third thread - first oil change.

[proto]

stupid question that I'm sure I could find the answer in the repair manual / using google, but I needed an excuse to make my third thread

84 vt700c, will I need anything other than the oil/filter/oil pan/wrenches? (don't have a wrench for the filter, figured I'd just remove it by hand)

[kacealraid]

You might need an oil filter wrench to get that filter off. BUT, you can just jam a screwdriver in there and use it as a handle so-to-speak.

[proto]

Originally Posted by kacealraid

You might need an oil filter wrench to get that filter off. BUT, you can just jam a screwdriver in there and use it as a handle so-to-speak.

from what I've heard, you run the risk of tearing the can if you do that. Is that effective? I've also heard of a trick of wrapping brown masking tape around it (reversing the direction of the tape after two turns) and making a make-shift "grip" on the can to rip it off.

Also, should I warm up the engine before doing the change or let it cooldown if i've been riding for a bit? I think I'll attempt to do it this afternoon

[old dad]

I have only hand tightened my oil filters, I have always had to use my screw driver and mallet to punch through the filter and break it loose. No problems.,,lets see 60,000 miles, oil changed every 3,000 miles, so that's 20 oil changes or so. yep no issues.

[cvaria]

Originally Posted by proto

stupid question that I'm sure I could find the answer in the repair manual / using google, but I needed an excuse to make my third thread

84 vt700c, will I need anything other than the oil/filter/oil pan/wrenches? (don't have a wrench for the filter, figured I'd just remove it by hand)

I asked the board this a few months ago. they gave good advice... i bought a $2 oil pan, oil, funnel, and filter from auto zone.

watched this video:

How To Do An Oil Change On A Honda Shadow Spirit 750 Part 1: Tools And Parts Needed - YouTube

How To Do An Oil Change On A Honda Shadow Spirit 750 Part 1: Tools And Parts Needed - YouTube

went out expecting the worst...

1. filter came off with a hand twist,
2. oil plug came right out,
3. plug back in,
4. filter hand tightened,
5. new oil went in,
6. and was done in 20 minutes.

(see video for little stuff i didn't mention)

made a mess with the oil thought... mark will not come out of parking space, who would have thought that the oil would come out of the engine and get everywhere.

Done!!!!!!!!!!!!

[old dad]

get some cat litter, sprinkle it on your oil spots, old spots too, grind in the litter with your foot, use plenty of litter so as not to get your shoe oily..after a bit the litter can either be rain washed off or hosed, give it several days. Litter should pull up the oil for ya.

yeah a mess,,,like I said 20 or so oil changes,,so the litter trick has been well tested.

[kacealraid]

I was referring to the removal of the filter. You only need to hand-tighten it on, honestly. Works just fine for me. Just riding around a few months will get that gasket super-tight on there usually .

[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.

[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.

[joe in calif]

buy a band type filter wrench, only a few dollars and you can do it the correct way,