HarleyTechTalk

Bought a 10 yr old bike with 5,600 miles on it. I never had a chance to talk to the original owner, so I have no idea about maintenance that was done, or lack thereof. I stripped the bike down pretty good, replacing tins, exhaust, breather, turnsignals etc etc. But I didn't get into the motor, except to replace rocker covers and cam cover. From what I could see in those areas, motor was very clean, tensioners looked good. Got it all back together and took it for a short test ride yesterday, everything seems ok from what I can tell.

One of the last things I need to do is change all the fluids. Since I'm not really familiar with the intricacies of how the Softail oiling system works, and because I have no knowledge of previous maintenance, I was wondering what would be a better way to remove as much oil as possible.

1. Ride bike 10 miles, get it up to operating temp and change oil as usual.

                                              OR

2.Leave bike cold, level it on jack, and let it drain over night.

Does one way get more oil out of bike than the other? Or does it just not make any difference?

Bike is a 2001 Fatboy.

   
    Ride it until it is at operating temperature, then change  oil. 

I run mine at least 30 minutes...I know its up to operating temp by then, and will thin the oil good to drain.  I let is drain out for an hour or so, which is probably overkill...tho it still drips at one hour, but not much.  I wouldnt drain it cold and overnight, personally.

Always change your oil hot. 
I'd also do what's termed as a "5 quart change" if the filter is in such a location that you can put a drain pan under it.  Change the oil, leave the filter off and start the bike.  Run it till you get fresh oil draining into the pan, install the new filter, top off the tank.
I hear they make some sort of adapter to do this with if the filter is inaccessible, but I'm not sure about that.

    I haven't personally used that adapter, but have seen a friend use one-works great.  Gets all of the used oil out.   

Yeah, ride it more then 10 minutes, 30 miles or so. Allow the bike to idle a couple minutes, then drain the oil tank. My 01 fatty needs 3 qts to fill an oil/filter change.

Just trying to understand where the oil resides between the two different scenarios. Does any of it drain to a different location as the bike sits and cools. Is it a true statement that the majority of the oil resides in the oil bag no matter how long the bike sits? Or does some of it slowly move to a different location (crankcase) after time. Sorry for being so anal about this, it's my nature!

The more I think about it, the more I realize I'm being an idiot about it. Just change the flippin' oil and ride the damn thing Paul!!! (Thats me talking to myself)

There will be some oil in the crankcase, some in the lines and cooler(if equipped)but most of it should be in the tank.  If the check ball in the pump doesn't seat right, eventually most of the oil in the tank can end up in the crankcase.  This is the source of the oil puking that some guys get after the bike sits the winter.  If you've already started the bike, this shouldn't be a problem.
Personally, if you can't do the 5 qt deal, I'd just change it hot and ride.  If you want, change  it again in 500 miles or so.

Amen, Paul.  Why over complicate things?  lol 

I used to worry about the left over old oil in the nooks and crannies, but now just ride the damn thing.  Its not like the oil that you cant get out is so contaminated as to render the fresh oil useless!  Better things to spend time worrying about, for me.  And, I dont want to spend hours changing fluids.  Just open her holes/drop filter and go have a beer or two, and come back, top her off and button her up and ride. 

By the way, I havent forgotten to replace the plug before pouring in the oil on my bikes.  Yet.  Did it a few times on my car in the past tho.  DOH!

Noot:  This is how i change oil in my 02 Heritage to get all the old oil out.  First make sure you get oil up to temp,  pull drain plug and replace filter. Refill oil tank with 3 qts of new oil, then take the tool they use on air conditioning lines and pull return line out of oil tank.  Its the one nearest the outside of the bike.  Put a piece of clear plastic tubing over the end of the line and place in one of your empty oil jugs.  Start bike and run until you see clean oil (should be about 3/4 qt)
Remove clear tubing, reinstall line to tank and top off.
  Whole procedure sounds alot harder than it is.

Quote from: Old Crow on May 14, 2011, 06:10:04 AM
There will be some oil in the crankcase, some in the lines and cooler(if equipped)but most of it should be in the tank.  If the check ball in the pump doesn't seat right, eventually most of the oil in the tank can end up in the crankcase.  This is the source of the oil puking that some guys get after the bike sits the winter.  If you've already started the bike, this shouldn't be a problem.
Personally, if you can't do the 5 qt deal, I'd just change it hot and ride.  If you want, change  it again in 500 miles or so.

"Just change the flippin' oil and ride the damn thing Paul!!! "

Exactly!


Mike

I like vetteandharley's technique. I'm gonna try that next time. Doesn't seem right to leave all that dirty oil in there!

 

It's a good thing no one has one of those crash-bar oil coolers.

   A lifetime of changing oil on cars and motorcycles has taught me that the same amount of oil will drain out whether the oil is hot or cold, a little slower of course when it's cold.  The only purpose served by warming up the bike is increasing the chance of burning yourself.
   The one thing you do NOT want to do is start the bike, turn it off before the oil is completely warmed up, then drain the oil.  If this is done, cold oil will remain up in the engine, and less oil will drain.
   As an aside, I have noticed that all harleys I've owned in the last 20 years drain about a half quart less than the capacity as stated in the owners manual, whether the oil is drained hot or cold.  This tells me that a half quart of dirty oil remains inside unless one of the "5 quart" methods is used.  But, since I change my oil frequently, I don't worry about it.  I think that the "5 quart" oil changes are an unnecessary waste of time and oil.  As always I might be 100% wrong.

If I remember correctly you have a soft tail. Put a 2x4 block under kick stand to level bike as drain tube is on the right. Then I usually set on the bike and lean it to the right for a minute.

Just change it and be done with it. There are bigger fish to fry than worrying over a half quart of dirty oil.

There won't be near a half a quart of old oil left when you change your oil hot.  2 or 3 ounces maybe.  Not even noticeable.

http://www.roguechopper.com/contact.htm
Hope this helps ..it will do what you want

Quote from: mp on May 16, 2011, 07:56:59 PM
There won't be near a half a quart of old oil left when you change your oil hot.  2 or 3 ounces maybe.  Not even noticeable.

In my Deluxe about 30 to 36 oz. of oil remain in the bottom of the engine. Why change the oil if you are leaving 30% old oil to mix with the new? I use the method with the clear hose. It works great.   

Kettoo
Are you talking about oil in the sump?

In my Deluxe about 30 to 36 oz. of oil remain in the bottom of the engine. Why change the oil if you are leaving 30% old oil to mix with the new? I use the method with the clear hose. It works great.

  If you've got a QUART (or more) of oil left in the bottom end, you have another problem. Either your pump isn't scavenging, or you have a drain back problem.

Man any thread regarding an oil issue certainly makes for some enlightend entertainment around here....

Just change the sh*t and be done with it.....lets ride..

War Horse
Can you back off a little? Kettoo obviously has some problem if there is a quart of oli left in the motor after an oil change. We're trying to help him here and you telling him to just change it and ride, isn't help.

Sorry Truck,your right, I was gettin a little bleary eyed and missed a serious issue.

Most crankcases have a separate drain plug, maybe pulling that to verify the missing quart would be a good start..