Tips for NOT getting oil all over engine?

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Apr 2, 2014 | 03:28 PM

#21

ybnorml

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 34,661

Likes: 36,273

From: outskirts of ba habba

Knock a hole in the top then rotate 180 degrees so it's on the bottom,
then knock another hole at the top for a vent.
I use the cut / split plastic soda bottle under the filter also.

Apr 2, 2014 | 04:02 PM

#22

rbferg

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 988

Likes: 1

From: Ashevegas

I've found the H-D catch funnel to be pretty much worthless if you have a oil cooler. It's to thick and there's just not enough room. I have used the two liter bottle trick with "some" success.

Apr 2, 2014 | 04:23 PM

#23

ISLANDER1089

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 115

Likes: 0

From: MUSKOKA, ON., CANADA

There's some great information here, so thanks for contributing. Does anyone use a vacuum device to suck the oil out of the crankcase?

Apr 2, 2014 | 04:40 PM

#24

bikergal

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 170

Likes: 0

From: South

I read somewhere on HD forums about cutting a milk half gallon plastic container length wise while leaving enough carton to catch the oil. Maybe someone can find the link to it. I will be using this method when I do my first oil change.

Apr 2, 2014 | 04:43 PM

#25

Hausguy

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 1,151

Likes: 14

From: Seattle

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikergal

You only spill about 2% that way.

Apr 2, 2014 | 04:48 PM

#26

fourburgs

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 393

Likes: 33

From: Lansdale Pa.

Just pull the filter and spray the area down with brake cleaner to clean up the oil..

Apr 2, 2014 | 05:01 PM

#27

Fatboy Brian

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 4,230

Likes: 477

From: Southwest VA

I use a long bent piece of cardboard cut from a old box and stuff a rag down on top of the motor mount. I learned that little trick from Schumacher on the forum. Last time I didn't spill a drop.

Apr 2, 2014 | 05:07 PM

#28

03snake

Tourer

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 252

Likes: 2

From: Ontario, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourburgs

Just pull the filter and spray the area down with brake cleaner to clean up the oil..

Brake clean works great for this, it is your friend. I do use the Harley orange drain thing. I also use the 'Scavenger' system after. I'll post my review of this system soon. I was a skeptic but now I'm totally sold. You can judge from my upcoming review.
After all this mess with a towel under the bike brake clean makes the residual mess all go away. (I wash the towels when my wife's not home.....)

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Apr 2, 2014 | 05:43 PM

#29

69cj

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 855

Likes: 6

From: Riverside, Ca.

The reason I just use the brake cleaner and then hose it down is because I also have an oil cooler and none of the other suggestions, as good as they may be, has worked for me. I still had a mess.