Oil Drain Device
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5,092
Likes: 2
From: Wenatchee, WA
Use the pop bottle - put it over the filter - extend a long punch through the top of the pop bottle and punch two holes in the filter (one high the other low, for air to access) - remove punch and drain oil into the pop bottle. Put paper towel under filter - remove filter.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
Prolly the best idea, especially when you have a chrome voltage regulator cover as then NOTHING fits under the filter. I also only use K&N filters with the nut on the end.
I bough the orange Harley version of that. I haven't used it yet but know it won't likely eliminate the mess. I also have used a cut 2 liter soda bottle. That actually works pretty well. We will see at the next oil change. 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
i also use a long sharp punch and poke a hole up high in the end of the filter for venting. then i place cardboard under the filter in a "U" shape. then i poke a hole in the end of the filter at the bottom corner, and the oil runs out just fine. before i unscrew the filter i wrap a shop rag around the joint where the filter meets the motor housing to capture any few drops that may occur. i bought one of the orange oil change things that terrabella decribed, but haven't used it yet.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
I cut out a liter soda bottle from the recycle bin .. don't cost anything and you just throw it in the trash.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 23
From: Connecticut
Seems that after I traded my 2000 Road Glide (TC88) for a 2007 Road Glide (TC96), I get a lot more oil on the floor during an oil change. I used to use either tin foil or a "trough" made from a cut-up cereal box, and it _used to_ work fine.
Not so much with the TC96.
From what I can see, HD redesigned the oil filter mounting backet at some point, making it more difficult to get some kind of "drain" underneath it. This means more oil on the floor.
I'll have to give the "punch it first and let the oil drain out" a try.
I guess you still need to keep some "Shop Kleen" spray handy!
Not so much with the TC96.
From what I can see, HD redesigned the oil filter mounting backet at some point, making it more difficult to get some kind of "drain" underneath it. This means more oil on the floor.
I'll have to give the "punch it first and let the oil drain out" a try.
I guess you still need to keep some "Shop Kleen" spray handy!