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[charles05663]

I have the dipstick with the temp gauge and level meter.  When I had my first oil change it flashed "Hi Oil" all the time.  Now it does not.

Yesterday I noticed a few drops of oil on the left tail pipe.  I have not seen it since.

I checked the oil tonight at it is down about 1/2 quart after 2000 mile.  I think I smell oil sometimes when the engine is hot.

I have to admit I when through a "race" phase from about 850 miles to 2500 miles where I would open it up to 5000+ RPMs.  I try and let the bike warm up of 2-3 minutes before I drive.

Is this oil usage normal for a 110?  If not, what should I look for?  I had a 99th anniversary model  (02) FLSTCI (Harley has way to many "anniversary" models     ) that never  used a drop of oil after 43k miles.

TIA

Charles

[jfh]

Left or right tail pipe? If right, the oil may be blow-by from the bottom of the air cleaner.  Wipe the bottom side of the air cleaner and see if there is excess oil there.  When the air filter gets saturated, it tends to blow oil back onto the pipe/muffler when riding. If that's the case, clean the filter and you should be fine until it again becomes saturated.

[charles05663]

It was on the left.  It was inside where the baffle extends extends into the muffler cap.

[grc]

I have the dipstick with the temp gauge and level meter.  When I had my first oil change it flashed "Hi Oil" all the time.  Now it does not.

Yesterday I noticed a few drops of oil on the left tail pipe.  I have not seen it since.

I checked the oil tonight at it is down about 1/2 quart after 2000 mile.  I think I smell oil sometimes when the engine is hot.

I have to admit I when through a "race" phase from about 850 miles to 2500 miles where I would open it up to 5000+ RPMs.  I try and let the bike warm up of 2-3 minutes before I drive.

Is this oil usage normal for a 110?  If not, what should I look for?  I had a 99th anniversary model  (02) FLSTCI (Harley has way to many "anniversary" models     ) that never  used a drop of oil after 43k miles.

TIA

Charles

One quart in 4000 miles is acceptable for a Harley air cooled engine (Harley will try to tell you one quart in 1000 miles is acceptable, but I wouldn't accept that).  Do you normally fill the oil tank all the way to the full mark?  If you do, try running it halfway between full and add on the dipstick and see if that makes any difference.  Many of us have experienced rapid oil useage if we fill to the full mark, until the level stabilizes at roughly a pint low.  Doesn't necessarily make any sense, but it has happened to enough of us that it doesn't appear to be a figment of our imaginations.

Jerry

[LarryB]

the reason this happens is this, you drain the oil but not all is drained, there is some residual oil left in the motor in various places. Spec says it holds 4 qts, you pour in 4 qts, you have too much oil in it, it will blow the overage out over time. where it ends up is all over your ride saddle bag, exhaust pipe, pant leg, and such. Plus, oil expands when hot vs cold. when doing a fluid change, pour in 3.5 qts. bring it up to running temp and then check. I'd rather be a little low than ANY high. this situation happens alot when the dealer does the service, these idiot techs have no idea what they are doing, especially the ones from MMI

[SERK3]

the reason this happens is this, you drain the oil but not all is drained, there is some residual oil left in the motor in various places. Spec says it holds 4 qts, you pour in 4 qts, you have too much oil in it, it will blow the overage out over time. where it ends up is all over your ride saddle bag, exhaust pipe, pant leg, and such. Plus, oil expands when hot vs cold. when doing a fluid change, pour in 3.5 qts. bring it up to running temp and then check. I'd rather be a little low than ANY high. this situation happens alot when the dealer does the service, these idiot techs have no idea what they are doing, especially the ones from MMI

 

[charles05663]

Thanks for the advice.  I will keep an eye on it.  I plan on doing my 2500 mile services myself and leave the 5000 miles to the techs.  When I do my service I will stick with the 1/2 quart low setting.