How to change Harley / Buell motorcycle oil

Harley Davidson motors are a bit unique to most modern motorcycles. This uniqueness continues with their dry sump motorcycle engine oiling system. Instead of storing the motorcycle oil in the bottom of the crankcase Harley motors pump their oil in from and out to a separate oil storage tank. Harley motors are not the only motors to use dry sumps they certainly represent the majority of dry sumps on the market today.

This means very little except that if you look for a drain plug right below the motorcycle motor you will normally get confused. As a matter a fact on some Harley motorcycle models such as the Sportster you are not going to find a drain plug at all, you are going to find a drain hose instead. Confused yet? J

All Harley motorcycle models are equipped with spin on motorcycle oil filters located at the front of the motorcycle motor. Some older pre Evo Harley models used an oil tank motorcycle filter. Because of Harleys traditional styling few have left the motorcycle factory with bodywork that would interfere with access to the motorcycle oil filter or the plug. Of course some Harley aftermarket kits including a few air dams may get in the way a little. But it is a very rare motorcycle that would require bodywork removal in order to perform this basic Harley motorcycle maintenance.

Take a minute to locate the drain plug on your motorcycle. Typically the drain plug or hose will vary based on model:

FLP – are usually equipped with an oil pan and drain plug

Softails and Buells – A metal drain plug is normally secured inside a drain hose held in a strap on the lower side of the motorcycle frame. On Softails you will usually find this hose on the right side of the motorcycle

Sportster – drain hose comes from the back of the motorcycle oil tank to a nipple located either under the battery tray or on the back of frame underneath the swing arm.

FXR and Lowrider – A drain hose from the motorcycle oil tank is normally found under the left side cover

Dynas – Are equipped with a motorcycle oil pan under the transmission and ta drain plug is mounted to the lower portion of the pan

Before we discuss the process it's worth mentioning that you can pick up any parts you need at any of the following websites: JCWhitney.com , J&P Cycles , Amazon.com, or eBay.com

Process for changing your Harley or Buell motorcycle oil:

1. Warm the motorcycle engine to normal temperature then park the motorcycle

2. Position a drain pan under the drain plug or hose

3. Loosen or completely remove the dipstick as this will allow the motorcycle oil to drain more quickly

4. If equipped with a drain plug loosen it using a wrench or a ratchet and socket

5. Once the plug is loosened turn it out by hand keeping thin ward pressure on the plug to keep motorcycle oil from escaping past the threads until you are ready to fully withdraw it.

6. When the plug is free quickly pull the plug and your hand out of the way of the hot oil.

7. If equipped with a drain hose use a screwdriver or ratchet and socket to loosen the clamp on the end of the drain hose. On Softails remove the plug O, on Sportsters pull the hose free of the motorcycle battery tray or frame tab. Hold the hose downward slightly to direct the oil into the drain pan.

8. Allow the motorcycle engine oil to drain completely. In the meantime clean the drain plug

9. Install and tighten the drain plug or the hose clamps. On drain plugs that are installed into the motorcycle oil pan be sure to snug the drain plug but do now over tighten and strip. On drain hose models don’t over tighten the clamp but do be certain that it is secure

10. Move the drain pan to the front of the motorcycle motor

11. Get a piece of cardboard and bend it in the middle to form a shallow V. This will be inserted under the motorcycle oil filter so that the motorcycle oil which will run out as it is loosened will run down the cardboard and into the drain pan instead of all over the front of your motorcycle engine.

12. If you have a fuel-injected motorcycle forget that because you have an engine control sensor protruding from the front of the motorcycle crankcase. If you cant use the cardboard then place a plastic bag or some rags under the motorcycle filter to catch the excel motorcycle oil.

13. Use a motorcycle oil filter strap or cap wrench to loosen the filter about one turn then remove the wrench.

14. Once most of the motorcycle oil has drained from the filter unthread and remove it completely.

15. Take your new motorcycle filter and prime it by filling it about ½ way with fresh motorcycle oil. This will help to make sure that your motorcycle oil system come up to pressure quicker. You can add a decent amount of motorcycle oil as some of it will seep through the motorcycle filter element and fill metal case of the motorcycle filter.

16. Take a clean lint free rang or a paper towel and wipe the sealing area of the motorcycle oil filter adapter

17. Dip a finger in the clean motorcycle engine oil and apply a light coating of toil to the rubber motorcycle oil filter seal

18. Install the motorcycle filter threading it to the adapter. Once the motorcycle filter makes contact and is lightly seated tighten it an additional 1/2 turn

19. Clean the hydraulic tappet screen.

20. Properly refill the motorcycle engine using the proper amount of motorcycle oil.

21. If you do not have the motorcycle engine oil capacity specification add the first bottle of motorcycle oil then add the rest slowly checking the level often to prevent overfilling.

22. Start the motorcycle watching the motorcycle oil pressure light. It should go out within a second.

23. If it does not stop the motorcycle immediately and double check the motorcycle oil level then restart the motorcycle watching the light again.

24. Once the motorcycle has been warmed double check the motorcycle oil level and make sure the is not seepage from the motorcycle filter and drain plug or hose.

That's it and your done!!! That wasn't too hard.

You can pick up any parts you need to do this job at any of the following websites: JCWhitney.com , J&P Cycles , Amazon.com, or eBay.com