Stupid oil change (r)

Well, I did my third oil change on my bike today. The first time I put too much in (didn't know about the second drain plug) and wound up with oil in the air box etc.

Second time went better but spilled a bit which became a big mess because it was the drain pan and wasn't sitting on plastic.

Today was great. I hardly burned my fingers. Was really meticulous and didn't spill a drop. Backed it out onto the road, fired it up and watched a pool of oil spread beneath me!! :evil: The first instinct is to move the bike out of the way but of course, that would mean rolling the tire through oil. I hit the kill switch and ran back to the house for the puppy pads I was using. I threw them on top and then rolled the bike away from the mess. There was a little spot of oil on the tire but I rubbed some dish soap on it and wiped it off.

Turns out I didn't line up the notch thing on the filter cover with the fins on the bottom of the engine (those are my technical terms). So even though I thought it was tight, it wasn't even flush. The worst part is I was changing it at my parent's place and they were out of town. So how to get home??

Well, I decided to risk it and drive the mile or so to my place. The oil light came on almost right away but I think I got home without too much damage. I kept the revs low, the load light and the bike moving. I know there was some oil in it but I don't know how much.

How many more stupid things can I get away with on that bike :roll: I noticed this morning that the oil I used on my last change had an energy conserving label! My bike has definitely been very forgiving!

I guess the fourth time's the charm?

 

Don't fool with the "Second" drain plug.
There isn't enough oil in Middle Gear cavity to risk breaking the Plug and having to spend >>> HOURS >>> repairing the leak.

Just changing your oil is good enough because that Oil in the first to be recirculated.
Once you start doing Oil Changes on a regular basis you get the "Stuff" you need and it becomes a routine and you can so it without spilling a drop.

 

Hmm, I hate taking that second plug out! I was just thinking today that I should get a new one before this one gets too rounded.

If I only take off the filter cap, oil changes are a breeze! But I wonder how much oil to put in? A complete drain with new filter is supposed to be 2.8 L for my engine. Anyone know how much if I don't take out the second plug?

 

Mr Beanz- - Can you tell me where you learned about the second drain plug? And to make sure, it's the plug 2 inches from the kickstand safety switch? Not the plug just under the filter housing??

Just clarification here. Please oblige.

 

Well, I'm not a technical guy so I probably don't know what I'm talking about...

The second drain plug (to me) is the one just below the filter housing. It's tough to get at because it's nearly dead centre between the header collector pipes (which are usually hot when I'm working at it).

So if there's another one, then I would call that the THIRD drain plug! I've never touched that one...

 

Quote- -
"it's tough to get at. . . " - - - LOL !

You did not find the third drain plug, next to the fifth circle of Hell.
Don't look for it, , You're good to go !

To answer your other question, you can change your oil without doing a filter change, you need about 2,500 CC's of oil, you just use your "second" drain bolt. Not the "middle Gear" Get a new one.
With bike on main stand, check the window, fill just to the top, leave a bubble. That's perfect. The window is near your right foot.

 

Refer to the Parts by what they are, please.
That way you won't scare the heck out of us.

Sump Drain Plug
Oil Filter Bolt

You had me going.
I thought you were doing something else.

http://www.magneticdrainplug.com/Motorc ... /MP02.html

 

Thanks Rick. All clear now!

Fifth circle of hell? No thank you

I put in a litre yesterday and I'm just about near the top of the glass. So it looks like I was low riding it home but not empty. I'll be driving it to work tomorrow with another bottle in the saddlebag for final topping up.

 

If you get the spin on oil filter adaptor kit, oil changes get even easier. Chacal carries them and they're worth the price unless you want to keep your bike stock.

mikeg

 

OK, now I'm mixed up.

So, the drain plug I should be using to do an oil change is the one "just below the filter housing. .... it's nearly dead centre between the header collector pipes" ??

I'm about to do my first oil change and I'm having trouble finding the elusive drain plug I should be using.

 

Here you go.

 

Thanks Wizard, that's what I thought I was looking for.

 

Don't forget, especially if you change your filter, to run the engine for a few minutes after you fill the crankcase, then stop and check the glass again. Better to underfill and correct later than to overfill.
And I ALWAYS carry an extra quart in my sidebag. Haven't needed it yet, but I'm ready if I do.
Don't be discouraged. Practice makes perfect.

 

That's the only one I knew of,but I've only changed mine once so far

 

I agree with mikeg. The spin on kit rocks the world. The best purchase I made at XJ4ever. Thank you Len.

 

I have put 2.5 litres in so far - waited half an hour. The level is well below the half way point. The manual says it only take 2.65 litres. No leaks anywhere that I see - do I have a problem?

 

Okay, not to hijack this, but there's something that I feel I must get off my chest! I was changing the oil on my bike for a few years before finding this forum and I always, always drained the middle-gear plug (because the almighty Haynes told me to!). It's a little awkward to reach, but not that bad and I've never had problems with it shearing or breaking or anything. Should I stop doing this? Am I pushing my luck? What are the huge problems with this plug that people keep referring to?

 

Don't fear Jimmytime, if you are removing it and you have not encountered any issues with it, keep doing it if you feel you must. The warning is well founded as more than a few folks have had that drain plug shear off on them whilst trying to remove it, the resulting misery is a tale of it's own. Given that it only serves to remove about half a cup of regularly circulated oil, our consensus is that it isn't worth the potential problems to get it out.
You are one of the chosen few who will live blissfully knowing you have conquered a real dragon.

 

anyone?

I put 2.5 litres of oil in so far. The level is just above the minimum line. The manual says it only take 2.65 litres.

No leaks anywhere that I see - do I have a problem?

 

if you have'nt started the motor then the amount that would normaly be
in the filter is still in the pan.

mine calls for 3 qts. i put in about 2.8 at each change,run the bike around
the block a few times then recheck.
i will continue a routine check after a day or two to allow for a certain
amount loss that i cant explain but seems to occure. maybe
a ounce or two and not all the time.

i keep the level just below the top of the site glass to avoid overfilling.

good luck.
ron

 

Ya, I did run the engine after - just for 10 minutes on the center stand. The oil level is still just above the min mark. I can keep putting oil in, but it seems like it's going to need a lot more than 2.65 litres.

 

Your capacity (cast into the clutch cover) is, I believe 2500cc or 2.5 liters.

It is acceptable to "overfill" by 300cc or so to keep the oil level sensor happy during acceleration and it will bring the oil up toward the top of the window.

Do about 2800cc or so, ride the bike until warm, and then let it sit for half an hour. The check again.

 

Ya, I was on crack. The level is at the half way point now.