Oil and gear oil change

[coacha]

I decided to do it myself for the first time. I learned some lessons:

1. Changing oil up on the jack ends up fairly messy for me. The jack bars and such, get in the way of the draining oil, so I ended up with a nice big pool of used oil on the floor. Oil dry to the rescue.

2. The oil fill cap is a PITA to get off if you don't have the "special" tool as the service tech told me via phone or a big honking screw driver. Had to go to Sears and get the Big Dawg and use some channel locks with it to loosen the thing. Tech told me that was so nobody can mess with your oil fill when you are out. WTF would I do if I needed to put oil in on the road???? Guess Big Dawg and the channel locks go with me now in the side bags on long trips.

3. The final gear oil is a PITA to fill. I used a funnel to get it into the opening but didn't have it in far enough (I've heard that before!) so everything started to spill out the edges. Finally got it in deep (again, heard that before) and got enough in.

What should have been a 30 to 45 minute job turned into 2 hours. At least now I know what NOT to do.

[mrfuni]

Hey Coach,

2 lessons learned here:

1. Without the right tools, even a routine job like an oil change can be a pain in the butt.

2. It always takes twice as long to do it the first time expecially without number 1.

Glad our bikes don't burn oil so not necessary to carry the "big mama" screw driver with you on the road. Unless you're riding across the desert, there's always a Sears, Walmart, or Ace Hardware available in an emergency.

May try the bafflectomy myself and I'm sure it'll end up being an all day affair.

Ride safe...Joe

[coacha]

If you are going to do that, I may have to ride down and we can do a double baffelectomy. I'll get david to send us one of those drills ;)

[mrfuni]

"I may have to ride down and we can do a double baffelectomy."

I'd put you at a severe disadvantage because whenever I attempt a project like that, I develop two left hands, which is not good for someone who is righthanded ;)

[macmac]

I drain the oil from the strainer screen plug, with the bike on it's side stand. I do need to lift the bike to get the pan under it and then let it back down.

Get a 1/2" fender washer. When you see it you will know what it does.. if you want a little class get a beat up old silver dollar, which is the same size that fender washer is.

I had token coins from a hunting club, that size and gave one to Cadd. He refused to use it for the job intended. Oh well.

Fit out a funnel with plastic tubing, and step that tubing down a size or two, to fit the rear end gears hole. Make the hose long enough you can put a hook on the funnel and hang it off the saddle bag frame.

ONLY FILL THE REAR END WITH THE BIKE ON THE SIDE STAND! IF you must be fussy, place a wooden block under the side stand so the bike STILL LEANS!

IF the bike was dead on straight up when you FILLED it, then ge the bag off and drain some out NOW! Just put the bike on the side stand and pull the filler plug.... don't fergit the oil drain pan and a few rags..

[papat]

coacha practice makes perfect "ok maybe just better" the next time will go easier. Like macmac said go to the parts house and find a big washer that fits the slot in oil cap then just use a screwdriver in the washer hole to turn

[mrfuni]

big washer that fits the slot in oil cap then just use a screwdriver in the washer hole to turn

WOW...What a great idea!

[coacha]

Fender washer...duh.

I will have to check the final drive lube level.

[cliff1600]

you can also use a feeler gauge ,good to check plugs also.

[waterman]

Another idea for the washer is to weld it on a crappy old screwdriver that you don't use.

For the final drive, get a syringe and some plastic air hose for an aquarium. Measure and fill and no fuss no mess.

[ringadingh]

Coach; next time it will be easier and faster, just get set up for the job in advance.
A bafflectomy is a simple procedure IF YOU HAVE A GOOD QUALITY HOLESAW. Go and buy a Greenlee or Milwaukee brand, they cost more but they WORK. Don't even attempt using some cheap piece of crap holesaw for cutting metal, you will have a lot of grief.
I'll be listening for you guys at the next rally.

[coot]

Most gear oil comes in a plactic bottle with a tapered spout. You just put the tapered spout in the final drive fill hole and squeeze the bottle until it starts to overflow.

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by coot

Most gear oil comes in a plactic bottle with a tapered spout. You just put the tapered spout in the final drive fill hole and squeeze the bottle until it starts to overflow.

Thats actually how I fill mine, with about 6" of plastic tubing on the spout its a simple procedure.

[coacha]

The spout wasn't long enough in my case. I have some old aquarium hose laying around and I will use it next time. It was a little overfilled, maybe 2 tablespoons, so it all drained out.

Thanks to all for their input.

Originally Posted by macmac

I had token coins from a hunting club, that size and gave one to Cadd. He refused to use it for the job intended. Oh well...

It was too nice to use for changing oil! I put it in my coin collection. Besides I had a handful of those washers. One of those and any pair of pliers is more than enough to get the oil plugs out without tearing them up.