Ridiculous...I know

bighamms · Posted: June 17, 2009, 10:41 pm Post subject: Ridiculous...I know

I need a walk through on changing the oil. I've consult the web but haven't found what I'm looking for. Have a Clymer manual that was printed with the "maintenance" section omitted. Can anyone out there give me a down and dirty tutorial (pics would be nice as this is my first bike....ever). thank

xs1961 · Posted: June 18, 2009, 2:54 am Post subject: Re: Ridiculous...I know

Run the bike for at least 10 minutes to warm the oil..
Place a tray under the sump & remove both sump drain bolts
when the oils drained remove the sump & check condition of the sump filter/strainer - clean / replace when/if necessary
On the r/hand outer casing remove the 2 bolts securing the smaller round cover & check condition of the 'filter'/strainer - clean/replace etc. (Check the condition of the two gaskets here too)
reassembly is just a reverse of above procedure.
After reassembly fill with 20/50 oil..

bighamms · Posted: June 18, 2009, 9:53 am Post subject: Re: Ridiculous...I know

Great, this definitely points me in the right direction. couple of questions. Of the two large bolts (plugs) on the bottom of the motor, which is the oil plug (assuming I am sitting in the saddle)? is it the front or rear? Also, how much oil (i found a source online that said about 3.2qt....does this sound kosher)? thanks again. am definitely learning a lot on this forum.

Unrelated to oil.... took exhaust off to clean and noticed that the valves were kind of cruddy. Not bad, but definitely not shiny smooth walls. Should they be cleaned. Bike actually runs pretty damn good with the exception of some hesitation/backfire which I deduced as being a carb rebuild issue on one side. thanks again.

5twins · Full Member Joined: Aug 05, 2006 Posts: 1616

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jerseykat1 · Full Member Joined: May 03, 2009 Posts: 79

Is the oil level measured with the dipstick screwed in or out? Also a thing I found out about over filling is that your clutch will not disengage very well with excessive oil in the engine. My bike had about 1 quart 2 much when I got the bike from CL seller and I could never find neutral when the bike is running and it would have slight forward movement with clutch fully depressed. So I drained some oil (was just changed says the seller and it looked clean) just for the sake of correcting the level and first thing I noticed was that I could now easily find neutral and no more forward movement at the light.

xs1961 · Posted: June 19, 2009, 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Ridiculous...I know

To check the level, run the bike for a few minutes to distribute the oil round the engine , switch off , leave to settle for 20 seconds then check with the dipstick resting in the hole - not screwed in.

jerseykat1 · Full Member Joined: May 03, 2009 Posts: 79

Would it be safe to assume that you should also be holding the bike level vs it being on the kickstand?

jerseykat1 · Full Member Joined: May 03, 2009 Posts: 79

Sorry if I am thread jacking. But what is that other plug for next to the dipstick under the carbs?

xs1961 · Posted: June 19, 2009, 6:07 pm Post subject: Re: Ridiculous...I know

Bike should be straight & level
Ignore the other 'plug' thats for selector drum indent capnut

cretin75xs650 · Full Member Joined: Dec 24, 2008 Posts: 99

So that is why I have oil out the breather. I installed pods and ran the breather line down by the swingarm with a filter on the end. I have been spraying oil when I do harder rides. (speeds in excess of 55 mph) I will probably drain the oil in the next 100 miles and put the correct amount in. I had put 3 quarts in when I got her on the road for the first time in over 8 years.

nudude53 · Posted: June 20, 2009, 1:50 am Post subject: Re: Ridiculous...I know

3 quarts is too much, anything over 2.3 quarts will blow out the breathers. Another thing, a seller will tell you anything to get your money and dump the bike, your best bet is to change the oil right away. A small expense now can save you alot of headaches later. Add Seafoam to the gas at the rate of 1 ounce per gallon, your bike will run smoother and in time it will clean the valves.

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