Rant!
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 481
Likes: 51
Rant!
Just finished my first oil change on the FXDC. What a miserable experience. I bought a special drain funnel and still got oil on the engine mount and floor. I'm a little clumsy, but oil changes on the sport were a snap. And, I've been changing oil on different vehicles most of my 63 years.
I had all kinds of 5/8 tools to get the drain screw out, but the dammed oil pan has a lip that prevented access with a socket, and could only make 1/8 turns with the wrench. Probably going to require purchasing a thin wall socket. Turning the new oil filter 1/2 turn past contact was a nightmare. Having forwards was the least hassle of the job. It's like the MOCO hired rocket scientists specifically to make it difficult.
Rant over.
I had all kinds of 5/8 tools to get the drain screw out, but the dammed oil pan has a lip that prevented access with a socket, and could only make 1/8 turns with the wrench. Probably going to require purchasing a thin wall socket. Turning the new oil filter 1/2 turn past contact was a nightmare. Having forwards was the least hassle of the job. It's like the MOCO hired rocket scientists specifically to make it difficult.
Rant over.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 1
From: Temecula CA
With my boat they sell a siphon that pumps the oil out thru the dipstick tube. You shove the tube to the bottom and let it suck until its heart is content!
Then just add oil back in after oil filter is changed.
I wonder if the same could be done for a Harley ? Anyone ?
Then just add oil back in after oil filter is changed.
I wonder if the same could be done for a Harley ? Anyone ?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 30
From: Ashburn, VA
Yeah, the only part I hate about the oil change on my bike is taking off the damn oil filter. No matter how I do it, I always get some oil drips that I end up having to soak up with Q-tips or shop towels.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 1
From: Temecula CA
www.youtube.com/embed/Bqqv8OhqDFg
I haven't hit 500 miles yet so I haven't changed my oil... hoping streetbobs are pretty simple to do but here is a video that has the oil pumper. Works great on a boat, not sure of anything else.
I haven't hit 500 miles yet so I haven't changed my oil... hoping streetbobs are pretty simple to do but here is a video that has the oil pumper. Works great on a boat, not sure of anything else.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta
I wrap a big Ziploc bag around the filter and pull it tight after breaking loose with socket. Then unscrew by hand. Not a drop spilled....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
For anyone who's wondering, the oil pan sits pretty close to the bottom of the boat, so some real contortions can be required to remove the drain plug and drain the oil, if it's even possible at all. Not like the clearance you have on a car.
Last edited by Warp Factor; Sep 4, 2014 at 07:30 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
When they designed the twin cam...with all the "improvements", the way they did was mostly good except for the contemptible and stupid way of mounting the oil filter! Tradition rules at HD! That's the way it's always been...why change it now type of thinking! If car companies did the same thing, we'd still be cranking them to get them started!
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 218
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
When they designed the twin cam...with all the "improvements", the way they did was mostly good except for the contemptible and stupid way of mounting the oil filter! Tradition rules at HD! That's the way it's always been...why change it now type of thinking! If car companies did the same thing, we'd still be cranking them to get them started!
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 15
From: Bay area, CA
Use the flat thin piece of cardboard in between your 30 pack to stuff under your oil filter. I've bought the fancy drain pans and funnels too and they don't work for ****. I use a socket to get the drain plug out I don't see the problem there
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 320
Likes: 135
From: PA
Hmm never thought of that, it's the only part of the oil change where I usually get some dripping where I don't want. Definitely going to try next that next time. I tried to wedge cardboard up in there to catch it but it didn't work too well.