Oil change for softail
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Milpitas Ca.
Oil change for softail
HI, I'm going to change the oil in my softail standard and need help to it. To drain the oil engine has to be warm. Do i need to drain from the engine to or just the tank? please Need help. Thank you very much.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
Don't know why I can't say all I have to say in one post...
I learned this on another website but can't remember where.
About every 5th change or so I like to do an "extra quart oil change".
You change the oil like you normally would but before starting the engine disconnect the oil return line going back to the tank and connect a piece of the same size oil line to it (a foot or so should do) a piece of 3/8 metal tube works well as a coupler, it will just slip onto the oil lines. Put the end in your oil drain pan and start the bike. At first you will see black oil coming out of the line but soon it will turn to clean oil. When the clean starts coming out shut down the motor reattach the oil line to the tank and top off your oil tank (should take about a quart) and you will have a complete oil change. This can add quite a bit of life to your motor.
I learned this on another website but can't remember where.
About every 5th change or so I like to do an "extra quart oil change".
You change the oil like you normally would but before starting the engine disconnect the oil return line going back to the tank and connect a piece of the same size oil line to it (a foot or so should do) a piece of 3/8 metal tube works well as a coupler, it will just slip onto the oil lines. Put the end in your oil drain pan and start the bike. At first you will see black oil coming out of the line but soon it will turn to clean oil. When the clean starts coming out shut down the motor reattach the oil line to the tank and top off your oil tank (should take about a quart) and you will have a complete oil change. This can add quite a bit of life to your motor.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 660
Likes: 4
From: NJ
Too many people who "do their own service" neglect other things. Droo your filter and drop the oil from the tank. If you have laced wheels now is the time to ceck if the spokes are tight. Get a spoke wrench, hit each spoke. Any spoke that sounds "dead" needs to be tightened. Do it with every oil change, it will save buying a new rim and maybe save your life.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
From:
May be too late....pour some oil in your new filter before install. Not enough to pour out when you try too get it on but enough to soak the medium.
That equals about 2 seconds of dry run on the engine as the filter fills and at 1100 Rpm...ouch
That equals about 2 seconds of dry run on the engine as the filter fills and at 1100 Rpm...ouch
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
As long as you start it up and just let it idle. The parts have a coating of oil on them. Pouring a little oil in the filter is a great idea. I've always done it (w/cars & bikes)
Biggest thing is, don't OVER fill it. All these engines wet sump a little (maybe just a cup)
But add 3 qts. Then run it a few miles, then shut it off, let it sit for a minute and "top off" the oil tank. Leave the 1" gap at the top. I've found my 2000 holds 3 & 1/3 qts (NOT) 3 1/2!!.
Biggest thing is, don't OVER fill it. All these engines wet sump a little (maybe just a cup)
But add 3 qts. Then run it a few miles, then shut it off, let it sit for a minute and "top off" the oil tank. Leave the 1" gap at the top. I've found my 2000 holds 3 & 1/3 qts (NOT) 3 1/2!!.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,916
Likes: 4,670
From: West Texas Sandhills
Don't know why I can't say all I have to say in one post...
I learned this on another website but can't remember where.
About every 5th change or so I like to do an "extra quart oil change".
You change the oil like you normally would but before starting the engine disconnect the oil return line going back to the tank and connect a piece of the same size oil line to it (a foot or so should do) a piece of 3/8 metal tube works well as a coupler, it will just slip onto the oil lines. Put the end in your oil drain pan and start the bike. At first you will see black oil coming out of the line but soon it will turn to clean oil. When the clean starts coming out shut down the motor reattach the oil line to the tank and top off your oil tank (should take about a quart) and you will have a complete oil change. This can add quite a bit of life to your motor.
I learned this on another website but can't remember where.
About every 5th change or so I like to do an "extra quart oil change".
You change the oil like you normally would but before starting the engine disconnect the oil return line going back to the tank and connect a piece of the same size oil line to it (a foot or so should do) a piece of 3/8 metal tube works well as a coupler, it will just slip onto the oil lines. Put the end in your oil drain pan and start the bike. At first you will see black oil coming out of the line but soon it will turn to clean oil. When the clean starts coming out shut down the motor reattach the oil line to the tank and top off your oil tank (should take about a quart) and you will have a complete oil change. This can add quite a bit of life to your motor.
www.roguechopper.com
Last edited by ChromeJunkie; Oct 20, 2008 at 12:12 AM.
