I am looking for information on changing oil. I thought I had seen a "special" H-D tool was needed to do this job. Any valitity to this tool being needed? Any unknowns or probables to look forward to. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
They was something in posted the past, I you might find it by doing a search. I use a strap wrench, and take it off from under the bike. I don't put the bike on a jack, I just run the front wheel up on a couple boards to give me some extra clearence. It will take 5 qts with the filter.
The oil filter on my 99 FLHT is hard to get off. A strap type filter tool would not go around mine. The filter is too close to the engine. I found an automotive oil filter tool that fits over the end of the oil filter. But when the filter is on the bike the tool will not go on the filter. So I cut away about a quarter of the filter tool so that it will go on the filter. So you can make your own filter tool if you do not want to buy the harley tool.
Also it makes it a bit easier to remove the bolts on the bottom of the radiator to give you a bit more clearance to the filter.
Hope this helps,
Dave
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Actually all you need is the Harley oil filter wrench which fits over the end of the filter and has a cut out for the oil sending unit that is on the other harley models ($9.95). A good 3/8th drive extension and a wratchet will do the trick.
The process is simple:
make sure the bike is at operationng temperature so that the warm oil will run out smooothly.
With the bike on the ground 1
1-- place a oil pan under the filter area AND on top of some old newspapers.
2. Place the oil filter wrench over the end of the filter and using the 3/8ths drive extension and wratchet, turn counter clockwise to remove it.
3. Wipe up the oil from the engine and filter areas.
4. Put some old oil on your finger and run it around the rubber seal on the new filter to lubricate it.
5. Spin it on until it seats and then go another 1/2 turn to tighten it properly.
DRAINING THE OIL
1. Remove the old filter if you left it in the drain pan and slide everything back so the oil pan and newspaper are under the oil drain plug.
2. Loosen the plug using a 17mm wrench (counter clockwise).
3. From the high side of the bike with the kick stand down. Remove the plug and allow the warm oil to drain into the pan (this may take awhile--even when warm).
4. Check the oil plug end for metal filings (it's magnetized) wipe it clean.
5. When the oil stops dripping carefully slide the pan out form under the bike on the newspaper and reinstall the oil plug AFTER placing some used oil on the "O" ring seal. BE CAREFUL TO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE PLUG !!
ADDING NEW OIL FOR THE FIRST TIME
1. Remove the oil dip stick in the front of the motor.
2. Pour 4 1/4 bottles of new oil in the motor.
3. Wait for about a minute and check the level (ON YOUR MOTOR).
4. If it is low add more oil Until the dip stick reads full WHEN THE BIKE IS LEVEL.
5. Take the bke for a 3-4 mile run.
6. When you return let it sit for a few minutes and then check the oil level on the dip stick and add as necessary until the level reads full.
7. WRITE DOWN how much oil you used for YOUR MOTOR (there is as much as 3/4 of a bottle of oil differences in oil amounts from one motor to another) on a piece of paper and place it where you can find it the next time you need to change your oil.
8. Enjoy a job well done.
V-Rod1..... good explaination except the oil filling part. Always the bike should be upright and level.... the dipstick should be screwed in fully each time you check.... cold check, level should be half-way up the hash marks on the dipstick.... hot check, level should be to top of hashmarks.
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