DOC HARLEY: NEW RIDER Q&A ON BASIC OIL CHANGE

[@stuckinnj9554]

Hey Doc, thought I add an additional tip to the ‘wet’ filter process. While the sump is draining, remove the new o/f out of the box. Fold the box flaps into the box, reinsert the filter, seal up. The box and flaps steady/support the filter. Now fill filter to the top. Put it to the side. Caution: if your environment is dusty, place a clean shop towel over the filter - avoid contamination. Carry on with removing the old filter. By the time you are ready to install new filter, the media will have absorbed the majority of free standing fluid. This makes for a clean installation and you’re not standing around watching dirty oil drain😄.

[@kennethanderson1685]

Harley Davidson Mechanics excellent support after the sale is what convinces me to purchase Harley Davidson Motorcycles. The HD mechanics are professionals that give me confidence in ownership throughout the lifecycle of my Motorcycle.

[@Manfromnantucket653]

I used a 20oz. Pop bottle cut in half from top to bottom. Works great . minimal spill.

[@roadglide1745]

Punch a small hole 1/8 at top of filter 12 o'clock your vent, another at the bottom 6 o'clock position. Get your other tools ready and new oil. Filter will mostly fully drained by then.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

Good one, gonna try

[@joemesserhd1]

once again .... way to go DOC ! keep those videos coming ..... we certainly enjoy them !

[@nickhildabridle1612]

Another great video and tips to be noted!! ! Serve manuals are golden!!!

[@guilhermebomfim5909]

Your videos help us to answer many questions. I watch every week, I'm from Brazil.

[@charlesparriet3992]

Thanks for all the great information!!!

[@harleypoppitypop3817]

Anybody else think Doc Harley sounds just like Vin Scully? Thank you for the video, Doc!

[@sboy1955]

Thanks Doc, all great tips! Btw, beautiful color on that Road King!

[@felipecamerato2423]

Thanks for the tips Doc!

[@davemagee]

Thanks Doc always valuable information. All the best from NZ 😎

[@clydeespinosa6286]

Thanks Dr Harley for making this informational video

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Doc. Basic but vital information.

[@markoconnor7082]

Always enjoy your informative videos. Keep up the good work Doc!👍😎

[@edward1967able]

Thanks for the video doc, I am one of those new Harley Davidson motorcycle owner and yes I will be doing my own oil changes after the first oil change from the dealer .

[@raymondwinans978]

Thanks Doc , Big Thanks from Myrtle Beach ⛱!!

[@montanaguy]

Doc, yet another excellent vlog and especially about THE most important self service topic you could provide to the new and seasoned rider alike. Blessings brother!

[@bigj200016]

Love the tips. One thing I always do with my oil filters in addition to putting a little oil inside and lubing the gasket is spread a little oil on the threads as well. Makes it easier (IMO) to spin on.

[@candymanix]

Thanks Doc! Just purchased a Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 2 days ago and immediately subscribed to your channel! Very informative....

[@jang6969]

Another great tip from the Doc! 🇨🇦

[@morrisdennis]

Its easy and fun 2 do. Thx doc!

[@lifeliners1]

Great advice exactly the way ive been doing it and the only thing i never heard about is not to fill to the top i never had oil up my air filter

[@ellwood59]

Thanks Doc. Great tips.

[@doylehenderson319]

Thanks Doc... I know that you said this vid was geared towards new riders but this old dawg was taught a few new tricks!!!! I wished I could give this one more than 1 thumbs up. Thanks for ALL you do to help us old farts too... ;-)

[@daleezzell1385]

Always informative!

[@jamesrobinson2433]

Good advice for all the new riders. Teach on.

[@bradkopczyk9049]

Always love watching your vidoes. They are so informative. Keep up the good work Doc!! 👍

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad you like them, Thank you for watching....Doc

[@westieBrucedavidson]

Doc I love that bike behind you the nacelle especially Thanks for all your videos mate

[@timallen1262]

Good information even for experience riders!!👍

[@philiporourke410]

Great vid doc, thanx

[@nturner6760]

Another great video thanks doc

[@steventwiddy3402]

Doc it’s so cool that you do these videos to help the guys out here that are wrenching on their own bikes, I’ve gained tons of knowledge from your videos and really enjoyed talking to too in Rockingham

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I remember, It was a good time!...Doc

[@williamdenton6332]

Hey Doc, I hope you're doing well, this past Friday I asked you about the primary fluid capacity and you directed me to a video you made about the primary fluid and how much to use, Thank you so much. This was my first 3-hole oil change, and I was terrified that I would do something wrong, but your videos are the best and my first experience was a success thanks to you. I can't thank you enough Doc. Now I have to go out and clean up my mess. Stay safe Doc

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad Low Country Harley-Davidson could help....Doc

[@lpd1snipe]

Good advice Doc. The cheapest way is form a piece of Aluminum foil under the oil filter like a tray. Then punch a hole in the bottom of the oil filter and then the top of it and let it run out into your drain pan. Then when you unscrew the filter you will hardly get any oil at all because it's already drained out. No muss no fuss. Then fill a new filter to the top with oil, then let it sit about 10 minutes. It will be soaked in ready to spin on. I definitely don't miss the old days of Harley oil filters in the tank that you have to disassemble the filter assembly to change like the old Shovel heads and my two Sportsters. Just my two cents worth of working on bikes for 50 years.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for you “old School” Tech Tip👍…Doc

[@xrick76tube]

I use break life lube on the oil filter seal it’s like die electric grease it helps the oil filter come off easier syn3 gear in the trans and syn3 oil or ams oil in the engine and regular formula + in the primary

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing...Doc

[@bag-of-bones485]

Doc, I really appreciate your videos they are packed with good content and your easy to listen to. Thanks for Sharing.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for taking time to watch and comment…..Doc

[@tcatnat70]

Aluminum foil under the oil filter works too.

[@Blayze1017]

Aluminum foil is what ive used for 30yrs. Works great.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Both are important. Both less complicated without the filter. Both when hot. Most have the same drain plug so the same advice. The only modification to this video is your service manual will have an exact amount of oil to put in. Thanks ~ Doc

[@conniemelisabray563]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson bless it

[@epsavoy]

Dopeness. Thanks. Im a seasoned rider but this will be my first harley. Do you think I need the maintenance warranty or can I realistically do my own to save money?

[@mrt3976]

Thanks for all the great info Doc, I've just purchased my first harley, a 2006 elactra glide standard, keep up the good work, Andy from devon UK.

[@scottlin7876]

congrats to you mr.t on your purchase

[@toro5338]

As an old aircraft mechanic is a pleasure listening to you ! Congrats !

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I bet you have a lot of knowledge also to share....Doc

[@stephenbodholdt4326]

You are a blessing 👍🇺🇸 wish you would travel up to Myrtle beach Harley and give a seminar on anything, we all would be there. Thank you for what you do. Vietnam era/ Berlin wall vet and Dyna owner👍🇺🇸

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I like the arrangement on my 1988 Evo FLHTC better. The oil tank drain is up high above the right rear floorboard and the oil filter is under the transmission. No mess on the front of the engine.

[@user-hs3kd5qm2t]

Hello from Ukraine (Kharkiv), i have H-D 1988 FLHTC 85th Anniversary (#451/850). Change oil no problem for me.

[@eddiealvarez5493]

Now that was as simple as 1, 2, 3, Doc!

[@kato64]

I’ve used cut down 2L pop bottles or folds of tinfoil underneath the oil filter, to ‘minimize’ the mess. I’ve never quite figured out how to eliminate it completely, but if sure reduces cleanup time.

[@danielsaudi9121]

Awesome video…Thanks for helping us new riders out….

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Welcome to our world. Thanks for tuning in….Doc

[@elton71737678]

Doc, as usual another fact filled video. I am NOT a fan of one oil in all 3 holes. I’ve been using BelRay 85/140 oil in my transmissions, Harley primary oil in the primary and regular, Harley non synthetic, oil in the motor. I’ve never had any transmission, primary issues, or motor issues. On any of my bikes. Evo’s Twin cams, or Milwaukee 8 bikes. Your opinion, would be greatly appreciated. You are after all, the Harley guru!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing...Doc

[@davechurchill416]

Great information and tips

[@MichaelHeinrich1]

Thank you Doc. 😁

[@jeffklun2314]

Thank you. Changed my oil for the first time myself. You made it a breeze.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad it helped….Doc

[@goforitman1]

Doc your helping be better Harley owner by educating us. Thanks for do's and don't I change my own oil and you gave advice I will use moving forward. Last thing thanks for mentioning the muffler rubber Isolators...story at end of my 2700 my trip. few weeks ago I started to hear this horrible noise coming from left side toward rear of bike and took me a while to figure out it was coming from these and ordered replacement.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing.....Doc

[@MadMexism]

Doc Harley is the best.

[@jeffallen5758]

Thanks Doc.

[@sherminl1284]

did my first oil change all 3 holes and was surprised. found engine oil and tran oil drain bolts were loose. I actually did not need a wrench. removed the bolts and saw they put Teflon tape on it, I tell you that tape was the only thing holding the bolts in, I had 6300 miles on it from the oil change. always had my bike serviced at Harley-Davidson, this was the first time doing it myself. glad I did it myself....Happy riding.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A great post with good and bad experiences. …..Doc

[@itumelengmahaole5890]

Thanks from South Africa 🌍

[@atrenthillman]

Good information sir. Thanks! I love your videos. 😊

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I appreciate your time and kind words…Doc

[@richardleathers146]

THANKS from Mississippi

[@petevicente9236]

Nice job Doc!

[@jlc904ubc]

Great info Doc. Thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching...Doc

[@bigblue3568]

TIP: Place carboard under filter (foil lined works great) then take an old Phillips screw driver and hammer to punch a hole in the bottom face then top face of filter and let the filter drain itself empty of oil then remove. Way less mess.

[@JD-en6ph]

Old trick and it works very well, obviously you are not new to the oil change business.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

When changing the oil filter on my 2021 Tri Glide, having hands like mine, large as a bear, I use the wrench to put the filter on. I also watch after is makes contact that I turn it no more than half turn. So far so good. Thanks Doc for all of your tips. I try to watch them all. I have been riding since my first Shovel. 70 years old now and enjoying the three wheels.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the feedback....My first was a Pan. I too some day will join you on a three wheeler....Doc

[@ridefitnation]

Great video as usual. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching…..Doc

[@harleydave2316]

Great video!

[@toolmaker5150]

For the oil filter, I use a 2 liter soda bottle cut in half. I also use a long 1/4” drill to drill through the filter, that way most of the oil will drain out before removing it. Thanks for the video.

[@montanaguy]

NO DRILLING!! You cannot be assured you are not getting drilled metal into your circulating system. This could be construed as a 'common sense' issue!!!

[@kingkrimson8771]

Here's a cool trick for checking the crankcase breathers while doing an oil change - leave the oil filler cap on when you first pull the drain plug. The oil should drain quite slowly. Now remove the oil filler cap; the oil should drain a lot faster. If it does you know your breathers are working as they should.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

So, You watched our very first video! Thanks....Doc

[@mikeb46]

As always a really great video from Doc. Love all the tips. I was told to get the orange tool by a friend at the parts counter. I use it every time and it works great. Some folks might get lucky by cutting up a soda bottle. I did that at first but it still managed to leak. One thing you didn't mention, which surprised me, you didn't praise the better lubricating properties of synthetic oil. It is soooo much better. It can tolerate a lot more heat, which is a big issue with air cooled engines if you get stuck in heavy traffic. My glide now has 88,000 miles on the factory engine and it idles as quiet as a friends bike with only 15,000. I started using synthetic at the first oil change. I change oil at 5,000 faithfully. A friend changes his at 10,000 but changes the filter every 5,000. He has almost 90,000 on his engine so it must be working. The brake cleaner is good tip. I have been reluctant to use it for fear of damaging paint. I had been using Simple Green in a spray bottle. It does a great job of removing dirt and oil residue. I lay the garden hose out in the sun to get the water hot. When it's ready, I spray the bike with the simple green, wait about five months then blast it with the hot water. Any oil I slobbered on the bike comes right off. So do bugs and most grime. Then I rinse it down with distilled water from my pump up sprayer and it will be clean with no water spots.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for sharing your story..Doc

[@laneh1968]

I just shared your channel on my Facebook page for all my Harley friends to check out. This channel is too good not to have over 100,000 subscribers.

[@jamesmartin8999]

Hello doc harley...best oil for my 2010 harley fatboy...have watched so many of your videos.very impressed and explained so well.regards jimmy.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Oil is a Choice. I choose HD product Oil because I can get it from coast to coast. Do your research, Choose what you can afford. Do Not put Automotive oil in your Air cooled motor!..Doc

[@mikehammer2408]

Use K&N filter with nut on end -easier to remove than oil filter wrench. I use paper plates under the filter when removing to catch oil.

[@Jonathan-L]

Yes, those K&N filters with the hexagon nut are good. And you can go one step further by using an empty plastic soda pop bottle... First, you cut the bottom of the bottle (just as if you're making a funnel), remove the cap, place your socket & socket drive extension shaft insid the bottle, slide the bottom of bottle over the oil filter, and connect your ratchet to the socket socket drive extension shaft. When you remove the filter, it will be contained within the bottle and it will help minimise the mess (maybe not prevent it completely). This video is an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6vdmqGClNeJnJo

[@mikehammer2408]

@@Jonathan-L That is an awesome idea Appreciate the tip

[@pb68slab18]

Sharpie makes permanent markers in silver and gold. Perfect for writing the mileage on the black oil filter.

[@garyzanghi9272]

Great video A++++

[@alexespinoza2885]

Great video, I myself just treated myself to my first HD for my 27th birthday!!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Happy birthday!...Doc

[@bluesriderDF]

Wow look at that bike!

[@christophercolarossi1313]

I made a piece for the oil filter out of corragated plastic and it works perfect.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing....Doc

[@thomasmallow9310]

Love your videos!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you!...Doc

[@robertmacdonald2735]

Great video....your thoughts on regular vehicle oil 20w50 for engine and primary?

[@johnjaco5544]

Brilliant I wouldn't never figured this out?????????????

[@larryblundell4084]

Thanks from the UK

[@kimslover30]

I use an old skillet to catch the oil works pretty well. I have to laugh at myself when he talked about getting the bike hot before changing the oil, let's just say I didn't let my bike get hot enough, I change the oil and one day while riding the back pressure in the crank case popped my dipstick out of the tank I had oil all over the side of my bike. At least now I have the proper amount of oil and it's not over filled, so yeah if the oil isn't hot enough not all of the oil drains out.

[@earlkozak6538]

Another excellent video

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks again….Doc

[@user-hs3kd5qm2t]

Thanks from Ukraine (Kharkiv).)

[@westieBrucedavidson]

Hey doc thanks for your vids mate Good to see some real good advice I've been using hylomar blue the last 20 years If I'm in doubt about thread seal tape I use this If you haven't tried it certainly recommend it Be safe mate these days are strange And good to see something normal like you

[@beauxdutaman7450]

just watched this one, as for the oil filter i use a 2 liter bottle cut to fit and keep the cap on then take the filter off. i have a reusable filter of 5 microns, and i use a scavenger, this goes on the oil filter port. then after oil is drained and i replace the plug, add 3 qrts of oil and take the return pipe out, put a plastic hose on it. move it over the dran pan, make sure the transmission is in neutral, then start the engine let it run until all the dark oil that comes out of the return pipe comes out clear, then stop the engine and put the return pipe back into the oil tank, that way all the dirty oil is removed from the engine and only new clean oil is in there and not mixing with any of the old stuff. cleaning the reusable oil filter screen in a can of gasoline and letting it air dry out in the sun. then put it back on after taking the scavenger puck off.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing....Doc

[@Grunt49]

Thx Doc

[@MrJeepmed]

Thanks for the info. That green plastic looks like a Sam splint.

[@stevesyncox9893]

Thanks from Northern Alberta.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching...Doc

[@stephenfleming7056]

Cat litter tray makes a good oil catch container.

[@MyMotorcycleObsession]

Nice video doc! I'm getting ready to change my oil for the first time. *Here's a topic for a new video: SPARK PLUG WIRES!* I've read so many conflicting things about spark plug wires. I think some manuals say to replace them every three years, some people say to never replace them and they never wear out. Some say to replace the bad ol stock wires with some better ones as soon as you buy the bike. Some say to test them with an ohm meter, some say to put your tongue on the wire while its running, if you get shocked then you need to replace them LOL. I just ordered some Accel 8 mm plug wires, it says they deliver five times more energy than stock. Some wires claim a significant increase in horsepower. Some are thicker wires, does it matter if you go above 8 mm? I think the thick ones look funny LOL. I just replaced my starter, battery and spark plugs, my bike starts better than almost any Dyna I've seen. Going to do the wires because my bike is 14 years old and I'm pretty sure those wires are stock. It would be nice to hear your input on spark plug wires in a video!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing your research. The Topic has been added to our list...Doc

[@onetakeadventureswithjoeld4679]

Take it to the shop, write the check!

[@rooferrob9279]

How about a vid showing you purge all the systems on a stock softail?

[@carlospenunuri9355]

I’m going to do my first service on my FXLRS and was given Harley Davidson heavy synthetic gear oil for the transmission and primary. I’ve always used the regular Harley primary and transmission fluid. What do you think of the synthetic gear oil for the M8?

[@hectorbarajas9316]

Doc, …… i have question: Years ago I had a Sportster (1994) and there used to be an aftermarket round oil cooler that after you removed the oil filter you could screw on the finned oil cooler on and then the new oil filter behind it. It also gave your Sportster slightly more oil capacity along with extra cooling during very hot climates. During the winter time there was a leather sleeve that slid over the cooler to block the now much colder air flow on the fins but still allowed for a tad larger oil capacity w/o having to remove the cooler. I wanna say HD used to sell this product but have not seen one in 26 years. Any ideas on who made these animals and where/how I can get one now for my bike ?

[@UsetoCud]

The bigger problem is Teflon tape on the end of the plug is cutoff and is now in the engine oil system. It can plug small holes and can keep seals from working. If you use Teflon tape, use only two raps and leave the first two threads exposed.

[@southernstyle067]

And if you fill to the full mark you will get more oil blow by in your air filter/throttle body. Unless you have a external breather.

[@Joebauers2505]

Never knew i needed something to catch the oil, always thought that was for the ground to do.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Alucard the ground becomes slick in this world when oil flows……Doc

[@Peter-976]

Doc, just would like to add that drain the oil from the motor first before you remove the oil filter to minimize the amount of oil left in the filter.

[@ericroadking7564]

Chinese food box for filter works like a charm with some paper towles under it

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the tech tip....Doc

[@mopar21]

Have a 2020 XL1200NS, bought new last summer. I'd like to change all the fluids this spring as all of the fluids are 2 years old. Going syn3 for the engine. What do you recommend for the transmission/ primary? I want to run the best, regardless of cost. Considering syn3, formula plus and the screamin eagle synthetic gear oil.

[@lancedozier9505]

Love the videos. I just bought a 95 wide glide s&s motor...would like to know how to tell if it's a s&s evo

[@lancedozier9505]

It's a super stock...7102 miles

[@stevecucho]

on a trike, there is no Jeffy so I guess it's safe to change all fluids while 3 wheels are making contact and level on the floor. thank you for all you do love your channel. any tips for m8. fluid change ?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I like the new heavy oil Harley is offering for the primary. Seems to quite the compensator….Doc

[@donmelanson4894]

Great tips , thanks for sharing the knowledge. The service manual doesnt talk about a full purge oil change ,what are your toughts on it,.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I have not performed this type of oil change. read a lot about it. Seems to be a lot of work but could be beneficial if done right....Doc

[@donmelanson4894]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I did my 2007 softail today and it’s a process, I followed a video from Delboy

[@Emmer_Jayber]

That magnet!