Anyone come up with a fool-proof way of removing oil filter from the 96 softtail where the filter is mounted up front above engine case without making an oily mess??

 

I get a sheet of tin foil and put it between the filter and the cases. If you double it over and shape it correctly it will make a sort-of funnel that can be used to direct the oil to a container. Once you are done you can pitch the foil.

 

That is how I currently change mine too. Works pretty good but still get some mess, not bad, just a nuisance.

 

After trying many different methods and tips and "can't fail" procedures, I have gotten resigned to the fact that when I change my oil I am going to get it all over me, the bike, the garage, and the cat.

So, I do it when I need a shower, the bike needs washed, the garage needs cleaned and the cat looks like he needs his hair greased back. Sorry I can't be more help than that..

 

I slip a piece of cardboard under the filter (cereal box type cardboard works best), set up the drain pan and then punch 2 holes in the filter (one at the top and one at bottom) and drain the oil controlled into the pan....minimal mess if any...its just that easy

 

I think HD engineers dream these oil filter locations up just to make things frustrating for owners, or so we bring bikes in for service. Either way - the foil funnel works well - never tried cardboard/hole punch method so this will be my next attempt to minimize oil mess. Also, get some engine degreaser ready - I use Big Orange.

 

I use the Ziplock bag, foil piece under...tried the 2 liter bottle deal...still get some on the bike...i just spray the crap outta the fron near the filter with brake or carb cleaner and wipe it up....

 

This looks like a great setup albeit a little pricey. If I decide to keep my bike for a while this will be my next purchase.

http://jerrysrigssystems.com/

 

If you punch a hole in the filter at the 6 and 12 oclock positions at the outer edge while the bike is on the stand a while before you drain the oil, there's hardly any oil left in the filter to get on the bike. A catch bottle will do nicely to catch this oil made from a pop bottle. A few pieces of paper towel left under the forward edge of the filter will catch any remaining drips that come out of the gasket area.

No oil on the bike

 

Soda bottle...then brakekleen or simple green. It's oil not nuclear waste.