Changing a Softails oil.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: AC NJ
Changing a Softails oil.
So I just pull the bottom drain plug, rock the bike, reinstall, add two and a half quarts? How warm or cold should the motor be?
When taking off the oil filter is there a trick to not getting oil everywhere?
Do I torque or just snug tight the bolts?
When taking off the oil filter is there a trick to not getting oil everywhere?
Do I torque or just snug tight the bolts?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 3
From: East Coast
Change fluid
I run it 10 min or so...For the oil filter I get a 2 liter bottle and cut it in the shape of a shovel of sorts (need to be able to get filter wrench in there) and leave lid on bottle. This will catch some of the oil and I let the filter slide into it.
Put some rags underneath cause some oil always sneaks thru.
I just snug the filter but if you check your manual it will give an exact torque number.
Put some rags underneath cause some oil always sneaks thru.
I just snug the filter but if you check your manual it will give an exact torque number.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 520
Likes: 3
From: East Coast
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, TX
I always change the gasket on the drain plug. They're very inexpensive. Some guys on here just inspect and leave the old one on, but I think I'd rather just be safe. If you buy your filters from Harley, they will probably just give one to you.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,457
Likes: 6,378
From: Honah Lee
At cold fill it about mid way on stick. When Hot it will be at or near top. You cannot get too much oil in a Softail motor. However if you actually put too much in tank, it would push out the stick. I just slide some card board and a rag under filter but they make a few tools. Just wipe up the mess and spray a little cleaner if oil runs down. The plugs are ms fittings with o-rings. Replace if it looks worn with correct English size. See attachment. O-ring goes up into taper and is what seals and the washer face is what enables you to torque it or like me give it a bump with my palm and it stays tight. My primary is a npt tapered thread pipe plug even though my manual says it is a ms fitting. I use teflon tape on it.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:14 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
My advice would be to get the manual for the model and year of your bike.
That being said, I always change my oil when it's warm. My bike hold 3 quarts after draining. You can use V shaped cardboard...and lots od other sugestions on here to try and avoid some of the mess. Just do a search and good luck and ride safe.
That being said, I always change my oil when it's warm. My bike hold 3 quarts after draining. You can use V shaped cardboard...and lots od other sugestions on here to try and avoid some of the mess. Just do a search and good luck and ride safe.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 2
From: New Hampshire
Then when you want to get all the old oil out, you will get a scavenger.
http://www.roguechopper.com/
http://www.roguechopper.com/
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Elkhart Kansas
Just to put this out there incase you don't know, oil drain is below the oil tank do not remove plugs out of the bottom of the engine block/case.
Last edited by LaidInk; Mar 25, 2013 at 07:22 PM. Reason: Signature
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
Your oil drain plug is NOT the one on the bottom of the crank case, it's on the frame on the brake-side of the bike below the oil tank.