1986 Electra Glide Oil Change
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Your bike has three oil reservoirs, so three different drain plugs and also three different types of oil to replace, plus an engine oil filter. I recommend buying a service manual, which will tell you all you need to know.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,204
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From: Anywhere we stop
Side of the tank, the engine doesn't have one, as Mr. Brown said....get a manual. The information in them is priceless, the Evo was the last engine that the Moco made that was completely rebuildable.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
I have a manual. But it shows draining from the oil tank. I pulled the oil filter and got another 1/2 litre out. But theres still about 1/2 litre of dirty oil still in the lower end. I saw a video where the oil filter was drilled out and a nipple and hose was connected. Fill the oil tank and run the bike until clean oil is coming out. Is that safe to do? I guess as long as i keep topping up the oil tank it should be okay?
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I have a manual. But it shows draining from the oil tank. I pulled the oil filter and got another 1/2 litre out. But theres still about 1/2 litre of dirty oil still in the lower end. I saw a video where the oil filter was drilled out and a nipple and hose was connected. Fill the oil tank and run the bike until clean oil is coming out. Is that safe to do? I guess as long as i keep topping up the oil tank it should be okay?
It doesn't hurt anything.
That said if it makes you feel better then there are several ways to get it out but you will need an extra quart of oil.
1) Do what you said
2) Disconnect the return oil line from the tank and let the oil drain from there with the motor running
3) Get an OIl Scavenger for your bike https://roguechopper.com/products/ev...-scavenger-kit
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Toronto
Thanks the scavenger video was helpful.
I can rig one up with and old oil filter.
Reason I want all the oil out is the oil was black when I drained it. Old owner didnt change it I think
I can rig one up with and old oil filter.
Reason I want all the oil out is the oil was black when I drained it. Old owner didnt change it I think
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Just make sure your oil tank is full before you start you motor and top it off after clean oil starts coming out.
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On your 86, you can just leave off the filter, put a catch pan under the filter inlet, and let it run until the oil dripping out runs clear.
Not that you really need to.
Not that you really need to.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
It doesn't matter what you do now, your oil will be black when you next change it! The chaps above, like me, have been around bikes a very long time, so between us we have vast experience. I've owned my 1990 Evo since new and Harleys since 1974 and have never faffed around with that last bit of oil. Life is too short and yet all my bikes have been just fine! I have three of Wisconsin's finest. Relax, chill, save yourself the effort.
Last edited by grbrown; May 25, 2019 at 01:54 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
I always enjoy reading your posts. Faffed. Brilliant!
And add me to the list of those that have never faffed around with the last bit of oil.
And add me to the list of those that have never faffed around with the last bit of oil.