First year with 2000 Fatboy, want to change oil myself.. any feedback?

[toddtvl]

I have a 2000 Fatboy which has had the 96 Bore Kit, some cam work and some other stuff. I got it used in the middle of summer, have done 400miles since, and want to change oil.

Everyone is saying stay away from the SYN3 HD stuff, go for Mobile 1 or AMSOIL. Or something pure synth. 20/50, As for the filter, I could go with normal model, unless any of you recommend the cooling type, if they work? I have a temp reader in my oil tank and It's running up-to 200 degrees, but seldom beyond that, so it's mostly in the 150-220 or so.

What I understand is that I warm the bike up, raise it up, drain the oil from the plug on the bottom, remove and re-install the new filter (as normal) and then fill up the Oil.

Does anyone have any comments? I know the dealer will rake me over the coals for doing this, and only has SYN3, and wants to do all the other maintenance stuff.

Thank you in advance for your help, I really appreciate it.

Todd

[sirbOOm]

Get the maintenance manual first. Gives you step-by-step directions, basically.

I know on my Dyna you have to have it on the stand when checking and changing oil. But the Softails have the oil tank under the seat vs. at the bottom of the case so, yes, you'll want to center the bike up. Make sure it's solid... putting the bike up on it's kickstand on top of a few boards isn't safe in my opinion. You can get those front tire holders for like $99 or just rig one up yourself with some 2x4s and plenty of screws.

When you remove the filter, oil will pour of of that too so find a way to protect your engine and frame from that grime. It will wash off though. When you put the filter back on, put some of the oil on the seal and also many folks recommend filling the oil filter 1/4 of the way with some oil to avoid any instance of the engine being without enough oil for a second... prevents engine wear associated with oil changes. They say you need to use a proper oil filter wrench to do the job right vs. a strap but if you can manage a strap you should be fine. Be careful taking the filter off, there are sensors around that area (at least on my bike). When you put the filter back on, you just hand tighten it and maybe, maybe a quick dink of a turn with the wrench if you couldn't tighten it well with your hand. Don't over torque it in there otherwise you're asking for issues later. U.S. the OEM HD filter or a K&N filter, which are nice because they have a proper connection for a ratchet wrench vs. having to use Harley's overpriced oil filter wrench thingymobobber.

The dealer can't rake you over the coals if your bike is out of warranty. If it's in warranty, I'd always recommend letting a dealer do it. Otherwise they get protective of the warranty and that's just annoying.

As far as I know, your oil temp. is spot on. I suppose you can get an oil cooler but it doesn't seem necessary. Lower oil temp will improve the life span of the oil but if you change every 2,500 miles like a lot of folks, I'm not sure it'll matter. I'll leave that up to the certified mechanics.

But, yeah, you have the right idea. Lots of folks love Amsoil but you have to buy it from "some guy somewhere". You can get Mobile 1 at an discount auto parts store and if they don't stock it, tell them to and they will. SYN3 oil isn't bad. It's just not in favor (1) because it's HD's oil and HD recommends it, thus HD riders don't want to use it and (2) Amsoil's tests show that it's not as good as many other brands (but that could be a biased test because it is conducted by Amsoil). You'll be fine with SYN3 but for your money, you can do better.

Remember you're responsible for your own workmanship. Dealers warranty their work. Sometimes...

[IndianaFatboy]

Lucas synth is decent oil. I found when I did my 1st change is that the manual says something like the capacity is 'no more than' 3.5 qts. but mine was full at 6 oz. shy of that so you might want to check it as you fill and not just dump 3.5 qts in.