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[vboxmark]

I just purchased a 2009 SE Ultra, one of the mods is the front wheel was changed to a 21".  Hence the bike sits about 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 higher in the front then stock. 

So I do my first oil change this weekend, motor/tranny & Primary.  I put in the recommended levels
Motor start out with 3.5 quarters
Trans - 1 quart
Primary - 38 oz but could only get about 37 oz in before is started coming out the top

Checked the levels and they are all high. So that's when I realized that the front was higher and maybe causing the levels to appear high on the dip sticks and overflowing the primary a little when filling.

So anyone have any suggestions on what level I should run at because if the front is higher does it need the same amount of oil or less.  If the same amount as a level bike then the dip stick will always show high.

Or maybe I should do  my oil changes on a jack to level the bike. 

This is my first Harley so any help would be appreciated, I love the bike, just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

Thank you

[grc]

I just purchased a 2009 SE Ultra, one of the mods is the front wheel was changed to a 21".  Hence the bike sits about 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 higher in the front then stock. 

So I do my first oil change this weekend, motor/tranny & Primary.  I put in the recommended levels
Motor start out with 3.5 quarters
Trans - 1 quart
Primary - 38 oz but could only get about 37 oz in before is started coming out the top

Checked the levels and they are all high. So that's when I realized that the front was higher and maybe causing the levels to appear high on the dip sticks and overflowing the primary a little when filling.

So anyone have any suggestions on what level I should run at because if the front is higher does it need the same amount of oil or less.  If the same amount as a level bike then the dip stick will always show high.

Or maybe I should do  my oil changes on a jack to level the bike. 

This is my first Harley so any help would be appreciated, I love the bike, just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

Thank you

First, what may also be happening is that the oil isn't draining completely due to the angle change.  The engine oil drain is located at the front of the oil pan for instance, and the primary drain is also forward of the clutch.

What I'd do is drain and then fill all the fluids with the bike sitting level on a jack or lift.  Note exactly where the fluid levels are on the dipsticks, and check the primary fluid and only fill until it touches the bottom of the clutch spring.  Button up the primary and then lower the bike to the floor and check the engine and trans levels again, once more noting exactly where those levels are on the dipsticks.  I think you will find the engine oil level will be higher due to the location of the dipstick at the rear of the pan, but the trans level may not change much at all.  Anyway, once you know exactly how much higher the fluid levels measure on the dipsticks, you will be able to adjust accordingly when checking with the bike sitting on the ground.  Btw, many of us purposely run the engine oil about a pint low to help avoid oil carryover into the air cleaner. 

Jerry

[akodust]

I don't know how far you are away from the dealer but, I was not sure of the level of my oil and went to the dealer and had them check the oil and let me know if it was ok. Then I was sure about it.

[muddypaws]

I agree with Jerry...

[krautdoggie]

simple, put a 1 3/4" to 2 1/4" board under the back tire 

[Rumblerider]

First, what may also be happening is that the oil isn't draining completely due to the angle change.  The engine oil drain is located at the front of the oil pan for instance, and the primary drain is also forward of the clutch.

What I'd do is drain and then fill all the fluids with the bike sitting level on a jack or lift.  Note exactly where the fluid levels are on the dipsticks, and check the primary fluid and only fill until it touches the bottom of the clutch spring.  Button up the primary and then lower the bike to the floor and check the engine and trans levels again, once more noting exactly where those levels are on the dipsticks.  I think you will find the engine oil level will be higher due to the location of the dipstick at the rear of the pan, but the trans level may not change much at all.  Anyway, once you know exactly how much higher the fluid levels measure on the dipsticks, you will be able to adjust accordingly when checking with the bike sitting on the ground.  Btw, many of us purposely run the engine oil about a pint low to help avoid oil carryover into the air cleaner. 

Jerry

Hey Jerry,

When you say fill the primary until it touches the bottom of the clutch spring, I am confused.  I've been filling to the bottom of the clutch stack and when the oil touches the bottom of the plates I stop.  Am I filling my primary to the proper level?  I have the bike on a jack sitting level when I do this.

Thanks!

[grc]

Hey Jerry,

When you say fill the primary until it touches the bottom of the clutch spring, I am confused.  I've been filling to the bottom of the clutch stack and when the oil touches the bottom of the plates I stop.  Am I filling my primary to the proper level?  I have the bike on a jack sitting level when I do this.

Thanks!

Since too much oil creates clutch drag, slightly less is better than too much.  Harley recommended the bottom of the clutch spring for ages, but as time goes by recommendations can change.  And btw, the late model A&S clutches don't use a diaphragm spring so that old method wouldn't work anyway.  I think just touching the bottom of the plates is fine. 

Jerry

[Rumblerider]

Great!

Thanks So Much Jerry!

[CVODON]

If you don't have a lift or jack, how bout a proper thickness board under the rear tire? This seems to be something that is very simple to correct. Also did you check the levels when you purchased it? How did they compare with your refill levels?