Carb issues and oil issues?

[98valk]

I am not checking the oil leaning on the side stand, and I do not thread my dipstick in to check it either. I’ve been doing all this in my garage while centering the bike, I unscrew the stick and clean it then put it in up to the threads then pull it out and read it, I might check it 2 or 3 more times after that to be sure. Unless my house is really crooked and I haven’t noticed my floor should be level.

if u pull the dip stick out immediately after putting it in, u will never get the correct reading.

[WintrSol]

Bike standing up, even with a slight lean to one side, gives less variation than on the side stand; even the shocks not in the exact same extension can cause more variation. I suppose that, if you bounce the bike a bit and let it settle, shocks should end in the same place, but why bother, when it is so much easier to get an accurate reading by standing it up? I don't understand why you argue against the best method.

Not arguing. Just making the point that if you know (because you just dumped the gallon in) that there is the correct amount of oil, what the dipstick says is really unimportant. And if it’s the same in six months as it was when you filled it all is good. There is no good reason to intentionally overfill your Valkyrie with oil to satisfy the line on the dipstick.

What I'm saying is that you're not sure, that the level on the stick may not be an accurate measure, because of variations in the angle of the engine. When it is tilted that far over, small variations can make a bigger difference in the measurement than when it is upright.

[Chrisj CMA]

Bike standing up, even with a slight lean to one side, gives less variation than on the side stand; even the shocks not in the exact same extension can cause more variation. I suppose that, if you bounce the bike a bit and let it settle, shocks should end in the same place, but why bother, when it is so much easier to get an accurate reading by standing it up? I don't understand why you argue against the best method.

Not arguing. Just making the point that if you know (because you just dumped the gallon in) that there is the correct amount of oil, what the dipstick says is really unimportant. And if it’s the same in six months as it was when you filled it all is good. There is no good reason to intentionally overfill your Valkyrie with oil to satisfy the line on the dipstick.

What I'm saying is that you're not sure, that the level on the stick may not be an accurate measure, because of variations in the angle of the engine. When it is tilted that far over, small variations can make a bigger difference in the measurement than when it is upright.

Still missing the point. I don’t care what the reading on the stick is.  All I care is that from the time of fill to the dipstick test six months later there is no change. I check it at the same spot where I filled it. If it hits the stick the same in six months after oil change then I will assume in another six months it will all still be inside.

[WintrSol]

All I'm saying is that with the bike tilted over, minor variations in that tilt can result in changes in the reading. If, for example, the shocks happen to be compressed just a bit more, maybe the tank has more fuel in it, you could get the same reading, while being a little low on oil. This doesn't happen when you hold the bike balanced upright.

[Chrisj CMA]

All I'm saying is that with the bike tilted over, minor variations in that tilt can result in changes in the reading. If, for example, the shocks happen to be compressed just a bit more, maybe the tank has more fuel in it, you could get the same reading, while being a little low on oil. This doesn't happen when you hold the bike balanced upright.

Well. All I can say is two things

1. In all the 22 years of owning my Valkyrie, I have never ever had to add oil in between changes

2.  On the side stand in my family room stick screwed in. 1/8” of oil every time. It hasn’t failed me yet.

At least for our Hondas. You dump in the four qts and forget about it. Do what works for you.

I’m done. Maybe the OP will get the message that 6-8 qts to produce a “correct” reading is crazy.

[HayHauler]

The manual says 3.9 US Quarts upon oil and filter change.  I always put in 4 quarts and never check the dipstick.  185k miles doing it this way with no issues.  I have a dipstick that shows the oil temp that I had to calibrate with a more accurate thermometer, but never check the level.
If you have a non-stock dipstick, then you too may have a different reading from everyone else.  Put in 4 quarts and filter, run it for a few minutes, let it set a minute or 2, then check the level, standing over the bike as it sits upright, and mark the level of the oil on the non-stock dipstick.  That will now be the level of the oil on YOUR bike.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Gearhead24]

Glad to see the argument continued while I was away. Was finally able to get back in the garage, but it was late so I couldn’t fire the motor. I simply drained that half quart back out and now the stick is reading the same as it was before the half quart, just barely a drop on the stick. The only reason I was iffy on the quantity this time around was concern over my piston rings. The ‘old’ oil smelled a lot like gas which had me concerned. I will be riding it to class tomorrow but after all of this if anything happens leaving me perplexed, I’ll keep it to myself

[Jims99]

Fix the fuel leak before you hydrolock the engine and break the gears. The oil is being compromised and can’t do its job with fuel in it. Your going to cause more damage by ignoring the problem and not fixing the main issue.

[WintrSol]

Fix the fuel leak before you hydrolock the engine and break the gears. The oil is being compromised and can’t do its job with fuel in it. Your going to cause more damage by ignoring the problem and not fixing the main issue.

Definitely. Oil with fuel in it is a lousy lubricant, and if you ride it like that, you risk scarring the valve train and cylinders/pistons. If you don't address the fuel problem soon, you may be in for a lot of expensive repairs, if the engine doesn't blow.