Oil change

Plant_W said:
A torque wrench is one of those tools you don't cheap out on. Do your research and buy a quality wrench. I have nothing but good things to say about my Armstrong torque wrench.
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Really? I have a cheap one & its just enough for the weekend wrencher
 
Was talking to my buddy and told him I going out to buy a torque wrench and he's got one. Borrowed tools rule. Gonna get me some oil and when the rain comes tomorrow, oil change time.
Thanks everyone for all the advice.

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So I finally got around to doing the oil change and it wasn't as easy as I had hoped.

It seems that you can't get a socket onto the drain plug as there is a coolant hose in the way. So I had to use an open end wrench. Whoever did the last change did a number on the bolt so it was a ***** to get off. Luckily I bought a new one.

Oil was black as ****. K&N filter came off no problem. Everything back together with new crush washer. Now here's the issue: As read in this thread, I should torque the drain plug bolt, but it won't fit. So I hand tightened it, then a touch more. Should I be okay?



And a stupid question, my coolant was a bit low. Is it the same coolant for a bike as a car? I can't find any info that says yes or no.

Thanks in advance.

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Have you tried a socket extension or a deep socket?

Hand tighten then quarter turn should be ok. New washer? Half turn maybe.

Get a socket extension

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I'm not sure I'm following you... There is a hose about 3/4 inch in front of the drain plug. Not enough room for a socket. That's the issue.
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Joe Bass said:
I'm not sure I'm following you... There is a hose about 3/4 inch in front of the drain plug. Not enough room for a socket. That's the issue.
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Take the coolant hoses out and change your coolant at the same time... two birds one stone. An oil change, on a difficulty scale of 1-10 is like a 1.. coolant is like a 2. The only thing I tighten to torque are the wheels on my car/bikes, engine parts and frame/subframe parts. Don't think too much into it.
 
zx6rr said:
Take the coolant hoses out and change your coolant at the same time... two birds one stone. An oil change, on a difficulty scale of 1-10 is like a 1.. coolant is like a 2. The only thing I tighten to torque are the wheels on my car/bikes, engine parts and frame/subframe parts. Don't think too much into it.
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I was kinda leaning that way. I plan on doing another oil change in the spring, as this one was overdue, and I will do the coolant then as well.
Although it's only a 1 on the scale, I feel pretty good about doing it myself, and I'm sure the next time will go much easier.
Thanks for the reply.
 
Joe Bass said:
I'm not sure I'm following you... There is a hose about 3/4 inch in front of the drain plug. Not enough room for a socket. That's the issue.
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I'm lost myself. Can you post a pic?
 
Riceburner said:
If not using a torque wrench on the drain bolt, check it after a few rides.
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I put some cardboard underneath last night. Will check as advised. Thank you.
 
Check after use...to check if vibration loosened it.

I'm surprised a hose is blocking access to the drain bolt though. @Rocker...That's why a socket isn't fitting...not enough depth.
 
Riceburner said:
Check after use...to check if vibration loosened it.



Will do, thanks.



I'm surprised a hose is blocking access to the drain bolt though. @Rocker...That's why a socket isn't fitting...not enough depth.
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Here's a pic:

(ugh! Tapatalk is acting up again)
5e8ymu2e
 
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Loosen the clamp and rotate it out of the way?
 
Rotten_Ronnie said:
Loosen the clamp and rotate it out of the way?
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Not just the clamp. Hard to tell in the pic, but the hose is about 3/4" away from the bolt.
Strange design.
 
They're all like that, Use a stubby 17 mm wrench and just tighten it ,kinda have to develop a feel for tightness

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You use an open ended wrench, that's enough. No need to monkey fist it

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Standard sockets may not do but there are several variation thatmakes a job easier/possible. Same with wrenches. standard line wrench with angles, gearwrench, or stubby. Use a regular wrench. That bolt wasn't meant for a socket.
 
2 motors, Jimsun, Rockerguy: I borrowed a 17mm, but definitely going to get the stubby. Would have been much easier to maneuver under there.
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Sometimes people do drastic things like grind wrenches down. Or heat up and bend if that's needed. There's a solution to everything. Academia doesn't really appreciate the mental backflips mechanics perform daily. Like removing or rotating the clamp. Not everybody can think at that level.
 
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