changing oil 101?

um how do i change my oil
i know its a total n00b question but i really need to change it and cant get my hands on a haynes manual in town to save my life

i also need to change the filter....where to get it?

 

To change the oil you're going to want to find the oil filter bolt (located towards the middle of the engine underside, between the headers) I believe it to be 19mm. Secondly, the oil filter will be located in a housing with fins in the lower middle portion of the engine.

 

ok awesome
when i fill her up where will it stop in the window?

 

You're going to want to fill the oil until it nearly reaches the top of the window.

Make sure it's on the center stand when doing this

 

If you want to get a few parts for your bike I would suggest talking to chacal here on this site. I bought some things from him and it was a very pleasant transaction. Or check out www.partsnmore.com they carry a few things you may want including the service manual and filter( I would assume that the filter would come with the o-rings but am unsure). Service manual can be found on that site by going into the xj650 parts list. The manuals for them are the same(just looked it up and the filters are the same also and located in the 650 parts list). Or for the filter you may be able to get it at a Napa store or some other parts store.

 

i just undid the thing with fins and found the filter
but i still gotta drain the oil.....hahaha cars and trucks are so much easier

 

But all in all the same process. You just need to be more attentive filling her up.

 

I'd much rather change oil on my bike at least then I don't have to crawl under the thing and hope it isn't going to fall on me!

 

when buying the oil filter get the fram oil filter
NOt K&N
because k&n does not come with the all needed "o" ring
yes it is easier said then done

 

The Oil Drain Plug is on the middle of the lower case behind the Oil Filter Housing.
It's a 19mm Hex (might have a screw head in the middle)
Thats the ONLY Drain Plug you have to take out.
There;s a magnet on the inside attached to the Plug.
Wipe it off with a rag or paper towel.

When all the oil is drained out; replace the Plug
Torque it to 31 Ft Pounds

Adding Oil.
Add a quart.
Look at the Oil Level Window by the Foot Brake Pedal.
One quart starts the show.
Quart two.
It should rise in the window.
Now, add a little at a time until the Bubble pressed out the top.
Just to the top of the window.

Your done. Clean up.
Go ride.
Or ride and clean-up after!!!

 

well its all changed and ready to ride
sounds a bit better too

now i just have to change the valve cover gaskets

 

Just wondering what kind of oil you used?

 

mobil 1 full synthetic motorcycle oil

 

Just wondering. When I got my bike I didn't know what oil to use So I called the dealer and asked them what it takes. Beleive it or not they told me 10-30 would be fine. Found out later you have to have "special " oil that is compatible for motorcycles. Now my clutch slips a little when I really get on it in 3rd and 4th gear. Hopefully it isn't what I think it is. The regular oil will cause the clutch to go out. Cross my fingers!!

 

And I thought leaving out my Spark Plugs and trying to fire-up the 900 was the silliest thing that somebody ever did to a motorcycle.

Do you have any idea how many threads there are in this Forum about staying away from Synthetic Motor Oil because it contaminates the Clutches and causes them to slip???

More than one.

Do you have any idea how many Post there are about somebody forgetting to put-in Spark Plugs and trying to start the bike?

Only one!

 

Thanks for chiming in RickCoMatic! That is why I asked!

 

I hope you didn't mess up a good clutch!

 

Me to! I am mot very mechanically inclined and don't know how hard it is to do. Tried adjusting my lever and that seemed to help a little. But on a side note I'm polishing up some engine covers and at least that would be a good time to fix it when I switch them out! Always a bright side!

 

motorcycle full syn or reg syn?
if its motorcycle syn it won't mess the clutch up
if its reg syn it will cause it too slick

 

Rick,

What kind of spark plugs?

Do you put anti-seize on them?

Just curious.

Dan

 

depends if he puts them in or not!! lol

sorry rick had to. I had to regain a little of my self esteem back!!

 

I've always had good luck with Yamalube 20w40, or is it 20w50? Can't remember. Expensive though

 

I use Champion Platinum

NR9YP gapped at 32-Thou

And, I definitely use the Anti-Seize on them.
Permatex.

As much for the Anti-Seize as for lubing the threads.
I blew-out a Plug Hole once and had to put-in a liner.
Saving myself that trouble, again, warrants the slippery-stuff.

I don't want to cross thread a Plug and the Anti Seize sort of lets me get a good feel for how the Plug is threading-in to the Head.

 

LOL....that was a good one rick.

 

It's not because an oil is synthetic that causes the clutch to slip, it is the friction modifiers added to lighter weight oils that do.

If the label on the oil says "Energy Conserving" then it has friction modifiers and shouldn't be used with a wet clutch.

Motorcycle specific synthetic oils don't contain friction modifiers and won't cause clutch slippage.

I use Mobil 1 Racing T 10w-40 in both my bikes - a full synthetic motorcycle oil. I've never experienced any clutch slippage.

 

LMFAO. Thats funny Rick.

Buttttttt. I wonder how many of us have done something simmilar
I think most of us are guilty in some fashion or form.
...if not then you dont ride/wrench enough, or are very meticulous and perfect

Gosh darnit! :x Why wont it start...

 

Dang Newbie!!

Ummm, I would be referring to myself and no one else.

I changed the oil last weekend (twice as I did half a can of SeaFoam) and did a very dumb thing.

There has been mention of a magnet that is attached to the oil plug. Well, mine was coated with a whole bunch of gunk. Even after the intermediate oil change, there was still a but of gunk on it so I was being very fastidious in my cleaning and the magnet came out.

So, my question is, how do I put it back in? I left it out because with my luck, the magent would come loose and find it's way to a main bearing or something.

I plan on changing my oil again in a few hundred miles as I want to make sure that the PO didn't sell me a POS. Not that an XJ is a POS, but, welll, you get the idea.

Should I just by a new plug/magnet or can I put it the magnet back in the existing plug?

thanks every one.

 

You can put the magnet right back into the existing Plug.
Press it is.
Don't tap on it because tapping on it will harm the magnets strength.

I just use the vice and seat the magnet back in the plug and away she goes!