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Old Nov 11, 2006 | 06:30 PM
  #1  
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Default Oil not draining

Ok...I am attempting my first oil change for my '89 Sportster. I removed the drain plug and took the cap off the oil tank....I also removed the filter. Some oil drainged out, but there is still alot in the tank. Any ideas of what I missed???

Thanks
 
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 06:44 PM
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Default RE: Oil not draining

Can you see the oil in the tank? Did you run the motor before draining to purge the sump in the engine??
 
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 06:53 PM
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Default RE: Oil not draining

No...I didnt run the motor. Should I put the filter back on and run it for a few minutes?
 
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 06:59 PM
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Default RE: Oil not draining

I would say absolutely YES. The oil is probably sumped in the motor,this happens on sporties and softails with a few miles on them sometimes, besides you always want to drain hot oil out to remove the sludge and other impurities, just does a better job.
 
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 07:02 PM
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Default RE: Oil not draining

On my wife's 94 there is a hose with a clamp on it. I pulled it off of the post and the oil drained. Here is a picture for reference.

[IMG]local://upfiles/4817/33E737A28CE6439580A4D8C1120E9187.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/4817/5AB9CE1C244D46CDA5B3E1D42D6AE164.jpg[/IMG]
 
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 08:30 PM
  #6  
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Default RE: Oil not draining

Guys buy a service manual before you toast a motor.......try ebay for a used one.



[sm=icon_rtfm.gif]
 
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 09:36 PM
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Default RE: Oil not draining

Thanks for the replies everybody. I got a manual and followed as it says, warmed the motor and it's still the same. Nothing will drain....hmmmmmm...
 
Old Nov 11, 2006 | 10:26 PM
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Default RE: Oil not draining

I changed the oil in my wife's bike last week, had the same problem. The hose in which I am speaking of is a drain hose from the oil tank, it is plugged by a post on the rear mount as shown in the picture above. I placed the bike on its side stand, pulled the drain plug and that hose and 90% of the oil drained from the hose. There was just dribbles from the drain plug. Dropped the filter. Replaced the filter, re-connected the hose, re-installed the plug, and added 3.6 quarts of oil. She is out riding right now.

You can also go do some research on www.xlforum.net I found some great info there regarding sportsters.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2006 | 02:14 AM
  #9  
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Default RE: Oil not draining

Thanks Myzen....I will check it again in the morning. I didn't see a hose as in your pics above, but I am sure it's buried in there somewhere...

Thanks again for the help
 
 
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