Changing oil
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
The oil drain plug is horizontal in the oil pan so I take it out with a socket on an extension.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
My process includes:
1. Warm motor
2. Raise bike on lift
3. Attach oil pan (J&S jack option)
4. Put on rubber gloves
5. Pull plug
6. Let oil drain
7. Attach HD oil filter catch
8. Remove filter
9. Pre-load new filter and install
10. Check oil plug (metal)
11. Put new o-ring on plug and install
12. Add new oil to proper level
13. Lower bike
14. Clean-up
15. Ride...
Cheers =8^)
1. Warm motor
2. Raise bike on lift
3. Attach oil pan (J&S jack option)
4. Put on rubber gloves
5. Pull plug
6. Let oil drain
7. Attach HD oil filter catch
8. Remove filter
9. Pre-load new filter and install
10. Check oil plug (metal)
11. Put new o-ring on plug and install
12. Add new oil to proper level
13. Lower bike
14. Clean-up
15. Ride...
Cheers =8^)
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 784
Likes: 56
From: Eastern Iowa
I don't use a lift as it isn't needed. ('07 Ultra.)
I use the Harley drain pan as it's large enough to catch engine, tranny and primary oil in one oil change.
As you loosen the plug, you can tell it's just about to the end of the threads, then grab it with your fingers and yank it out of the way.
There is some heat but not enough to hurt yourself. Place the plug off to the side as it drains.
After it drains, I straddle the bike to an upright position and get a few more drops. It isn't much.
I use the Harley drain pan as it's large enough to catch engine, tranny and primary oil in one oil change.
As you loosen the plug, you can tell it's just about to the end of the threads, then grab it with your fingers and yank it out of the way.
There is some heat but not enough to hurt yourself. Place the plug off to the side as it drains.
After it drains, I straddle the bike to an upright position and get a few more drops. It isn't much.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,156
Likes: 1,904
From: Doghouse... mostly
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I don't ever run the engine to drain the oils, just leave them for a while to run out. Heating the oil makes it drain quicker, but when I change oils and do other service work I'm not in any hurry! I use an old newspaper to catch any spillage and an ancient enamelled kitchen bowl to catch the rest.
