Special Tools
DescriptionPart NumberQty.
OIL FILTER WRENCH
HD-42311
1
OIL FILTER WRENCH
HD-44067-A
1

NOTICE
Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of inferior lubricants can damage the engine. (00184a)
Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals → Regular Service Intervals: 2011 Sportster Models . Completely drain oil tank of used oil at scheduled service intervals. Refill with fresh oil.
NOTE
WARNING
Be sure that no lubricants or fluids get on tires, wheels or brakes when changing fluid. Traction can be adversely affected, which could result in loss of control of the motorcycle and death or serious injury. (00047d)
Draining Oil Tank
  1. Run engine until engine oil has reached normal operating temperature.
  2. Remove oil filler cap/dipstick from oil tank. Oil will drain faster when filler cap/dipstick is removed.
  3. See Figure 1. Place a suitable container directly under the drain hose (1) at the bottom rear of the engine crankcase. The container must be able to hold approximately 2.8 L (3.0 qt).
  4. Loosen worm drive clamp (2) and pull drain plug (3) from end of drain hose. Completely drain engine oil from oil tank. It is not necessary to drain engine crankcase.
  5. Install drain plug into end of drain hose and tighten worm drive clamp securely.
1Oil tank drain hose
2Worm drive clamp
3Drain plug
Figure 1. Oil Tank Drain Hose
Removing Oil Filter
1. Place a drain pan beneath front of engine crankcase.
NOTICE
Use Harley-Davidson oil filter wrench for filter removal. This tool can prevent damage to crankshaft position sensor and/or sensor cable. (00192b)
2. See Figure 2 and Figure 3. Remove oil filter using OIL FILTER WRENCH (Part Number:HD-42311) or OIL FILTER WRENCH (Part Number:HD-44067-A). Turn oil filter counterclockwise to remove from filter mount.
3. Drain oil filter into drain pan. Discard oil filter.
4. Clean any oil spills off crankcase and frame.
NOTE
Dispose of oil and oil filter in accordance with local regulations.
Figure 2. Oil Filter Wrenches
1Oil filter mount
2Oil filter
Figure 3. Oil Filter
Installing Oil Filter
NOTE
Partially fill oil filter before installation to minimize the time required for buildup of oil pressure when engine is first started.
  1. Pour about 120 ml (4 fl oz) of fresh, clean engine oil into new oil filter. Allow time for oil to soak into filter element.
  2. See Figure 4. Wipe filter gasket contact surface of oil filter mount with a clean cloth. Surface should be smooth and free of any debris or old gasket material.
  3. Apply a thin film of oil to gasket contact surface on crankcase (3), gasket and new oil filter.
  4. NOTE
    Do not use oil filter wrench to install new oil filter.
  5. Install new oil filter. Screw filter clockwise onto adapter until gasket contacts the filter mount surface. Then hand tighten an additional 1/2-3/4-turn to secure the oil filter.
Refilling Oil Tank
NOTICE
Do not overfill oil. Doing so can result in oil carryover to the air cleaner leading to equipment damage and/or equipment malfunction. (00190b)
NOTE
Do not overfill the oil tank. The oil tank has a built-in pressure relief valve. If the oil tank is overfilled, excessive pressure is created in the oil tank.The pressure relief valve will open to relieve the pressure and prevent damage to the oil tank. Excessive oil due to overfilling will also be forced out the pressure relief valve when it opens.
  1. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication → Recommended Engine Oils . Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest expected air temperature before the next regularly scheduled oil change. Pour 1.9 L (2.0 qt) of oil into engine oil tank.
1Thin film of oil ONLY
2Oil filter
3Mounting plate
Figure 4. Applying Thin Oil Film
  1. Install filler cap/dipstick in oil tank. Make sure cap is fully seated.
  2. See Figure 5. Start engine. Verify that oil pressure signal lamp turns off when engine speed is 1000 rpm or above. Turn engine off.
  3. Check for oil leaks at oil filter and oil tank drain hose. Perform oil level hot check.
Figure 5. Oil Pressure Indicator Lamp