Oil change mess
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Van Isle, BC
Oil change mess
Right now I'm riding a softail. Over the last 45 years I've ridden German, Jap, English and Italian but I like Harleys. I know that they are an old engine design updated with technology and that there are more up to date brands out there with more power etc etc. and I accept that.
But what I can't abide is stupid and that oil filter setup on my softail is as dumb as it gets.
I've done a search and come up with the tinfoil solution (the "funnel, not the hat) and the pop bottle solution. I've tried cardboard funnels or trenches saran wrap etc. Is there any other ideas out there to avoid the slop that the oil change inevitably brings or is this as good as it gets.
JW
But what I can't abide is stupid and that oil filter setup on my softail is as dumb as it gets.
I've done a search and come up with the tinfoil solution (the "funnel, not the hat) and the pop bottle solution. I've tried cardboard funnels or trenches saran wrap etc. Is there any other ideas out there to avoid the slop that the oil change inevitably brings or is this as good as it gets.
JW
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 2
From: Mill City Mass.
Harley actually sells a guard for doing oil changes which mimics the tin foil idea. After using it probably 20 times I think it worked successfully once lol. It catches the bulk but still leaks all over. Now when im done I spray it down with degreaser and hose it off. It is what it is. You should see 09 and up touring bikes. One drain plug is accessed thru a hole in the frame and when it drains it leaks all over the frame underneath. What a pain. Its good if the bikes straight up on a jack but then I can't get a drain pan in there.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Medical Lake, WA
I use a Form a Funnel by P.I.G., I bought it from our local Snap On guy, it works really good. I just wipe off what little I spill with some Isopropyl alcohol and a rag. http://www.formafunnel.com/
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
i gave up trying to catch all the mess. tried all the above in some form or another. pita for sure. i just yank the filter, and clean things up. try to time oil changes with a good wash...but not always. paint safe breakclean works good for me. steve
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
OP - What old engine technology are you talking about? If it is air cooling your wrong. The first engines patented were water cooled. Later when they learned that lighter air cooled engines were a good application to airplanes and motorcycles with their exposed engines.
All the rest is the same from ECM's to ABS.
All the rest is the same from ECM's to ABS.
