Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Milan, MO.
Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
I wanted to post this hopefully to save some new H-D owner a major headache. I'm a former Kaw or metric bike mechanic and do my own work, other that warranty and my Softail Heritage Classic is my first H-D and I love it. Recently I changed the oil to Amsoil and I dutifully obeyed the owners manual and drained the oil from the oil tank. However, not having worked on H-D's I had to look for a crankase drain plug and there is a "plug" on the front bottom of the engine. It really didn't look like a drainplug and I could tell they hadn't taken it out on the 1000 mile service, so I left it alone. Something told me they must have that in during manufacture. I was going to visit my dealer (Worth H-D in Kansas City) and I figured I'd ask about. Caution: don't even try to remove it. They told me people who have successfully got it out crack the engine case putting it back in. Or they crack it taking it out. It is a manufacturing plug that is not an oil plug. So leave it alone!!!!!!!!! I post this to save some well meaning person a big expense and tears!!!!!! Thanks, and ride safe.
RE: Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
Harleys are a dry sump motor. All the oil with exception of a few ounces in the case and whats in the filter (which you should replace the filter at every oil change) is in the oil tank. Just drain the tank and change the filter and all will be fine.
Chris
Chris
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
Good idea on the service manual. I found this site trying to find info on how to change the oil on my Harley. I too had only owned metrics prior to that. Thank god I found this site...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
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From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
For some reason some people will pony up for a $15,20,25 thousand dollar bike and dont wont to pay $50 for a manual that will help prevent issues like this thread is about.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
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From: East Alton, IL
RE: Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
Is this the same plug folks remove to install the oil temp probe?
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 559
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From:
RE: Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
If I'm not mistaken the small book that comes with the bike has that information in it or at least a diagram.
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RE: Softail Oil Change "drain plug Caution!!"
ORIGINAL: 1FLTRI4ME
For some reason some people will pony up for a $15,20,25 thousand dollar bike and dont wont to pay $50 for a manual that will help prevent issues like this thread is about.
For some reason some people will pony up for a $15,20,25 thousand dollar bike and dont wont to pay $50 for a manual that will help prevent issues like this thread is about.
I guess one could say the same about people paying 15, 20, 25 thousand dollars for a bike and not wanting to pay the dealer 300 dollars for a service.
. Everything is relevant. [8D]