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first fluid change

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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 01:11 PM
  #1  
bezoar's Avatar
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Default first fluid change

Did my first total fluid change on my 08 RK. Did it at around 900 miles. No big deal except for that friggin oil filter. Not easy to get off if you don't have Harley's "special tool". Actually a PENZOIL STRAP WRENCH did the trick.
I did find that the manual says how much oil to put in and that's what she takes. There has been debate on this forum about changes and amounts but the BOOK seems correct.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 01:31 PM
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Default RE: first fluid change

You mean&nbsp\\;a book&nbsp\\;written by the people that made the thing was more accurate than a forum?&nbsp\\; I don't believe it.&nbsp\\; You might need to&nbsp\\;go back and read the debates again...&nbsp\\;
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 01:59 PM
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Default RE: first fluid change

That's why I spent the few bucks on the HD filter wrench. Why go through that bs when I don't have to.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 02:04 PM
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Default RE: first fluid change

I used a large pair of Channal lock pliers. No worries about damaging the filter. it gets thrown away anyhow.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 02:07 PM
  #5  
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Default RE: first fluid change

Ah, Channel Locks. No need for me evr again. K&N has a nice little nut on the end. Only prob is that it takes a 17mm socket or open end. Damn metrics.
So far not spitting chunks of metal and all levels are correct so it's the book for me.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 03:45 PM
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Default RE: first fluid change

You can buy the oil filter removal "thingamajig" at any auto parts store for a few dollars. I took my new chrome HD oil filter with me and bought one the correct size, but black (not chrome), for about four bucks as I recall.
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 04:46 PM
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Default RE: first fluid change

Yea, just go to the auto store with your new filter in hand.&nbsp\\; You'll find one that fits on the end of a 3/8" rachet extension, and you're in business.&nbsp\\; CCRyder &nbsp\\; And it's not metric!
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 04:55 PM
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Default RE: first fluid change

Since I still have my 4 stroke outboards the oil filters are the same size that are on my RK..so it all fits,just stay away from the JB Weld and you will be ok..
 
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 06:45 PM
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Default RE: first fluid change

When ya go to the auto parts store, just don't mention that you're getting the oil filter wrench for a Harley.&nbsp\\; They will insist that ya have to go to the Harley dealer.
I tried the filter strap then bought the filter wrench.&nbsp\\; A lot easier to work with and ya can get a shield under the filter so the oil isn't running down onto the front engine mount.&nbsp\\; The book says the oil will deteriorate the rubber engine mount so ya may want to design something to protect it.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2008 | 02:15 AM
  #10  
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Default RE: first fluid change

Congrats on your first oil change! Not trying to undermind you or be disrespectful but I hope you are not going to assume everything else is OK just because the bike is new. Please go down the list for your first service&nbsp\\;in your service manual and check everything that is listed. It will scare the hell out of you on how many bolts and nuts you will find that are either loose or need retorqued, clutch and drive belt adjustments, and don't forget to grease your steering head bearings or check the swing-by. Good luck getting a standard grease gun on the fitting MOCO installed. I switched mine out to a 45 degree fitting and no problems greasing it now.
 
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