Ultimate HDF Member
it's easy to do a spotless oil change, all you gotta know is the tricks. using an ice pick type of steel punch at the end of the oil filter, one hole high and one low. the low one to drain the filter, the one at the top of the end of the oil filter, so the air will vent allowing the filter to drain completely. tuck rags or paper towels between the filter and motor cases, take care and you too can someday do a dripless oil change.
Ultimate HDF Member
I've used the molded plastic tray that slides under the filter. It has a drain hole on the opposite end for a drain pan. It works OK, but still get some drips sometime. I think it was around 10 bucks. If I remember right I got it at the dealer, but its not a HD part.
Tourer
After my 5k service my oil cooler gasket mysterious started to seep oil when riding and blowing on engine, no puddle. Replaced gasket under warranty, only took 12 days 
....so far so good
....so far so good
Outstanding HDF Member
Quote:
Now what I do, and it works better than anything else I've tried, is take 5 or 6 sheets of paper towels and shove them under the filter. Then remove the filter. 5 or 6 sheets is enough to soak up everything that leaks out without any oil running down on the bike.
You just have to be sure to shove the paper towels in deep enough to get beyond the end of the filter/filter housing interface. I usually use a paint stir stick or the like. Gets the towels in there with no risk of scratches that you might get if you used a screwdriver or other metallic tool.
Plus one. I'm where you are now.Originally Posted by 2black1s
I've tried several different ways to catch the oil and keep it from running all over the place when changing the filter. A sheet of tin foil, the soda bottle cut in half, punching holes in the filter to let it drain before removing it, etc. None of them work completely.Now what I do, and it works better than anything else I've tried, is take 5 or 6 sheets of paper towels and shove them under the filter. Then remove the filter. 5 or 6 sheets is enough to soak up everything that leaks out without any oil running down on the bike.
You just have to be sure to shove the paper towels in deep enough to get beyond the end of the filter/filter housing interface. I usually use a paint stir stick or the like. Gets the towels in there with no risk of scratches that you might get if you used a screwdriver or other metallic tool.
Extreme HDF Member
Had my 1,000 mile service done at the dealer also and have had no leaks. They also washed it for me, so any oil he didn't clean up, was promptly washed off.
Supporter
I just stuff some paper towels under the filter like other members stated, then after the oil change take it for a short ride and any oil that was left just seemed to be shook and blown clean. Unless I did such a sloppy job that that it blew up higher onto the motor. Most people don't laydown on the ground when look'in at my bike.
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Tourer
Common problem, I use a thin piece of cardboard six inches wide and form it into a concave unit and force it by hand back to where the oil filter is attached. The longer the better so as to clear your foot rest. A slight cutout is also needed to fit around foot shifter. Invariably you will have a slight amount of oil that will escape the cardboard which I then spray with brake cleaner, makes a neat job.
Road Master
Quote:
Is the oil inside the filter caught between the built-in rubber check valve of the recent oil filter and the top of the engine? When I changed my filter I collected more oil than the volume of the filter; it was a mess!Originally Posted by emwolb
it's easy to do a spotless oil change, all you gotta know is the tricks. using an ice pick type of steel punch at the end of the oil filter, one hole high and one low. the low one to drain the filter, the one at the top of the end of the oil filter, so the air will vent allowing the filter to drain completely. tuck rags or paper towels between the filter and motor cases, take care and you too can someday do a dripless oil change.
I'll try the ice pick next time plus the mineral water bottle trick...