I’m changing the oil for the first time in my (new to me) 87 FLT. The Harley Service Manual covering 1984-1990 FLT/FXR models says “ Remove tank drain plug or disconnect hose.” The hose is a <#^@* to get to and the only drain plug hole has the oil temp sending unit in it. Do you guys recommend disconnecting the hose or removing the temp sending unit?

 

The Sending unit is the plug. I have a 1987 FLHTC. There is a little wire on the end with a 1/4 inch nut on it? Take the nut off remove the wire. Use a wrench on the unit and remove. I bend a plastic funnel to catch the oil draining, but it still makes small mess on the frame. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN the plug/sending unit. Just snug it ( I have broke one).

 

Changing oil was always a mess on our '90 Ultra, I switched to using a vacuum pump and now it is much better. It takes a while , especially when the oil is cold but much better than removing saddlebags, side covers and having the oil get all over the wiring and frame. I tried using the vacuum at first then the drain plug but only got a few drops out of the drain plug hole after the vacuum was done, so I don't do it that way that too often.

 

BB4Xl & pajoe,
Thanks for the advice. I changed the oil today. I’ve had a few HD’s in the past but this is my first EVO. It’s not the easiest bike to change the oil in, but not too bad. I used one corner of a 12 pack coke box, cut is lengthwise about 2” from the corner and taped it under the plug before I removed it. This gave me a 14” long V gutter for the oil to drain into and I placed a drain pan under the other end. Very little mess.

 

I always get a little on the frame no matter how careful I am. No big deal.

 

I use the cardboard tube from a roll of kitchen tissue, about nine inches long. With the drain plug almost fully unscrewed, I offer tube up to tank, unscrew the plug, which drops down the tube, followed by the oil into a bowl. The plug is easier to clean than the bike! I have a display stand, so it is easier with the bike upright.