Ok...this is one of those posts where you begin by stating that you don't want to sound dumb....but you really are :-)

I am a new owner of a 2007 Softail Deluxe and wanted to change engine oil prior to storing the bike for the cold season. Like any other vehicle previous...I just raised the bike up on a lift and looked underneath for a drain plug. Found one....loosened it.....and I'll be damn if it wasn't the engine oil. @#$%^ !!

It was a small, flush seated, allen driven plug on the bottom right half of the pan. I'm guessing this was the primary? My owners manaul doesn't show a picture.

Can anyone confirm or provide assistance?

Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like you removed the crankcase screw and not the oil drain plug. The oil drain plug is on the right side of the frame behind the shocks.

Be careful putting the crankcase screw back in. I've read that it's easy to crack the casing.

Your primary (chain) drain will be under the chaincase just under the Derby Cover.

Trans drain is between the two shocks.

 

Can anyone tell me what the crankcase screw is for? Apparently it's just a great way to confuse us dummies and then additionally mess your bike up when you over tighten it ;-)

 

You have 3 drain holes. One on the frame is the oil tank. One under the primary case drains the primary for drive chain and clutch. the 3rd, which sounds like the one you picked is the transmission gear oil...the filler hole for the tranny is on the upper rear case below the oil tank...that one too can be cross threaded so be careful.

 

The little allen plug on the bottom of the engine itself is a "welsh plug" for the crankcase during the machining process. The owner's manual, while good for some information, is not up to par with the service manual for detailed information.

 

Service manual is essential if you plan on doing your own service. Runs about $60. Mine has paid for itself many times over. I wrenched cars my whole life but I'm totally lost with bikes.

 

thums up on the owners manual...i've found it to be very usefull!!!

 

Make sure you keep a couple of "O"rings handy. They are not very expensive maybe only a dollar or so. They tell you to change them every time you change your oil. Most of the time you won't need to but you will be running back to the dealer to get one if it is tore up. I'm sure you could get away with only changing it every other time or so.
They just help seal the drain plug so it doesn't leak.