third thread - first oil change.

[justinmahn]

Get the one that's not a nut spot welded to the large socket. I popped that one in two on my old VLX. Heartland Honda gave me the good on (one piece cast) in exchange.

Also, if your oil hasn't been changed in over a year, expect the filter to be difficult. Seams that all the filters I change after a new purchase are very hard to change. On one occasion I had to remove the flimsy can from the base and dremel off the outer ring from the threads. Once the rubber seal released, it was free spinning, and no damage to the engine.

[SnoGhost13]

Originally Posted by gat803

Change the oil when the engine is hot, or if not hot at least warm. Warm oil flows better, just be carefull. Hot oil can/will burn you.

+1 .. Also, after engine has been warmed to operating temperature, more of the dirt particles will be suspended in the oil and drain with it. Cold oil, dirt settles into the bottom of the pan.

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[SnoGhost13]

Originally Posted by proto

Think I got it. wasn't too bad at all. Although I did make a rather big mess all over the garage floor >< no worries, did the kitty litter trick (thank god we have two cats at my house).

I was able to get the filter off with my bare hand. I was trying to hammer in a screwdriver to it, was having trouble at the awkward angle, then just twisted it off with my hand.

As far as I could tell, no leaks. However, I went for a joyride for 45 mins, when I pulled in i saw a tiny spot of oil under the bike in the garage. it's either a spot I missed from the oil change or (more likely) leaky drain plug? I'll find out in the morning when I go check it before work, good thing I have an extra quart of oil.

If you made a big mess changing oil, spot could be dripping off of somewhere that you missed when wiping up underside of the bike.

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