Changing Your Motorcycle’s Oil
Published by Just like with cars and other vehicles, changing your motorcycle’s engine oil is essential to the engine’s smooth and trouble-free operation. On many motorcycles, the procedure is simple, but on others it can be difficult because the oil drain plug is obstructed by engine parts. Draining the oil would then necessitate the removal of these parts first. But like some other procedures, this can be done by any motorcyclist, with the added advantage of not having to pay a mechanic to do the work.
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Locate the Oil Filter and Drain Plug
After you have located the filter and plug, check their accessibility. If they are not readily reached, see what parts need to be removed, which could be something as minor as the foot peg, or a more major part like the exhaust pipe. Change the oil after you warm up the engine or after you return from a short trip, because warm oil will flow more easily. But make sure the oil is not too hot, to avoid getting burns on your hands.
Raise the Bike and Drain the Oil
Raise the motorcycle on its jack or on a motorcycle stand, and place a drain pan underneath the drain plug. If the plug is at the bottom of the oil pan, then positioning the drain pan is easy. But if the plug is at the side, then you will have to place the drain pan to account for the trajectory of the oil flow, not just below the drain plug. After you have removed the drain plug, which is usually magnetic, with the correct wrench and wiped off the excess oil, examine the plug in case any metal particles have stuck to it, as this can be a sign of engine trouble.
Changing the Filter
It is advisable to have a container or plastic sheet underneath as you do this, as a bit of oil will probably drip. Remove the filter housing cover and wipe it off with a clean rag, before placing it in a clean covered container or wrapping it in a clean rag to prevent it from getting dirty. Depending on the type of filter your motorcycle has, you either unscrew it to remove or simply pull it out. The pull-out filters remove easily if you just pull them out by placing your finger in the center hole. Wipe off the old oil from the inside of the filter housing before inserting the new filter. Installing the new filter should always be done by hand, as using a wrench will cause damage through over-tightening. Put the filter housing cover and the drain plug back in place before putting new oil in the engine.
Putting In Fresh Oil
If you do not already know the correct type and viscosity of oil your motorcycle needs, refer to your owner’s manual. Use a funnel to ensure that the oil will not spill when poured into the filler hole, which is often too small. After this you can reinstall all the parts you needed to remove, if any.
Dispose Of Your Waste Oil Properly
Remember to always dispose of your old oil and oil filter in an environmentally responsible manner, not just anywhere anyhow. Place the oil, using a funnel, in an old jug, and take it to an oil collection center. Commercial garages will often accept your waste oil and filter for disposal. They might even do this free of charge, especially if you have your car serviced by them.
In these hard times, it is always a great idea to do by yourself as much of the maintenance, or even repair work, that your motorcycle needs. This will not only save you a load of money in the long term, it can also be fun to do the work yourself.
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On February 18, 2012 at 12:44 am
useful tips