Special Tools
| Description | Part Number | Qty. |
|---|---|---|
| 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: 2008 Sportster Models. Completely drain oil tank of used oil at scheduled service intervals. Refill with fresh oil.
NOTE
- If vehicle is driven extremely hard, used in competition, or driven on dusty roads, change engine oil at shorter intervals.
- Always replace oil filter when changing engine oil. Genuine Harley-Davidson oil filters are available in chrome or black finish (Part No. 63796-77A Chrome or Part No. 63805-80A Black).
WARNINGBe 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
- Run engine until engine oil has reached normal operating temperature.
- Remove the oil filler plug/dipstick. Oil will drain more quickly when the filler cap/dipstick is removed from the oil tank.
- 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 qt).
- 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.
- Replace drain plug into end of drain hose. Tighten worm clamp.
| 1 | Oil tank drain hose |
| 2 | Worm drive clamp |
| 3 | Drain plug |
Figure 1. Oil Tank Drain Hose and Bracket: Sportster Models (XL Model Shown)
Removing Oil Filter
| 1. | Move 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 from crankcase and frame. |
NOTE
Dispose of oil and oil filter in accordance with local regulations.
Figure 2. Oil Filter Wrenches
| 1 | Crankcase |
| 2 | Oil filter |
Figure 3. Oil Filter: Sportster Models (XL Model Shown)
Installing Oil Filter
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
Partially fill oil filter before installation to minimize the time required for buildup of oil pressure when engine is first started.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply a thin film of oil to gasket contact surface on crankcase (3), gasket and new oil filter.
- Install new oil filter. Screw filter clockwise onto adapter until gasket contacts the filter mount surface. Then hand tighten an additional 1/2 to 3/4-turn to secure the oil filter.
NOTE
Do not use an oil filter wrench to install new oil filter.
| 1 | Thin oil film ONLY |
| 2 | Oil filter |
| 3 | Mounting plate |
Figure 4. Applying Thin Oil Film
Refilling Oil Tank
NOTICE
Detach frame clip from frame tube. Loosen worm clamp and remove drain hose from frame clip. Allow a small amount of oil to flow from hose before reconnection. This action removes air from the drain hose and reduces the possibility of oil pump cavitation. (00355a)
- Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication → Recommended Engine Oils. Pour 2.65 L (2.8 qt) into engine oil tank minus the 120 ml (4 fl oz) already added in the oil filter. Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest expected air temperature before the next regularly scheduled oil change.
- Install filler cap/dipstick in oil tank. Make sure cap is fully seated.
- Start engine. Verify that oil pressure signal light turns off when engine speed is 1000 RPM or above. Turn engine off.
- Check for oil leaks at oil filter and oil tank drain hose. Check engine oil.