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When you do the primary, make sure you can loosen the derby cover screws before you pull the drain plug. Otherwise you may not be able to refill the primary. I like to drain my fluids when the bike is hot.
The only reason I use a jack is to hold the bike upright for the primary service. Engine oil pan drains better (or my mind thinks it does) on the side stand.
I'm sure you've seen the tip about a 2-liter soda bottle for the oil filter. I personally use the folded tin foil method, but still manage to drip some. Oh well. Just follow the manual, no big deal.
+1 on the 2 liter soda bottle, makes for a cleaner filter change. Everything else is no big deal.
It's messy no matter what. I'd suggest putting some cardboard down on the floor under the bike which will soak up any excess fluid that misses your drain pan.
i found out a tip that works well for the newer bikes too, actually two tips. i use a long thin punch to put a hole in the oil filter toward the bottom where oil can leak out before removing the filter, two holes actually, one low, and one toward the top at the end of the filter. low one for draining the filter, the other to vent so it can drain. makes a lot less mess when you unscrew the filter. and if you've got a newer harley, they have cup wrenches that fit harley filters at auto zone for a 3/8" ratchet and extension. older models had a taller crank position sensor and it doesn't work on 05's i know, but for 08's it works great. the punch i use is sorta like an awl, almost like a heavy duty ice pick, one light tap with a hamer and you got a drain hole in the filter.
Get a new o-ring for the oil drain plug. I did an oil change this past weekend (5k miles) and the o-ring was flattened and torn. Surprised it wasn't leaking! So, save yourself some grief...if you don't need it...at least you have a spare.
Get the filter started loosened after draining the oil. Slip a ziplock bag over the filter unscrew, dispose. No punching, cutting, or dealing with oil period. DO NOT forget to dip your finger in the oil and run it around the new filter rubber gasket. Better seal and less issue next time you change it. Chock will be fine for draining, but on some years at least like my 2005 engine oil level is check on the jiffy stand where trans is checked with bike upright which your chock will hold for you.
Decided to do my fuild change myself i have the service manual looks pretty simple. this weekend or next any tips appreciated there use to be a video link for this awhile back.
can i do this without a lift just using my chock? thanks for any tips ya boy rome.
someone mentioned this= "When you do the primary, make sure you can loosen the derby cover screws before you pull the drain plug. Otherwise you may not be able to refill the primary"= , True, it happened to me I stripped a bolt and was secrewed ( no paun intended )
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