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Oil change

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by HDKICKER01, Jun 22, 2010.

  1. HDKICKER01

    HDKICKER01 New Member

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    When changing my oil on 2001 Road King and when trying to drain only about 1/2 qt. comes out but dipstick says full. Possible blockage problems? Please help got a trip planned Thur. Thanks
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2010
    HDKICKER01, Jun 22, 2010
    #1
  3. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Are you CERTAIN that you have pulled the drain plug, and not another bolt by mistake? I started to make that mistake the first time I went to change my oil - and it happens more often then riders will admit.

    Your engine will take about 3.5 quarts.
    Red Rider, Jun 22, 2010
    #2
  4. HDKICKER01

    HDKICKER01 New Member

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    I have a 2001 Road King, I pulled hex screw on bottom of pan on right side below the back of the footboard.
    HDKICKER01, Jun 22, 2010
    #3
  5. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    And I may as well ask the other questions:

    Did you warm up the bike first? (just warm, no need to be hot)

    Did you pull the dipstick when draining?

    Did you pull the oil filter while draining?
    Red Rider, Jun 22, 2010
    #4
  6. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Oops - i believe you pulled the wrong plug - it should be on the left side on the front (as in towards front wheel) portion of the oil pan. Do you have the manual?
    Red Rider, Jun 22, 2010
    #5
  7. HDKICKER01

    HDKICKER01 New Member

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    No manual but did look for another plug did not see one unless it looks like a bolt on left side
    HDKICKER01, Jun 22, 2010
    #6
  8. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    That is it - looks like a bolt, on the LEFT side forward. Uses an O-ring. Is your bike on the floor or on a lift?

    There are two bolts on the bottom of the pan, the Oil Drain plug (which on the Left Front of the pan) and the Transmission Drain plug, (which is on the Right Bottom). I'm thinking/hoping that is what you pulled, the Tranny drain.
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2010
    Red Rider, Jun 22, 2010
    #7
  9. HDKICKER01

    HDKICKER01 New Member

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    Bike is on floor ,pulled three bolts on left side all were just bolts any more help is appreciated
    HDKICKER01, Jun 22, 2010
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  10. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Red Rider, Jun 22, 2010
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  11. HDKICKER01

    HDKICKER01 New Member

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    Thanks for your help I feel pretty stupid now that I removed the mud (live on gravel road where it rains a lot) and discovered that pesky drain plug. All is well in that area again thanks for your advice and patience. God Bless
    HDKICKER01, Jun 22, 2010
    #10
  12. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Don't sweat it. Like I said, this happens more often than you'd think. At least a few times I've been in shops when some guy came in swearing that his bike was FUBAR because it wouldn't drain, and it was the same thing. And this wasn't the first time this came up on this forum, either.

    You are going to need to fully drain and replace your tranny's oil now, since you kinda got that started. That video (or others like it, there are quite a few free ones out there) should help. Make sure your tranny oil is the right stuff...as just because there are tranny and engine oils you can use in both, it doesn't mean they all can be used that way.

    :cheers:
    Red Rider, Jun 22, 2010
    #11
  13. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yeah a lot of people do a first look at the HD and think the oil is contained in the bottom of the engine cases, it's not. These are dry sump systems, meaning oil is supplied to the engine to lubricate but not stored as is done in a typical car oil pan. So they remove the bolt in the bottom of the cases, and fubar the cases.

    Don't do that..

    The oil pan is under the transmission.

    Engine oil should be a good 20W-50 Air Cooled engine oil. Lots of people will tell you that any 20W-50 will work, and it might, however there are additives in motorcycle oil to help the air cooled engines, My preference is Mobil1 V-twin. Many auto parts stores like Advance will carry it.

    Also DO NOT overtighten the oil filter, (I only use black, why pay extra for a chrome disposable part. JMO..

    The best oil filter removal wrench is HD's wrench go figure, I use a strap but the HD allows you to grab the end, miss the sensor and turn it right off..

    BTW one big mess is the design having the oil filter right over the front engine mount, instructions from HD say to get the oil off the mount the material will deteriorate faster as the oil picks up debris etc. So clean it when you are done.

    These guys (Bishops Performance) in MI are a dealer for the Form a Filter which you can make into any shape, maybe even your own Gumby Dam-it!, and it allows you to capture the oil and filter without the mess. Anything that saves cleanup I'm for..

    Be sure the o-ring is good on the drain plugs, don't overtighten. And underfill the oil tank, if it calls for 4, put in 3.5, and put some oil in the new filter to prime it...

    Run it, warm it up, then check the oil level... Add as needed...
    hotroadking, Jun 22, 2010
    #12
  14. fxdxriderleo

    fxdxriderleo Active Member

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    I use the corner cut out of a milk jug. It fits in from the left, under the filter. the oil runs down the milk jug into your shoes if your slow. In to a drain pan if not.
    I like the Amsoil 20w50 motorcycle oil in the engine, their 10w40 in the primary, their 75w110 Severe Gear oil in the tranny.
    fxdxriderleo, Jun 22, 2010
    #13
  15. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    the factory service manual WILL be the best tool in your box............get one before you cost yourself a LOT of money. ride safe!
    chucktx, Jun 22, 2010
    #14
  16. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yeah the milk jug works, but I don't drink milk unless it's in ice cream or a shake LOL
    hotroadking, Jun 23, 2010
    #15

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