Oil filter change out
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,578
Likes: 19,791
From: Ramona, Ca
Oil filter change out
Ok.....I'm having a tiny issue with changing my oil filter. When I change out the filter. I always get some residual oil that ends up getting on the bike. I have tried making a cardboard trough to funnel the oil into my oil pan. What do the service guys do so oil does not drip out after removal of filter? I do sit on the bike and lean it as far to the right as I can, but it never fails that I still get oil on the frame.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 39,563
Likes: 2,115
From: Central, Ca.
Me too, I tried punching the filter with an ice pick and let it drain overnight, still made a mess. Tried a trough but it won't slide under the filter far enough because of the way the flange is machined. I could change my Sportster without spilling a drop
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: CNY
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,514
Likes: 3,951
From: Vermont
Take a 2 liter soda bottle and cut the bottom off and half of the side or just use aluminum foil. Slide either under the filter. Punch a hole in the end of the filter at the very top. Spin the filter a half turn counterclockwise as if you were taking it off so that the hole you punched is now on the bottom. Punch a new hole on what is now the top of the filter as an air hole so that the oil drains freely out the bottom hole and into your trough that you made with a soda bottle or foil. Let drain out and voila!
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
The best tip(s) I have heard on this forum is to put a plastic ziplock baggy around the filter (After you do the initial loosening) then simply unscrew it into the bag. You'll still get some oil on the bike but nowhere near as much as some of the drain pan options. I then use brake cleaner to clean the remaining oil off the bike.
Before someone points out the the rubber motor mount below the filter shouldn't be sprayed with brake cleaner, I'd like to add - brake cleaner is designed so that it does not affect the rubber seals in brakes so it should be safe for the motor mount.
Before someone points out the the rubber motor mount below the filter shouldn't be sprayed with brake cleaner, I'd like to add - brake cleaner is designed so that it does not affect the rubber seals in brakes so it should be safe for the motor mount.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Appleton Wisconsin
Take some tin foil, double it up for xtra strength. shape it like a trough, slide it under the filter and mold in any direction you want. Piece of cake and works everytime with no mess. use a new piece next time
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I let mine leak out where ever it likes all over the frame and motor.When I am done I turn on the garden hose and spray it off..This method works real well for me..
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
Dealer tech told me he lets it drip. Cleans up with automotive electronics parts cleaner spray. Cleans the oil well and leaves NO residue and harms nothing. (Unlike Brakleen.) I have tried this and it works. I still use the soda bottle method which catches MOST of the oil then clean up with stuff mentioned above.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
This is what I use to slide under the oil filter. It's not pretty, but it does the job.