New engine and oil usage

[Zammy]

We were careful breaking in our '21 CVO per the manual, at the 1,000 mile fluid change the oil was down almost a quart, no metal on the plug or filter. We now have 3,300 miles on and have had to add 2 1/2 quarts to keep it at the proper level. We have also made sure our dealer is aware and they have documented the usage and mileage on paper. Since the last top off 2 weeks ago, we've put on about 400 miles and need another 1/2 quart.

There are no drips of oil when it is parked and we've had different folks follow us and report they don't see any smoke or smell anything at all, it's perplexing. I've had my fingers up in the exhaust and it's dry, just some dark gray/black as expected. We have an appointment next week to take it in for a few days and see if they find anything, service bulletins, etc.

 

[rhino 2]

We were careful breaking in our '21 CVO per the manual, at the 1,000 mile fluid change the oil was down almost a quart, no metal on the plug or filter. We now have 3,300 miles on and have had to add 2 1/2 quarts to keep it at the proper level. We have also made sure our dealer is aware and they have documented the usage and mileage on paper. Since the last top off 2 weeks ago, we've put on about 400 miles and need another 1/2 quart.

There are no drips of oil when it is parked and we've had different folks follow us and report they don't see any smoke or smell anything at all, it's perplexing. I've had my fingers up in the exhaust and it's dry, just some dark gray/black as expected. We have an appointment next week to take it in for a few days and see if they find anything, service bulletins, etc.

Sounds like oil migration but that was only the transmission oil that migrated to the primary .And if you are losing because of over filling the oil would be coming out of the air filter and down your right leg..

 

[Peter A.]

Oil usage

Keep us informed on your oil issue - sad to hear of it on that NEW CVO!

:Shrug:

 

[Koolbreeze]

Are you using HD Synthetic or the standard HD 360?

The reason I ask is my 2019 used a bit of oil when I had Synthetic in it.

Does not use much now since I switched over to HD 360, maybe 1/4 quart every 5,000 miles. I do run it hard and keep the RPMs up so that might explain some of the usage.

Once I got about 5,000 miles on mine things settled down.

I have also found that when filling it up to the full line, it will suck some of the oil out the breathers vents into the throttle body. I keep the oil level lower on the stick about on the lower end of the crosshatch mark and it seems to stay there without using the oil.

Good luck!

 

[Jack Klarich]

They will start with a leak down test and a bore scope

I will not be surprised if they replace the cylinders and pistons, there has been an ongoing problem with many M8 cylinders

Best of luck , I am watching to see what they do

 

[Trampas]

Sorry to hear about your oil trouble especially on a 2021 CVO which costs a arm and a leg to get. If it isn't the trannie to primary leakage it is something else. Basically I think harley has went down hill in the last 10 years, if it one thing after another, sure wish they would get it together, no wonder they are hurting, you go to a harley dealer and you don't see any bikes so to speak, looks bad, they have not trouble keeping t shirts and their clothing line stock, but that is all over sea crap that is over priced. I'm surprised on that since the shipping docks are so full and not moving.

All for now Trampas

P.S. Looking forward to see what your dealer has to say about this

 

[PosseRider]

Sorry to hear Gary, best of luck to finding a fix.

 

[ol' school]

Sorry to hear of your troubles Gary. Hope they figure it out for you.

 

[Zammy]

I have used Redline synthetic in all my Harleys, never had any problems at all. There is no oil in the AC, pretty clean as I always run the oil a little below the line when hot so no blowing out the breathers. In the mean time, my dealer gave me another quart so I can still ride till we get it in next week.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Following and hoping for the best outcome for you

 

[rhino 2]

I have used Redline synthetic in all my Harleys, never had any problems at all. There is no oil in the AC, pretty clean as I always run the oil a little below the line when hot so no blowing out the breathers. In the mean time, my dealer gave me another quart so I can still ride till we get it in next week.

You have to be burning the oil....Its gotta be going some where if its not dripping out...

With Synthetic oil it wont smoke like regular oil..But it does leave a distinctive oder..

But this is all speculation on our part ...Ride it and let the dealer figure it out...

 

[Jack Klarich]

You have to be burning the oil....Its gotta be going some where if its not dripping out...

With Synthetic oil it wont smoke like regular oil..But it does leave a distinctive oder..

But this is all speculation on our part ...Ride it and let the dealer figure it out...

The M8 engines with a bit higher compression , 4 valves and dual plugs could burn up that oil and not leave much of a trail I bet

If there is no sign of leakage, it would be highly unlikely for me to think this engine has sumped ( a common problem to some M8 engines) the crankcase could not store that much oil and still run, that leaves cylinders ( known for out of round specs and poor ring seal) JMO

 

[windsurfed]

My 2020 Triglide did the same thing when it was new. I started noticing it after the 1000 mile check up/oil change. (Actually had 1340 miles when I went in for the 1000 mile check up) I suspect When they changed the oil, they left it 1/2 quart short of full. Like you said, there was no evidence of oil dripping/leaking or smoke coming out the exhaust pipe. At 5665 miles I checked and change the oil myself and found out It was down a 1 1/2 quarts. At 7381 miles I took it down to the dealer and had them change the oil immediately ($147)so we all could keep a close eye on the oil consumption.

Conclusion:It uses approximately 1 quart every 4100 miles.(or about 1 ounce every 128 miles) I just use the Harley Davidson SYN 3 full synthetic oil. So that is where I am at today and I have a 17,028 miles on the Triglide.

I like motorcycles that do not use any oil at all. And I am content at this point to just leave it alone.

 

[windsurfed]

Oil consumption

The allowable oil usage/consumption on the M8 engine according to Harley Davidson is 26 ounces of oil every 1000 miles. Sounds far-fetched to me, but that was the quote from the Harley Davidson manufacturing.

 

[rhino 2]

The allowable oil usage/consumption on the M8 engine according to Harley Davidson is 26 ounces of oil every 1000 miles. Sounds far-fetched to me, but that was the quote from the Harley Davidson manufacturing.

There is normal and then there is Harley Davison normal.

I went through the Harley Davidson normal with a 2017 Triglide and oil migration!..

 

[Old Road Dog]

I dont know why some M8's consume more oil than others. Mine is fine but the first thing I did was the breather bypass. Im convinced that the worst thing for your motor is all that snot being sucked back into the motor. Check out DK Customs website for the information.

 

[Zammy]

I agree on the breather bypass Michael, had it on my '15 but until we get this sorted I'm leaving it completely stock. The oil level is where it should be now, riding this weekend several hundred miles, we will see what happens.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I agree on the breather bypass Michael, had it on my '15 but until we get this sorted I'm leaving it completely stock. The oil level is where it should be now, riding this weekend several hundred miles, we will see what happens.

Gary, did you take your trike in yet?

 

[Zammy]

No Jack, when they gave me the oil, they said 400 miles and we'll bring it in. They have talked to corporate about the problem and will bring someone in once I have the required 400 miles on her.

 

[Jack Klarich]

No Jack, when they gave me the oil, they said 400 miles and we'll bring it in. They have talked to corporate about the problem and will bring someone in once I have the required 400 miles on her.

I hope this turns out good for you