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Site Glass shows no oil

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Dpolo1

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Feb 29, 2024
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Biloxi
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R 18 Classic ,R1100s, RT 1150, Harley Springer. Harley Road King 2003 anniv.
Ok I just changed the oil and filter on my 18. Replaced with 4 quarts of oil . Rode the bike 10 miles checked site glass on level ground holding the bike straight up. Shows no oil.
 
Just put your bike back up straight and slowly put in a couple ounces at a time.

Like Jim said, these sight glasses are SLOOOW to respond to oil level changes. It will likely take 10-20 seconds from pour to response of the sight glass, hence doing a slow pour of a bit at a time.

Mike
 
What others said....stabilize the bike vertically and wait....you will see it slowly rise in the window.....takes a while, especially when back from a ride or a drain and new fill. Patience.
 
One other thing:

Fresh oil, if filled to the very top of the sight glass, will make it look like there's no oil, as the oil is semi-clear (light amber color).

Double-check that you didn't overfill by putting your bike on its sidestand, then slowly and carefully, tip it upwards while observing the sight glass.

Mike
 
Keehn said:
One other thing:

Fresh oil, if filled to the very top of the sight glass, will make it look like there's no oil, as the oil is semi-clear (light amber color).

Double-check that you didn't overfill by putting your bike on its sidestand, then slowly and carefully, tip it upwards while observing the sight glass.

Mike
Click to expand...
Very good point 🍻
 
Thanks to all the responces!!
 
Keehn said:
One other thing:

Fresh oil, if filled to the very top of the sight glass, will make it look like there's no oil, as the oil is semi-clear (light amber color).

Double-check that you didn't overfill by putting your bike on its sidestand, then slowly and carefully, tip it upwards while observing the sight glass.

Mike
Click to expand...

Excellent point, I've measured my fluids carefully during maintenance intervals as per the owners manual; I only use the viewing window to verify the levels over the riding season.

Maybe consider draining the oil again and capture it through a screen, where you can reuse it; as well as, measure it if you think there's a chance that you overfilled the engine case.
 
When my R18 had 1 mile on it, I checked the site glass and saw oil just reaching the bottom of the circle . Added 1/2 quart which raised the level to mid circle. This is my reference; 1/2 quart = 1/2 circle
 
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