California 1400 oil maximum/minimum differential

[Lcarlson]

The manual says the difference between the dipstick maximum an minimum marks is 700 cubic centimeters, which converts to approximately 24 U.S. fluid ounces. However, when I add oil this doesn't seem accurate. Today the oil level was exactly at the minimum, and I added 14 oz of oil, which brought the level nearly to the maximum mark, indicating the actual differential to be 16 oz. This has happened several times. I'm stumped. Any ideas/experience with this issue?

[Bud]

Hi Larry,
     With the bike nearly straight up and down, and not screwing the stick in to check the level, I seem to remember it being about 3/4 of a liter. Do you have a custom or touring? 

[Lcarlson]

Hi Larry,
     With the bike nearly straight up and down, and not screwing the stick in to check the level, I seem to remember it being about 3/4 of a liter. Do you have a custom or touring?

That would be consistent with the manual; it's just not what I'm experiencing. I have the Custom.

[elvisboy77]

The readings on my Eldorado are kind of funky, too.  I just add oil a bit at a time til it gets full, I have never bothered measuring it out.

I would not trust the manual as far as exact amounts.  Just keep it between add and full and you will be fine.

And yes, I have stressed out about this before but I just gave up worrying about it.  Life is too short.

[Lcarlson]

The readings on my Eldorado are kind of funky, too.  I just add oil a bit at a time til it gets full, I have never bothered measuring it out.

I would not trust the manual as far as exact amounts.  Just keep it between add and full and you will be fine.

And yes, I have stressed out about this before but I just gave up worrying about it.  Life is too short.

I'm still interested in the issue, but you're right that it's not a big deal.

[elvisboy77]

I think when they write the manuals, they copy stuff from the last one that doesn't apply to the current one.  I have seen that before in the two V11 series I owned, the EV and CalVin.  So it would not surprise me a bit if that were the culprit.

I think the shop manual is wrong about how much oil to add on an oil change, as the first time mine was done it was about a half quart low.  Go figure!  I guess the moral of the story is "check your oil frequently!"