Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution Oil Change

Changing the Engine (crankcase) oil and filter.

http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6tQe1QLXTONjneND Eric Essen 30 minutes Easy Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution

Although there have been some minor changes to the Sportster over the years, the oil change procedure for all 1986-present models is the same. This guide uses a 1998 Sportster as an example.

Relevant parts

Tools

Drain Pan Flathead Screwdriver Funnel Oil Filter Wrench Oil Filter SAE 20w50 V-Twin Oil Securing the bike in an upright position allows for easier access to the drain tube. Securing the bike in an upright position allows for easier access to the drain tube. Always make sure your work area is clean and you have plenty of room to work safely. Never start or run your motorcycle indoors. Always make sure your work area is clean and you have plenty of room to work safely. Never start or run your motorcycle indoors. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6tQe1QLXTONjneND http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/hOacb5MlEBB2I5x1 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nmBtcPBRU3fsvTwv Unlike most vehicles, the Harley Sportster Evolution Engine has an oil drain tube, not a plug. Unlike most vehicles, the Harley Sportster Evolution Engine has an oil drain tube, not a plug. This tube is attached by a house clamp to a nipple welded to the frame. This tube is attached by a house clamp to a nipple welded to the frame. Loosen the house clamp with a Flathead Screwdriver. Do not remove the tube until you have your drain pan in position. Loosen the house clamp with a Flathead Screwdriver. Do not remove the tube until you have your drain pan in position. Removing the cap/dipstick from your oil tank at this point may help your oil drain faster. Removing the cap/dipstick from your oil tank at this point may help your oil drain faster. Pull the hose free from it's nipple and allow the oil to drain into your drain pan. Pull the hose free from it's nipple and allow the oil to drain into your drain pan. When the oil slows to a drip, replace the hose. Do not tighten the clamp yet, we will return for that later. When the oil slows to a drip, replace the hose. Do not tighten the clamp yet, we will return for that later. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/YRChOsAZ6PSOhkPf http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/WkQAQ3Yhgp2InMZE http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TBMjoOFHWc51wFaE The oil filter is located at the front of the engine, between the frame downtube and front cylinder. The oil filter is located at the front of the engine, between the frame downtube and front cylinder. Move the oil pan to the front of the bike, directly underneath the oil filter. Move the oil pan to the front of the bike, directly underneath the oil filter. Remove the oil filter. This may require an oil filter wrench. Remove the oil filter. This may require an oil filter wrench. The oil will run down the frame, and get on some parts of the bike. There is no easy way to prevent this, so just wipe it down when it's done dripping. The oil will run down the frame, and get on some parts of the bike. There is no easy way to prevent this, so just wipe it down when it's done dripping. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/VDOHIJKNjD1g6Odw http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/IaxTJr6kL26kAsVF http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ajQ3FAeYSMHDjCQN Open 1 quart of oil. Pour it into the filter until the filter is about 1/2 full. Open 1 quart of oil. Pour it into the filter until the filter is about 1/2 full. Apply a small amount of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter. Apply a small amount of clean oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter. Wipe down the oil filter mounting area, and any oil residue that has run down onto the motorcycle. Wipe down the oil filter mounting area, and any oil residue that has run down onto the motorcycle. Make sure that the old gasket came off with the filter, and you have a clean smooth surface to install the new filter on. Make sure that the old gasket came off with the filter, and you have a clean smooth surface to install the new filter on. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cIeCnwB2f4DwtPcI http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Y3SesOcEIocfRTqK http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/uASoLKVTThYEM4kp Carefully thread your new oil filter into place, turning it in a clockwise direction. Do not overtighten your filter. Only turn the filter a 1/2 turn past the point where you start to feel resistance from the gasket contacting the engine. Carefully thread your new oil filter into place, turning it in a clockwise direction. Do not overtighten your filter. Only turn the filter a 1/2 turn past the point where you start to feel resistance from the gasket contacting the engine. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EJgR4XqZ1rMFIHKm Move the drain pan back underneath the oil drain tube. By this time more oil will have collected in it. Remove the tube again, and allow it to run out until it is just a light drip. Move the drain pan back underneath the oil drain tube. By this time more oil will have collected in it. Remove the tube again, and allow it to run out until it is just a light drip. Reinstall the oil drain tube on its nipple, tightening the hose clamp with a flathead Screwdriver. Reinstall the oil drain tube on its nipple, tightening the hose clamp with a flathead Screwdriver. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/GgODPiWnqUgCZPki http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/aVCRF3uu45xuOuvv Pull the oil cap/dipstick off of the oil tank. Pull the oil cap/dipstick off of the oil tank. Some models will require the cap to be twisted first, then pulled. If you are not sure what model you have, work carefully and gently, making sure to not damage anything. Some models will require the cap to be twisted first, then pulled. If you are not sure what model you have, work carefully and gently, making sure to not damage anything. Using your funnel, slowly pour 3 quarts of oil into your oil tank. Using your funnel, slowly pour 3 quarts of oil into your oil tank. Although the Evolution engine holds up to 3.5 quarts after a rebuild or when filled new, only 3 get replaced during the oil change. Although the Evolution engine holds up to 3.5 quarts after a rebuild or when filled new, only 3 get replaced during the oil change. Use the oilcap/dipstick to check your engine oil level (holding the bike level if you have been working with your side-stand). You oil level should be kept between the 2 dipstick marks. After refilling with 3 quarts it should be right to the top one. Use the oilcap/dipstick to check your engine oil level (holding the bike level if you have been working with your side-stand). You oil level should be kept between the 2 dipstick marks. After refilling with 3 quarts it should be right to the top one. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TtloKATQltQQCuxA http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2NQtvyLniq4bD1ZT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xVpRg3sRKgDaaNBn

It is a good idea to start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check your drain tube and oil filter for leaks. Recheck your oil level, and adjust if needed.