Just drain it and don't worry about it. The sky won't fall.

 

No only took about a min to ask the question. But thanks for helping

 

You know I was thinking the same thing but didn't want to start a my stearler sucks thread too since I was asking an oil question and I know oil threads can get out of hand

 

Hell, if you're feelin' that lazy, don't change it at all. Wait until a day when you're feelin' a bit more energetic!

 

No matter how hot you get the oil there will always be a small amount of oil left in the oil pump/cam assembly and if you have a oill cooler there will be oil left in it as well. So go ahead get it real hot so it burns your fingers and you drop the drain plug into your oil catch pan!

 

Oh noes! Then my fingers might get dirty!

 

Getting your fingers burnt when the plug falls into the pan of 275 degree oil is part of the experiance. I dont know what I'd do if that didnt happen...LOL

 

I did another oil change in all 3 holes today. I change oil every 3k miles in the summertime and 3500 to 4,000 in cool weather.

 

I change my oil like the dealer, ice cold. I measure the oil that comes out, it's all there. As far as moisture and contaminants, if any, I think they are in the oil. I just don't want to deal with a hot motor. Not worth the burn.
I believe that no matter which way you choose to do it there will be no effect on the longevity of the motor. The main thing is simply to keep it fresh by changing it at recommended intervals.

 

well there was a time when you'd better get the oil from the engine into the right place (tank) before draining - esp. on a Softail.