obviously, it is better to change 80% of the oil than none. Thanks for your comment!👍😎👍 KP

[@steveadams5190]

I just add oil when I start hearing noises from my engine 👍😁👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

Well, that's one way to do it. 😂

[@ForeverintheQ]

It's not confusing if one can read and comprehend. I've had trained H.D. mechanics over fill. It's best to do it yourself.

[@DKCustomProducts]

It can be confusing because there is a full mark and an add a quart mark and most people do not know the full mark is if you are checking it hot. We made this video to inform people that for a cold check it should be in the middle of the full and add a quart so that people weren't mistakenly adding too much oil. It happens more than you would think. Thank you for commenting! MB

[@ForeverintheQ]

@DKCustomProducts there's also a paragraph and even a picture showing exactly where the oil level should be,for those that read pictures better than words.

[@ForeverintheQ]

@DKCustomProducts if one looks at the amount of oil to put back after draining the old oil,it's not confusing. Mine for example takes two quarts and five ounces. It's perfect every time.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad that you have gotten it figured out! Thank you for commenting! MB

[@jeffwhitehead7667]

Are u on the side stand or holding the bike level

[@DKCustomProducts]

It depends on the bike. It will tell you in your manual which way to do it. Harley has gone back and forth over the years on the procedure. The one exception in the M8....this video linked below tells you the exception and how to do it so that it is reliable- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpndm4GcoZ5oqNE

[@thangknowa3288]

Simple fix idea for the MoCo: On the other side of the dipstick, engrave "Full Hot" and "Full Cold" marks. Now whether the bike is upright, jiffy stand, hot, cold, it's covered!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Great suggestion! Thanks for commenting!

[@t.t.kelsey7132]

Y ALL Reilly make sence...im DOWN with what your saying....im in the same believe y'all are.....But ...lots of people Don't know....dig your gitdown👍

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks man. Glad you're digging the videos and finding them useful/interesting. 👍😎👍

[@dirkmoore4224]

I was expecting to hear the discussion about purging the engine with oil changes. Thanks for discussing an important topic. Too much sumping going on!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! Here is a video on checking to see if you are sumping that you may find interesting - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2XaiYOgbd6Xg9k Here is a video on how to do a Leak Down test and Compression test that you may find interesting/useful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/naDNoaeqj7adgc0 AND kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3qnqY2ah6dkoaM Thank you for commenting! 😎MB

[@dirkmoore4224]

@@DKCustomProducts Thanks! I'm not sumping but there are many that are.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Gotcha! Well I hope that they get it figured out. Kevin had started sumping as well when he replaced his pump and the sump plug. 👍 MB