First Home Oil Change Today, What a MESS!
#21
06-02-2010, 06:11 AM
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I used an old plastic garbage can lid to catch all the oil then poured it in a container for the recycle trip. I think changing the oil on my EVO is a little easier except for getting to the filter if you don't have the end cap with the 3/8th hole I don't know how you would get the filter off best bike dollars I've spent so far.
#22
06-02-2010, 09:44 AM
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Not my H-D 08 Softail manual -- 2.5 quarts wet. What manual are you looking at? The H-D manual?
#24
06-02-2010, 11:11 AM
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#25
06-02-2010, 11:28 AM
Do not rely on the amount printed in the manuals for Sportsters, Dynas, or touring bikes. USE THE DIP STICK!
The 2 litre coke bottle and a razor blade makes a great funnel for catching the oil. You can take the cap off the bottle and run a long extension for the ratchet thru it, Soon as the filter is loose enough to spin by hand, remove the socket extension, put the cap on the bottle.... Mess with it a few times and you'll figure it out.
I keep a bag of portland cement around. Spread some on the garage floor where the oil has spilled. Wait about 2 six packs of beer and a few cigars, then just sweep it up. Works far better than kitty litter!!!
The 2 litre coke bottle and a razor blade makes a great funnel for catching the oil. You can take the cap off the bottle and run a long extension for the ratchet thru it, Soon as the filter is loose enough to spin by hand, remove the socket extension, put the cap on the bottle.... Mess with it a few times and you'll figure it out.
I keep a bag of portland cement around. Spread some on the garage floor where the oil has spilled. Wait about 2 six packs of beer and a few cigars, then just sweep it up. Works far better than kitty litter!!!
Last edited by rh8234; 06-02-2010 at 11:47 AM.
#26
06-02-2010, 11:45 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
I had a local indy (custom builder and mechanic) do my 1000 mile fluid changes, wanted to see if there were any tricks to it. He made a damn mess all over the front when the filter was taken off too. I don't know how many thousands of oil changes he's done, probly a few, and he makes a mess. I won't feel bad about making a mess the next time. I've got a couple cans of break cleaner in my shop, normally reserved for when I've got to pull the front axle of my Jeep apart, so I'm all set.
Yep, that's the problem -- the OP filled it too full by a quart. Maybe he was thinking Sporty -- they take 3.5 qts of engine oil.
Not my H-D 08 Softail manual -- 2.5 quarts wet. What manual are you looking at? The H-D manual?
you may have already done this, but go back and check your dip stick. i hope that you drained some of the oil out after what you spilt. otherwise, your still way overfull.
#27
06-02-2010, 12:27 PM
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4 quarts for my 08 FLHT I have an oil cooler on mine, makes it a beetch to get at the filter. I just let it drip then clean it up with Zep Orange degreaser. You're right about the oily jeans thing, scares the rubbies away plus when they get dirty enough it forms a natural waterproof barrier, handy on those un-expected rainy rides!
#30
06-02-2010, 01:47 PM
I just ordered one of these from JC Whitney. It looks like a great idea.
By the way Whitney has free shipping for Fathers day. Use the code at the top of the page. BUY4DAD
By the way Whitney has free shipping for Fathers day. Use the code at the top of the page. BUY4DAD