Oil change mistake
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 6
From: Route 66
I agree on investing in a manual but I give him credit for learning to do his own and I'll bet he will remember next time. Too many wondering about where to put the gas cap to worry where to put the oil.
Road Master
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: CT
I agree with Lonebone. It's a simple mistake that anyone can make, even the most experienced. OP definitely gets credit for learning.
By the way your comment kind of implies that you would/have never made a bonehead mistake. Stop lying, to yourself and us alike.
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.
By the way your comment kind of implies that you would/have never made a bonehead mistake. Stop lying, to yourself and us alike.
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 545
Likes: 8
From: antelope valley ca.
That is a very common mistake, good on you for knowing something's wrong.
My friend has a RK, he drained the tranny thinking it was engine then tried to add oil, then he rode it to my house (about 5 miles away) to ask me what was wrong.
My friend has a RK, he drained the tranny thinking it was engine then tried to add oil, then he rode it to my house (about 5 miles away) to ask me what was wrong.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,814
Likes: 11
From: USA
I removed transmission plug and drained tranny oil.
While I was letting oil drain I get a call that my brother was in the emergency room at the hospital.
I promptly put the drain plug back in, sprinted around the bike and proceeded to pour a fresh qt of oil into the engine and not the transmission.
I got it figured out before it hurt anything. Pissed me off cause they were done with the cast on my brothers arm before I got to the hospital.
While I was letting oil drain I get a call that my brother was in the emergency room at the hospital.
I promptly put the drain plug back in, sprinted around the bike and proceeded to pour a fresh qt of oil into the engine and not the transmission.
I got it figured out before it hurt anything. Pissed me off cause they were done with the cast on my brothers arm before I got to the hospital.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
It's been 17 years since I bought my '93,and now have the TC. I still have to stop and think which is which when I get under the bike to do an oil change. First time I saw this mistake made was on a brand new Classic in 1995-and the owner was no beginner! Stuff Happens!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
From: Cumberland, RI
No, this is not the first time I worked on my bike. I've worked it many times. yes, I do have a manual. But like I said I had a lot on my mind between work and my personal life. Anyway, I told the guys I work with and ride with what I did. they said oh boy, your going to get your ***** busted. I said yeah I know I can take it. Lol Big lessen learned. don't work on the bike when your not thinking straight.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 3
From: St.Pete Beach
Senior Moment.....We all have them.....LOL...
As long as you caught where ya went wrong, didn't start the engine...no harm no foul...Good bunch in here to set us straight when the moment pops up...
At least the moment didn't catch ya to bad, be thankful ya stopped to ask....GOOD JOB!!!
As long as you caught where ya went wrong, didn't start the engine...no harm no foul...Good bunch in here to set us straight when the moment pops up...
At least the moment didn't catch ya to bad, be thankful ya stopped to ask....GOOD JOB!!!
Road Master
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: CT
I once knew a guy who had been a mechanic for the 3 years that I knew him, and a good while before that. He had put a car on a lift and drained the oil. He went for the oil filter, but the lift was in the way. So he dropped the lift, started the car, moved it backwards on the lift to get clearance and shut it back off. By the time I ran over to him, he was already done. I asked him if it was smart to start up a customers car with no oil in the engine. It took him a second before he realized what he did and went kind of pale. No damage to the car of course but, I know he was cursing himself out for a few days.