When it comes to doing a 3 hole oil change on your Harley Davidson, the saying goes, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' Taking the time to properly maintain your bike can save you from costly repairs down the road.
So, how exactly do you make sure your Harley's engine stays in top shape? By meticulously following a few key steps, you can keep your ride running smoothly and efficiently.
Let's delve into the details of this essential process to keep your Harley purring like a well-oiled machine.
Key Takeaways
- Use correct oil filters and o-rings to ensure proper maintenance.
- Refill primary, transmission, and engine with specified oil quantities for optimal performance.
- Regular oil changes are vital for engine health and longevity.
- Torque drain plugs and check fluid levels to prevent costly repairs.
Drain Oil From Primary, Engine, and Transmission
To begin the process of draining oil from the primary, engine, and transmission on your Harley Davidson, start by locating and removing the respective drain plugs using the appropriate tools. Make sure your bike is on the jiffy stand for stability during the oil draining process.
Begin with the primary drain plug, which is typically located on the bottom side of the primary cover. Next, move on to the engine oil drain plug, which is usually located on the bottom of the engine. Don't forget to replace the oil filter and o-ring before refilling the engine with the appropriate amount of oil.
Replace Oil Filters and O-Rings
When replacing oil filters during a 3 hole oil change on your Harley Davidson, make sure you use the correct filter specified for your model and always replace the o-ring on the oil filter mounting plate to prevent leaks and guarantee a proper seal. Consult your owner's manual to determine the exact type of filter required for your bike. The table below illustrates some common Harley Davidson oil filters and their compatible models:
| Oil Filter Model | Compatible Models |
|---|---|
| 63731-99A | Sportster and Dyna models |
| 63798-99A | Softail and Touring models |
| 63796-77A | Shovelhead and Panhead |
Refill With New Oil and Check Levels
Upon completing the necessary draining and servicing steps, proceed to replenish the primary, transmission, and engine with the specified oil quantities and verify the fluid levels to guarantee peak performance.
Here are some important steps to follow for refilling the oil and checking the levels on your Harley Davidson:
- Make sure to use the correct amount of oil: 38 fluid ounces for the primary, 28 ounces for the transmission, and always refer to your bike's specifications before adding oil.
- Torque the oil drain plug, transmission plug, and primary plug to 14-21 foot-pounds to prevent leaks.
- Inspect the overhang for wear and tear after refilling with new oil, as it isn't included in the oil change kit.
- Apply blue loctite on derby cover screws and torque them to 84-108 inch-pounds following a star pattern.
- Before reinserting the dipstick, confirm the overhang is in good condition and torque the dipstick to 50 inch-pounds.
Conclusion
To sum up, performing a 3 hole oil change on a Harley Davidson is critical for maintaining the health and longevity of your bike.
By following the proper steps and using the correct materials, you can guarantee smooth operation and prevent costly repairs down the road.
For example, a rider neglected regular oil changes and ended up with engine damage, costing thousands of dollars to repair.
Stay on top of your maintenance to keep your Harley running smoothly for years to come.
