Changing oil
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
Get yourself one of those magnets thats mounted to one of those telescopic rods like a radio antenna and go fishing
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,975
Likes: 5,214
From: Michigan
I drain my fluids cold.
I have the H-D flat drain pan, the H-D oil catcher that goes under the oil filter, and the H-D long snorkel funnel, and the H-D funnel for pouring into the primary case.
I changed all three fluids at my last oil change, and for the FIRST time ever, I didn't have a drop on the floor until I removed the engine oil dipstick to add the last 1/2 quart of oil and I then managed to somehow get a couple of drops on the garage floor
After all of the old fluids have been drained, I then put the jack under the bike and level it and dump in the fresh fluids.
I just took the flat drain pan to emptied today and it's even handy for that.
I have the H-D flat drain pan, the H-D oil catcher that goes under the oil filter, and the H-D long snorkel funnel, and the H-D funnel for pouring into the primary case.
I changed all three fluids at my last oil change, and for the FIRST time ever, I didn't have a drop on the floor until I removed the engine oil dipstick to add the last 1/2 quart of oil and I then managed to somehow get a couple of drops on the garage floor
After all of the old fluids have been drained, I then put the jack under the bike and level it and dump in the fresh fluids.
I just took the flat drain pan to emptied today and it's even handy for that.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
I drop the plug into the pan usually cause it's too hot and recover it later when pouring the oil out into my used oil canister.
You could stick a 3/8 extension in there to fish it out. Usually the magnet on the oil plug will attach itself to a screw driver or whatever.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 4
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^)
I do the same, but I also place a large plastic trash bag under the bike to catch any drips. After the oil change I turn the bad inside out and toss in trash.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Kingsland GA
I use an oil catch pan that I bought from K-Mart about 7 years ago. I also use it when changing the oil on my truck. I slide it under the bike when it is on the side stand, pull the drain plug and let it sit for a while, put drain plug back in, remove and replace filter, clean front of bike by filter, fill with oil, take a test ride to check for leaks and then drink beer.