Update for my oil leaking M8

[MikeyTX]

I have a 2015 Tri-Glide. When I brought it home from it's 5000 mile service, I had oil leaking out of the air box. When I went back to the dealership, the lady at the service desk told me that it was probably because the weather had been so hot lately and that I may have ridden too much on Interstate roads. Now the check engine light and the temp light came on, so I have an appointment next Wed. to have it looked at. I'm 63 and this is my first Harley, maybe I should have stuck to metrics!

Lady at the desk is full of crap. If it's got blow back through the air box, the tech over filled it plain and simple. One of the many reasons to check the oil level on dipstick before you ride off from the dealership.

 

[trikermutha]

:Agree:

 

[MikeyTX]

Oil Level

I will bet that the O M for the '17 M8 is the same as for the '16 103. Initial fill is 3 qts with filter. Start engine, let oil light go out. Shut it off and have a cup of coffee to give as much oil in the upper half of the engine to drain back down. Then check the dipstick. Level should be mid point on the dipstick.

 

[Gorilla]

Welcome aboard. They have all covered the issue in previous posts. OVERFILL

 

[Steve on 3]

Sorry you are having issues with your trike. Like others have said, check the oil level. I would think the MOCO would have a special dipstick for the trikes but it would cost too much I suppose. Once you ride the Harley a while, you won't want to go back to the metrics. They grow on you. As much trouble as I have had, I'd buy another one tomorrow. Out of 6 I have owned, this is the first to give ANY problems. One 995 evo) I traded in with 168k on the odometer and never had anything done to the engine other than changing oil with Castrol GTX every 2500 miles.

Good luck with getting yors fixed and getting you happy.

Steve

 

[MikeyTX]

No need for a separate dipstick. It is specifically marked for oil level cold or hot. Be the m c on its jiffy stand or upright (level) which is how the trike is or, a 2 wheel m c on a lift.

 

[rhino 2]

No need for a separate dipstick. It is specifically marked for oil level cold or hot. Be the m c on its jiffy stand or upright (level) which is how the trike is or, a 2 wheel m c on a lift.

:Agree: My 20011 has full hot level and full hot jiffy stand.
For the cold i just use Kentucky Windage...:Shrug:

 

[MikeyTX]

I pour in 3 qts. Just as the o/m says to. Fire it up and let it run for a moment till the oil pressure light goes out. Shut it off and let all drain back into the bottom. Check the dipstick. It has always come out dead center between low and high cold upright. Never had a blow by issue.

 

[Casper]

:Agree: My 20011 has full hot level and full hot jiffy stand.
For the cold i just use Kentucky Windage...:Shrug:

Hey hey hey.....only us Kentucky guys can use that!
hahahahahaha

 

[MikeyTX]

To bad .......... It's already made its way to the Alamo. .......:clapping:

 

[Steve on 3]

Went to ride today and dead key fob. Second time. I put a new battery in two weeks ago, rode to dealership and they wanted to keep it a few days to see why it was killing the batteries. Told them hell no. Ill put the code in and ride till the 1k service

I am starting to think this thing is cursed. Nut I did get 42 mpg going to the dealer

 

[rhino 2]

Went to ride today and dead key fob. Second time. I put a new battery in two weeks ago, rode to dealership and they wanted to keep it a few days to see why it was killing the batteries. Told them hell no. Ill put the code in and ride till the 1k service

I am starting to think this thing is cursed. Nut I did get 42 mpg going to the dealer

Are you putting the FOB next to an electrical source, Like if you keep the FOB in your pocket with cell phone or an automobile FOB ' ETC... That can draw down a battery... :Shrug:

 

[MikeyTX]

Steve, isn't it only about a 35 min ride from Lancaster to York across US 30 ? By now, I'd have driven across the sidewalk and parked it in the front lobby. Handed the receptionist the fob and told her to call when it was fixed the way it should have been when it left the assembly plant.

 

[Capt.Bob]

Steve, isn't it only about a 35 min ride from Lancaster to York across US 30 ? By now, I'd have driven across the sidewalk and parked it in the front lobby. Handed the receptionist the fob and told her to call when it was fixed the way it should have been when it left the assembly plant.

Mikey, The receptionist can't do anything for Steve. He should park it in the front lobby and offer to test the keys in a dark orifice of the dealer and see if the fob or something begins to happen to make this nightmare end. From what I understand, the MOCO has made the fob biodegradable or just simply a degrading experience. I am not sure of the exact specs?

Steve, I am still holding my breath for that conversation you are going to have with the owner that hopefully does not involve my dumbass suggestion:AGGHH:

 

[trikermutha]

Are you sure its always the FOB and not something else? Just because you put a battery in may not be the problem..

There are other components involved with the security system on those trikes

 

[Gone2Three]

That would be one hell of a hit on the old wallet. Best bet is to ride it out till close to the end of the 2 yr warranty, then trade it. Keep it basically bone stock. Don't add anything that can't be moved to a new Tri Glide in a few ............

Steve, isn't it only about a 35 min ride from Lancaster to York across US 30 ? By now, I'd have driven across the sidewalk and parked it in the front lobby. Handed the receptionist the fob and told her to call when it was fixed the way it should have been when it left the assembly plant.

Dang Mikey...didn't you just say he should hang onto it, ride it out?...now y'a want him to drop it off at the lobby at the factory :Shrug: I personally think the dealer still needs to make good and take this bike off his hands.... get him into one that's not cursed :AGGHH:

 

[MikeyTX]

Mikey, The receptionist can't do anything for Steve. He should park it in the front lobby and offer to test the keys in a dark orifice of the dealer and see if the fob or something begins to happen to make this nightmare end. From what I understand, the MOCO has made the fob biodegradable or just simply a degrading experience. I am not sure of the exact specs?

Steve, I am still holding my breath for that conversation you are going to have with the owner that hopefully does not involve my dumbass suggestion:AGGHH:

More effective if he drives it into the main reception area at the York Assembly plant. That is where the entrance is to the factory store and, the point at which those there for the factory tour initially sign in.

 

[Steve on 3]

Mike

Unfortunately I am in Lancaster SC a good days ride from the factory. So probably not an option. '

'

The fob is kept about 150 feet from the bike, within 30 feet of cell phones but it has never been a problem with the other 4 new bikes since 09 which all had security systems. I don't recall ever changing fob batteries on the others. This is two changes in a month.

In truth, my patience is running thin. I just want to go out and crank it up and ride it without issues.

 

[Gone2Three]

Mike

Unfortunately I am in Lancaster SC a good days ride from the factory. So probably not an option. '

'

The fob is kept about 150 feet from the bike, within 30 feet of cell phones but it has never been a problem with the other 4 new bikes since 09 which all had security systems. I don't recall ever changing fob batteries on the others. This is two changes in a month.

In truth, my patience is running thin. I just want to go out and crank it up and ride it without issues.

Sorry Steve..when will this end? I'm still waiting (hoping) for a happy ending for you.

 

[MikeyTX]

It's the thought that counts. Otoh, maybe you oughta do it anyway. :clapping:

 

[Sloufoot]

Did you only receive one key fob when you purchased the trike ?
I got two with mine. Are both doing the same thing?

 

[Ultra fred]

Well my luck continues. We took a week long cruise out of Charleston SC to the Bahamas. After leaving port , we experienced 10-14 foot seas and a wind that varied between 40 and 60 mph. Ship rocked and rolled and about 40% sick. Cancelled all excursions on water or in water and cancelled trip to private island. Kept us tied up to the pier in Nassau for two days. Didn't leave the ship the second day. Back home wind still over 45 mph and seas just as bad.

On the trike side, of course no riding last week. Got it out Sunday afternoon for a 30 minute ride.

Was ok.

Sent a text to the sales guy and asked why I had not heard anything from Service manager or owner or him. Told him it had been 4 weeks since the purchase and I wasn't satisfied. Told him things were well when I bought over $100k worth of bikes and sent over 150K in sales to them from friends. But where were they when I needed them? All I hear is crickets. Told him that after much promises by him, the owner and the service manager, nothing was done.

I will do as one of you suggested, ride the snot out of it for two years, take it to a different dealer and trade it off. I keep hearing that the bikes with problems are in the 1% range of experience but it is 100% range to me.

Think its time for a dealer change.

I feel your pain Steve on 3 , bought a 2016 Tri Glide end of bike week here in Florida , wife and I went out one Sunday morning for a day ride , I looked down no gauges working , no radio lights , directionals , still ran , but decided to return to the house , when we got back I tried to shut the bike off it would not shut off , finally it just stalled out , only 300 miles on it , called dealer , came and picked up bike , on a Sunday , in shop Tuesday for dio , found out front electrical harness was melted , causing no power up front .

1 week for new harness , all fixed runs fine . Thank God for a warranty .

 

[Steve on 3]

Resolution at last

I just got a call from the dealer himself. The MOCO isn't budging off the factory warranty but he is doing a 2 year ESP at his expense for my peace of mind. It will be the standard HD ESP, good anywhere.

He said he appreciated my patience and willingness to be calm. I told him I appreciated him stepping up even if the MOCO would not.

Now if we can get the key fob working and get riding. Less than 500 miles in 5 or 6 weeks just ain't getting it done.

For my TT friends, thanks for your words of encouragement and the occasional laugh. I will see you on the road........hopefully

 

[Jack Klarich]

This is interesting, I have a good relation with my service manager, he was a tech for 25 years. he knows of NO problems yet with the M8, there are going to be some missed steps, my bike was not PDI, my RF turn signal fell off, the spark plugs were finger tight, the primary had 14 oz, the oil was over filled
I got the ESP thrown in when I bought the trike, I had left over from my 14, and yes I got 2 fobs, manual and tool kit
I will tell u I have heard of oil leaks, valve seals and smoking engines but I have not seen it My bike runs good, I have already knocked out the baffles and vented the heads to the atmosphere I made a grille cover for the oil cooler to keep rocks and debris off it also

 

[MikeyTX]

Silver Lining .................... ;-)

Look on the positive side Steve. You saved a ton of money on gas. Your tires have a lot less wear on them and ................... You didn't have your s/o poking you in the ribs and telling you "Honey ........... stop at the next gas station ............ I have to go potty .............." :clapping:........

 

[Gone2Three]

I just got a call from the dealer himself. The MOCO isn't budging off the factory warranty but he is doing a 2 year ESP at his expense for my peace of mind. It will be the standard HD ESP, good anywhere.

He said he appreciated my patience and willingness to be calm. I told him I appreciated him stepping up even if the MOCO would not.

Now if we can get the key fob working and get riding. Less than 500 miles in 5 or 6 weeks just ain't getting it done.

For my TT friends, thanks for your words of encouragement and the occasional laugh. I will see you on the road........hopefully

Look on the positive side Steve. You saved a ton of money on gas. Your tires have a lot less wear on them and ...................

You didn't have your s/o poking you in the ribs and telling you "Honey ...........

stop at the next gas station ............ I have to go potty .............." :clapping:........

Yea!!! The HAPPY ENDING to our story...and Steve lived happily ever after, he and his noble steed (M8) rode off (after key fob is working) into the sunset...with a ESP :clapping:

 

[DK Custom Products]

Really good to hear you have 2 year ESP. ThumbUp That was the right thing for them to do, and it should give you some worry free riding!

Weird about the fob. If only one of them is doing it, then probably just a defective fob, if both are doing it, I would think that points to an issue on the trike side.

Kevin

I just got a call from the dealer himself. The MOCO isn't budging off the factory warranty but he is doing a 2 year ESP at his expense for my peace of mind. It will be the standard HD ESP, good anywhere.

He said he appreciated my patience and willingness to be calm. I told him I appreciated him stepping up even if the MOCO would not.

Now if we can get the key fob working and get riding. Less than 500 miles in 5 or 6 weeks just ain't getting it done.

For my TT friends, thanks for your words of encouragement and the occasional laugh. I will see you on the road........hopefully

 

[Steve on 3]

Thanks guys

The fob issue will wait until the 1k service. I can use the pin number if needed and the procedure isn't hard. Luckily I have a spare fob and think I will have them program it to the new trike if I have no issues with the other fob. If the other has issues, then all bets are off.

I do have much more peace of mind with a 4 year warranty in effect. Now if I can just get in some riding.

MikeyTX. You are so right about the wife not poking me or wanting to stop. However, I do miss leaning back on the natural backrests.

Steve

 

[Trampas]

Glad your dealer is stepping up, really surprised that MOCO is not, oh well, they sell the bikes and then forget you. Hope you get the FOB issue worked out.

Guess your trike was built on a Friday late in the afternoon and everyone in a hurry for the weekend or built on Monday morning early with everyone having hang overs.

I am really surprised at the quiailty control here, must be slipping somewhat, I know they always say wait 2 years after a new design to buy to get the bugs out, but d--m, with the price of these you would think they would be better at it.


All for now Trampas

 

[Capt.Bob]

Steve, Big time congrats on the dealership owner stepping up and soothing some of the pain you have had to endure. With 4 years of coverage, you really have nothing to worry about. Additionally, because you now have the 2 year ESP, towing to the nearest Harley dealership is included in your coverage which will add great piece of mind. Again, glad that things are begin to turn in your favor. In a couple of thousand trouble-free miles, all of these hassles will fade in your memory. Bob