Is it just me or do the twin cam 88 motors only take 3 quarts of oil and not the 3.5 quarts as stated in the owners manual?

Just did an oil change (first one that I have done since Ive had it) and after I poured in the third bottle of Mobil 1 Vtwin the level was already up to the filler neck.

No way I was gonna fit another half a bottle so I ran the motor for a couple of minutes to pump oil around and into new filter (thinking the level would drop once the filter was full)

Let it settle for a couple of minutes and checked oil level again and it showed full on the dipstick.

So, now confused I measured how much old oil actually drained and it filled exactly the 3 empty 1 quart oil bottles.

WHERE IS THE OTHER 1/2 QUART MEANT TO GO?!!!

Anyone else had the same thing with an 88?

Cheers,

Nah, it was hot , rode it for about an hour and dumped oil soon as I got home.

Let it drain for 45 mins or so.

It was still warmish after I filled it, then ran it for a couple of minutes, turned it off, let it settle and checked oil and it showed full.

 

Yeah, oil and filter.

2004 softail standard.

Do you think I need to take it for a decent ride then check again?

Thanks for your input Scotty.

AAH the ol softail bonus

Pull the lines from the tank, fit clear hose to lines and run motor till new oil comes out.

No I never that, after all that would be doing a better job than a factory trained mechanic and need 3.5qt of oil.

Thats the second time this week I've missed some detail in a post, must be getting old. As I said "it should be the same as an 06" I'm glad I didn't bet my left nut on it. I would have thought they were all the same between 2000 and 2006 ?? Go figure ?? What was the difference that caused the change in how you check the oil ??

different models have been checked either on or off the stand for many years, one model one way, another model the other
it has changed a few times
screw in, or not screw in is another variation that you will see if you peruse a range of service manuals
check belt on stand or with wheel in air, check belt with riderweight on bike upright
could be a new motto for the moco
"confidence built on consistency"

Scotty,

Yeah, bike is upright when I check it. And I did lean it over when I drained it.

Just went for a quick blat (half hour or so)

Checked the oil again and it is still showing right on the full mark on the stick.

Buggered if I know!!

I'll keep an eye on it and just wait till the next change as you said.

 

Thanks.