Could someone tell me where the oil level mark should be on the dipstick. I have an 05 RoadKing with sidecar, and can't find this info anywhere.
Hey there oilman...here's the info. u r looking for, go to technical discussion forum and go to 4th page look for oil level on harley bagger for info. about oil level on dipstick...=)
Working with many Marques of bikes and (rigid mounted) sidecars, I fill with the recommended amount of oil, run the engine to fill the oil filter, shut it down and check the oil level after things settle down. I then file a notch in the dipstick, or mark the sight guage at the full line, since not all bikes use a dipstick.
Naturally the same method would apply to transmission dipsticks on rigid mounted sidehack rigs.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Just be sure not to check and refill to the top at deep freezing temperatures.
In 1982 I broke a engine with that mistake. When the oil became hot it started to make foam and broke all block seals.
When I refill I always stay in the middle between the marks. So when the oil heats up I do not get to a point where the oil is over filled.
As long the dip stick reaches oil there shouldn't be troubles. But over filling is very bad to the engine.
Sven
One could also fill the cases one quart shy of full, run the engine and make your second notch in the dipstick at one quart low.
This would circumvent overfilling the crankcase.
Lonnie
i seem to recall we have had this conversation before & the conclusion seemed to be if your dipstick is on the right fill it 1/2" higher than full mark & if on the left 1/2" lower approx. or find someone with the same bike solo & check the oil level when upright.
The 1/2" rule may work well with some specific Harley models (there have been many) it won't work for all.
The fill and notch method will work well with all Marques.
Lonnie
