NOTICE
Do not switch lubricant brands indiscriminately because some lubricants interact chemically when mixed. Use of inferior lubricants can damage the engine. (00184a)
See Figure 1. Sportster motorcycles use a chrome or black oil filter. Oil filters are located on an oil filter mount in front of the engine.
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)
Removal and Draining
| 1. | Remove the oil filler plug/dipstick. NOTE Oil will flow more quickly if the filler cap/dipstick is removed from the oil tank. | |
| 2. | Place a suitable container under the engine crankcase. The container must be able to hold approximately 4 U.S. quarts (3.8 liters). | |
| 3. | See Figure 2. Locate the oil tank drain hose and bracket secured to frame underneath motorcycle. | |
| 4. | Remove the bracket from frame. | |
NOTICE Use Harley-Davidson oil filter wrench for filter removal. This tool can prevent damage to crankshaft position sensor and/or sensor cable. (00192b) | ||
| 5. | Remove worm clamp and insert the free end of the drain hose into the container. Completely drain engine oil from oil tank. It is not necessary to drain engine crankcase. | |
| 6. | Return oil drain hose to bracket. Tighten worm clamp. Reattach bracket to motorcycle frame. | |
| 7. | Move drain pan beneath front of engine crankcase. | |
| 8. | Turn oil filter counterclockwise to remove from filter mount. | |
| 9. | Discard oil filter. |
NOTE
Dispose of oil and oil filter in accordance with local regulations.
| 1 | Crankcase |
| 2 | Oil filter |
Figure 1. Oil Filter: Sportster Models
Figure 2. Oil Tank Drain Hose and Bracket: Sportster Models
Installation and Filling
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)
| 1. | Pour about 4 fluid ounces (U.S.) (120 milliliters) of fresh, clean engine oil into new oil filter. Allow time for oil to soak into filter element. NOTE Partially fill oil filter before installation to minimize the time required for buildup of oil pressure when engine is first started. | |
| 2. | See Figure 3. 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. | Screw filter onto adapter until gasket contacts surface. Then apply another 1/2-3/4 turn after gasket contacts filter mounting surface. | |
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) | ||
| 5. | See Figure 2. Use bracket to secure oil tank drain hose to underside of motorcycle frame. | |
| 6. | Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication → Engine Lubrication → Recommended Engine Oils. Install 3.6 quarts U.S. (3.4 liters) to engine oil tank minus the 4 fluid ounces (120 milliliters) added in step 1. Always use the proper grade of oil for the lowest expected air temperature before the next regularly scheduled oil change. | |
| 7. | Start engine. Verify that oil pressure signal light turns off when engine speed is 1000 RPM or above. | |
| 8. | Install filler cap/dipstick onto oil tank. Make sure cap is fully seated. | |
| 9. | Check for oil leaks at oil filter and oil tank drain hose. Turn engine off. |
| 1 | Thin oil film ONLY |
| 2 | Oil filter |
| 3 | Mounting plate |
Figure 3. Applying Thin Oil Film