Help! I messed up.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Here's how I see your predicament. I'd recommend doing nothing. Here's my rational...
Your new oil has already mixed with whatever amount of old oil was in the filter. Nothing you do can change that at this point short of starting over. And even if you do start over there is always some residual "old" oil left behind that mixes with the new oil (unless you use one of those scavenging systems) so I see this as a moot point. The amount of additional "old" oil that has mixed with your new oil by not changing the filter is not very far from what is generally accepted during a complete oil/filter change. So that covers the oil aspect.
Now for the filter. Unless your engine has some other problem(s) that is generating a more than normal amount of particulate contamination, the chances of your existing filter exhibiting any flow restriction (outside of specification) from accumulated contaminants is practically nil. I'd even go as far as to say that you could probably run the same oil filter through many multiple oil changes without any ill-effects.
Changing the filter along with each oil change is what we are all accustomed to. It's the norm, the paradigm. But is it absolutely necessary? I doubt it.
I'd just ride your bike until the next service interval without giving it another thought.
Your new oil has already mixed with whatever amount of old oil was in the filter. Nothing you do can change that at this point short of starting over. And even if you do start over there is always some residual "old" oil left behind that mixes with the new oil (unless you use one of those scavenging systems) so I see this as a moot point. The amount of additional "old" oil that has mixed with your new oil by not changing the filter is not very far from what is generally accepted during a complete oil/filter change. So that covers the oil aspect.
Now for the filter. Unless your engine has some other problem(s) that is generating a more than normal amount of particulate contamination, the chances of your existing filter exhibiting any flow restriction (outside of specification) from accumulated contaminants is practically nil. I'd even go as far as to say that you could probably run the same oil filter through many multiple oil changes without any ill-effects.
Changing the filter along with each oil change is what we are all accustomed to. It's the norm, the paradigm. But is it absolutely necessary? I doubt it.
I'd just ride your bike until the next service interval without giving it another thought.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 965
From: Eastern NC
Change your filter and don't worry about it, like PD said do it when the engine is cold. Top it off and don't sweat it. These new 5 quart M8's keep about a quart of old oil in the oil cooler and oil lines that run to the heads. I change my oil and filter and it always takes 4 quarts to get it to the 3rd set of marks on the dip stick cold on the side stand.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 18
From: South Florida
Thanks everyone - Things went well
I got up early and decided to go for it on a cold motor. Actually I was surprised in that I only lost a small amount of oil including what was in the filter. Using the Harley catcher I measured about 5 oz (including filter) which I threw out. I think that this is even a little less that when the motor is warm.
I filled the new filter with 4 oz and added 6 oz to the motor and went for a ride. Measured afterwards (let idle upright yada yada) and it was right in the middle of the stick. Lesson learned.
I filled the new filter with 4 oz and added 6 oz to the motor and went for a ride. Measured afterwards (let idle upright yada yada) and it was right in the middle of the stick. Lesson learned.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 609
Likes: 159
From: Allover
Next service you do yourself.Drain the hot oil out the sump completely,then start the bike and idle it untill the lifters start to clatter.The old oil will be completely gone.Then remove and exchange the filter! Warning,use a cardboard deflector to ensure that the blast of compressed old oil ends up in the catcher.
This is not for sissies but you will be amazed how much old residual crappy oil runs out.
This is not for sissies but you will be amazed how much old residual crappy oil runs out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
Originally Posted by ntg433
I filled the new filter with 4 oz and added 6 oz to the motor and went for a ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,672
Likes: 11,459
From: State of Confusion
My question is how much oil do you dump out onto the engine pre-filling the filter which mounts horizontally? I've seen people on YouTube prefill, and I've seen HD Techs not prefill. The S/M doesn't specify to do so and I was just curious if there is a mess involved. Seems like the right thing to do.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,474
Likes: 3,000
From: Charleston, SC
Next service you do yourself.Drain the hot oil out the sump completely,then start the bike and idle it untill the lifters start to clatter.The old oil will be completely gone.Then remove and exchange the filter! Warning,use a cardboard deflector to ensure that the blast of compressed old oil ends up in the catcher.
This is not for sissies but you will be amazed how much old residual crappy oil runs out.
This is not for sissies but you will be amazed how much old residual crappy oil runs out.
DO HAVE YOUR OIL PLUG BACK IN though before you try this unless you want the floor and the underside of the bike covered in oil. Ask me how I know.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
Originally Posted by mjwebb
it's fine..I just pour some in and do other stuff white it's settling and absorbing into the filter media it goes on easy peasy with no muss no fuss..it's not really necessary per your observations as well
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,829
Likes: 8,734
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Speaking of the orange HD funnel thingy, will the one I have for my twin cam also work on the M8?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,672
Likes: 11,459
From: State of Confusion
they have a new part number for the M8 version...I use it and it works great as long as you snap it in place correctly