HOW TO:- perform an oil and filter change

[jonnywombat]

Based on Suzuki Bandit 600

For this you will need...
TOOLS
Paddock stand (if bike does not have centre stand)
Bowl
Socket set with appropriate socket for drain plug
Filter wrench
A tub in which to place bolts etc

MATERIALS
Oil of correct grade and type
Appropriate oil filter for bike



1) Warm the engine of the motorcycle.
Warm oil will run out of the engine more easily, and this should ensure less old oil is left behind to contaminate your nice clean oil. However this means your exhaust pipes will be HOT. BE CAREFUL

2) Support the motorcycle in a level position
Again this is to ensure all the oil runs out of the engine



As you can see the bucket has already been positioned to catch the oil when the drain plug is removed.

3) Remove the filler cap



And store this safely


4) Remove the drain plug
Before doing this first check around the plug for an oil leak.. Then using a socket and wrench remove the plug.





5) Inspect and clean the drain plug
There is a magnet in the top of your drain plug which holds bits of metal which have been floating around in your engine. Generally the cleaner the plug the better the overall health of your engine, although there is little you can do if it is very furry. Clean the swarf off the magnet.

If you noticed before removing the drain plug there was an oil leak from the drain plug then replace the washer (with the correct drain plug washer, not a general washer)

6) Allow the oil to run out the engine..
It will take some time for the flow to stop completely.

7) Remove the oil filter
This should be done with use of a proper filter wrench..

However if one is not available (say you lent it to someone and not had it back yet ) then you can take the more extreme violence approach we adopted..which is to hammer a screwdriver through the old filter and use that as a lever to twist off filter..



8) Fit new oil filter
Get your new filter, using a finger rub clean oil onto the rubber seal around edge of filter. The new filter screws into place, to hand tight only. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN FILTER.

9) Refit drain plug.
Again take care not to over tighten this bolt. Specific figures for the torque of this bolt will be in your handbook. Make sure you do this before pouring oil into the bike as the oil will go all over the floor



Oh well it was only half a litre before we noticed my deliberate mistake.. I was flushing the motor honest guv

10) Pour in the appropriate amount of the correct grade oil
It is as important to ensure you do not over fill with oil, as under fill. The correct grade and type of oil will be specified in your hand book.
Remember to allow for the fact your filter will need charging.. In the case of the Bandit 3.5l of 10w40 does the trick. Refit filler cap.

11) Finally start your engine
Be gentle with the throttle, do not rev the engine.. She will sound like a washing machine full of spanners for the first few seconds, and expect the oil light to stay on for longer than normal. All should return to normal in 10 seconds or so but I like to leave her run for around a minute on tick over just to make sure all is ok.

Repeat process as per service schedule

[BLACKPANTHER]

9) Refit drain plug.

9) Refit drain plug

9) Refit drain plug

9) Refit drain plug

Not that I've ever forgotten, mind. Ive found the oil drains a little faster if the bike's on it's sidestand, assuming the drain plug's on the same side as the stand. I think it is on every bike. Haynes recommend using the centrestand, but I just pop it on the centrestand after draining.

[thunderlad]

I hope you put some sand on that spillage!!!!!!
I think Bodgit, an scarper spring to mind.....

[jonnywombat]

I was flushing the engine out... phil moved the bucket... honest!!

[grotbag]

Thanks for that jonny & Phil, I could follow that. Is it just newer bikes that have a magnet on the drain plug or do older bikes have em too?

[jonnywombat]

Every bike (or car come to that) I have changed the oil on has had a magnetic drain plug.... but i don't know when this became the norm

[grotbag]

Thank you

[Bill CBF1000]

and have some old rags about for wiping spills up lol

[BLACKPANTHER]

Originally Posted by jonnywombat

Based on Suzuki Bandit 600

As you can see the bucket has already been positioned to catch the oil when the drain plug is removed.

3) Remove the filler cap

MAKE SURE THE CONTAINER U R USING IS BIG ENOUGH TO HOLD THE OIL........If you're watching your mate do it, and he's using too small a container SAY NOTHING! Just stand back, watch and laugh when the panic sets in.

[Manky Cat]

Originally Posted by grotbag

Thanks for that jonny & Phil, I could follow that. Is it just newer bikes that have a magnet on the drain plug or do older bikes have em too?

Looks like i'll be doing me own service soon & saving dough, nice one boy's