oil change question

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Apr 4, 2017 | 03:14 PM

#11

Birdman2778

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Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 335

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From: Nassau County, NY

By warming up the oil to operating temp, contaminants and particles will be suspended in the oil, helping remove more of them when you drain it.

Forgot where I read that.

Apr 4, 2017 | 03:31 PM

#12

boston jim

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Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 381

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From: WORCESTER,MA

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdtaylor1979

I recently watched a video on YouTube from a guy that's a motorcycle mechanic. He said that if you let your bike sit all winter that allows anything floating around in the oil to drain into the oil pan. So instead of starting the bike and circulating all that stuff throughout the motor, it's better to just drain the oil while all that stuff is in the oil pan. Makes sense when you think about it.

That's one Tech's opinion! Most H-D's will seep most of the oil in the oil tank, to the sump of the crankcase! Check the level of oil in oil tank! If it's low or empty, the Tech's advice won't do squat! You will need to start bike, pump oil back to tank, when full, then take a short ride! Now all the crap is in suspension, drain it! I'd also do the primary & tranny! Next Fall, think like a Boater or Marina, change all fluids, wax it, cover it up! Never put a Harley away with a Belly full of dirty acidic oil!
PS, If the oil filter is dirty, & the oil is thick & dirty, odds are, when you start it, the By-Pass valve will open, allowing dirty oil to enter your motor without filtering! I'd put a cheap filter on, before starting up, to catch the crap, & avoid the By-Pass from opening. H-D's 5&10 micron oil filters are too restrictive, I'd be looking at a K&P, or clone, free flowing, cleanable oil filters? Also go with a Good Synthetic, NOT Syn3! Good Luck & Be Safe!

Apr 4, 2017 | 03:47 PM

#13

smitty901

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Joined: Feb 2008

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Old rules really do not apply now days. If the oil is not ready for a change and the bike was stored inside. Ride until it is ready. IF you are one of those that starts it up lets it run the shuts it down in winter . Warm it up good and change it is full of moisture.

Apr 4, 2017 | 03:54 PM

#14

kel03

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Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 17,684

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From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00copglide

So...bikes been sitting all winter...going to change fluids before I ride it...do u drain oil right away or start it first to warm it up ??? Opinions...

Why not change it prior to winter storage, then ready to go for the spring, then you don't have to worry about changing it in spring. That's what I do.

Apr 4, 2017 | 04:22 PM

#15

00copglide

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 235

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From: ma.

Thanks for all the replies guys...sounds like it's unanimous...warm it up...crap will be "suspendèd" in the oil...will flow better..so a more complete draining of old oil...also will start changing at end of season before the big sleep.....

Apr 4, 2017 | 04:26 PM

#16

chief1600

Road Master

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 910

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From: Elk Mound, WI

I change mine in the fall before I put it to bed for the winter so the oil is good and fresh. I get on in the spring and ride until the mileage matches my changing schedule which is every 2500 miles.

Apr 4, 2017 | 04:47 PM

#17

OldMike

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Joined: Feb 2009

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From: Cleveland Zoo

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty901

I think this is the answer I most agree with!!!
I might add another option is to drain the oil and remove filter after last ride and leave it that way till Spring, this can keep you from doing dumb stuff like mid Winter starts just to hear it run and create moisture inside the engine. Changing oil in Fall does NOT protect from moisture.

Apr 4, 2017 | 05:21 PM

#18

00copglide

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 235

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From: ma.

Not one of those guys that starts it over winter...know it's not God for it....a buddy of mine would do that....gave him a rational of **** when I heard that....