Oil mess
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 240
Likes: 72
From: WA State
Oil mess
What do you guys use to clean the oil off the front of the engine and frame after removing the oil filter? I don't want to use something that will harm the paint or electrical wiring on the voltage regulator.
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
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From: New England
I cut a 2 liter Coke bottle in half lengthwise (bottom removed) and slip it under the filter before removing.
Generally this results in only a couple drips that are easily cleaned with a rag.
Generally this results in only a couple drips that are easily cleaned with a rag.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 1
From: Garrison, NY
Any variation on this theme works really well. There will be no mess if you do it right... just a few drops. By far the best solution I have found as well!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I put a sheet of aluminum flashing under the filter and a couple paper towels under that.
Punch two holes in the end of the filter and let the oil drip out.
Much easier to not drip the oil than it is to clean up the bike.
If I did have a mess I'd spray the area with it with engine degreaser and hose it off.
Punch two holes in the end of the filter and let the oil drip out.
Much easier to not drip the oil than it is to clean up the bike.
If I did have a mess I'd spray the area with it with engine degreaser and hose it off.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 1
From: Garrison, NY
I use the attached for changing the filter on my Ultra Limited - which has a factory installed oil cooler. The plastic bottle is thin and slides right under the filter. I typically use K&N filters since they weld a nut on the front for easy removal. I just loosen the filter a bit, slide the bottle in, and spin it off by hand. Any oil drips into the bottle and is easily removed by dumping it out or just wiping it out with a paper towel.