What is the correct interval to change oil?

I have not been able to find this anywhere.

 

Change it often. I changed mine every 2500 to 3000 in my original Seca and got 100,000 miles out of her. This was pre-synthetic, too. Heck I still only use pure dino and change it often, say 1000 to 1500 miles. Its easy and quick.

Regards,
George

 

Manufacturer of the venerable old 81 XJ's suggest a 2,500 mile interval for the oil and a new oil filter every other change. Given the improvements that modern oil has over the material available 20+ years ago, I would feel completely comfortable running the oil to 4,000 or 5,000. I do, however, change my filter each time as a matter of habit. My shade tree mechanic alter-ego swipes a drop or two of oil out of the case and rubs the oil between his fingers. I can usually tell if an oil is breaking down by the feel. Contamination is an obvious visual test. I change oil only when needed, not by any schedule.

 

you know that ain't so silly as it sounds xjwizz , but as you mentioned one has to have a feel , sort of gritty [yet not] not so slippery [yet is] and the way it [the oil] looks .

the book says this or that so if not sure go by the book , harder riding = more frequent changes ...

 

Right you are HooNz. Over time we old timers develop a "feel" for how oil should truly feel. I suggest to you newbies that you try a few drops of new oil and then try a few drops of used and note the difference between the two. Stiction, viscosity, contaminate level, color, odor are all factors to observe. (Warning: Old oil is known to contain carcinogens and heavy metals, so I would HIGHLY recommend you wash your hands immediately after handling old oil)

 

Just as a FYI, in the old days I use to use the same trick to analyze my gas. Every fill-up I would run a good cup or so of the fuel over my fingertips and could sense the octane and lead content.

I gave this practice up once my hands grew numb (and a few fire incidents) … :mrgreen:

 

Talking about oils , one day a few years ago i came across a old 4cyl deisel tractor that was still in daily use on a farm [massy/harris i think] , anyways i asked after doin my bit on it [as i checked the oil before starting] "how long since this thing had a oil change".
response , cant remember but at least 10 to 15 years ago farmer says.

story short , drained/flushed and reflushed the engine ,.removed filter cannistor and the paper element was a mush of something indescribeable , fuel filters the same , refilled and new filters and started it up and stood back waiting for something to go bang!. it never did and still is in daily use out there , old oil was the viscosity 200 weight if there is such a thing...

 

I have an 86 700 owners manual that suggests you change your oil every 6000 miles under normal conditions. I would not wait quite that long, between 3500 & 4000 would be my personal choice.

 

hopedully i will do it this week

and this time i'll undo the bottom too!

should i loosen the bootom or the side first?

i will also be changing flter if i can get it through the fairing!