A little embarassed to ask

[Idaho]

Hi, I need to do my first oil change on this bike and I do not know if there is an oil screen that needs to be checked on it. Same as an '04 meanie. I would rather be a little embarassed to ask than to overlook something important like this. Thank you.

[Xlr8n]

Right behind the kickstand is a plug. Remove it and the screen pops out. Remember to note the orientation of the screen for re-assembly. You'll probably find some gunk in the screen on the first oil change.

[ping983]

will the oil drain out if you remove it while full?

[Frankt07]

Originally Posted by ping983

will the oil drain out if you remove it while full?

yes. and if you remove it while the bike is on its kickstand, it will drain the entire oil pan

[NY_Guy]

Originally Posted by ping983

will the oil drain out if you remove it while full?

Yes, some oil will drain out if you remove the internal filter plug, but I think the main oil plug (13mm, if I recall correctly) has to be removed to get all of it (plus filter). I drain my oil when the engine's hot, then wait for it to cool down before removing the oil screen and filter (since they're really hot to handle). I use a 3" tall, 12" wide, 18" long metal cooking "thing" to capture the oil. It's low enough to fit under the bike and allow me to work, and large enough to capture plenty of oil

[Idaho]

Thank you Frank, that is just what I want to do, get every bit of oil I can out of it. Especially on this first change. I should have realized this as the bike is sitting with the oil drained. I wish I would have pulled this plug while it was still hot. I will do it cold, at least I know for the future. Appreciate it.

PS: I hope I can find the flat (looks like aluminum) sealing ring for the drain plug at the local bike shop.

[Idaho]

NY GUY, well I certainly have waited long enough for it to cool down...lol.

Here is another question: I would like to have a good service manual for this and a friend says he likes the "Clymer" manuals. I can't find one for mine. I thought about getting the Suzuki shop manual but thought it might be too technical for me. Was hoping the other one might be a little more user friendly. Thanks again.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by Idaho

Thank you Frank, that is just what I want to do, get every bit of oil I can out of it. Especially on this first change. I should have realized this as the bike is sitting with the oil drained. I wish I would have pulled this plug while it was still hot. I will do it cold, at least I know for the future. Appreciate it.

PS: I hope I can find the flat (looks like aluminum) sealing ring for the drain plug at the local bike shop.

I hear if you stick a hose down the fill tube and rinse out the case, you'll be sure to get all the crud out












of course, this is a joke....please...don't put water in the case!!!!

[Spok]

Originally Posted by Idaho

NY GUY, well I certainly have waited long enough for it to cool down...lol.

Here is another question: I would like to have a good service manual for this and a friend says he likes the "Clymer" manuals. I can't find one for mine. I thought about getting the Suzuki shop manual but thought it might be too technical for me. Was hoping the other one might be a little more user friendly. Thanks again.

I have the kawasaki manual, the add on manual and a clymers, between the better pictures of the three, i get the best results.

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by spok

I have the kawasaki manual, the add on manual and a clymers, between the better pictures of the three, i get the best results.

Mo pictures = Mo better for me

I had a friend tell me once that he used to run a little kerosene or diesel in his car engine for just a bit after he changed his oil to "rinse" everything out. I never tried it but I did ask a mechanic about it and he said he would not do it cause it might dislodge some gunk that just might be happy where it was at and put it someplace else. Only time I have ever rinsed an engine out was when I had it apart. Some peoples friends....lol.

Thanks again Spok, Frank, NY_GUY and so many others for always being so helpful.

[NY_Guy]

In the spirit of motorcycle correctness, the drains plugs are 17mm (not 13mm, as I earlier and incorrectly opined). I just got back from cleaning my internal filter (second change at 1200 miles with very little "gunk"), replacing the oil filter (Purolator One that I hand tighten only) and adding fresh oil (still working on the case of KawaChem 20-50). I’ll keep changing oil at 1K mile intervals until I’ve used it up, then it’s Rotella for me (yes Cary, I changed my mind yet again!). Does anyone know if I have to change the filter as well, given the short intervals? Or would I be dirtying up clean oil if I didn’t?

[BigJohn]

I wouldn't abe changing the filters at 1K. I'd change it at the recommended 3K. As long as your using quality oil, shouldn't be a problem.

[NY_Guy]

Originally Posted by BigJohn

I wouldn't abe changing the filters at 1K. I'd change it at the recommended 3K. As long as your using quality oil, shouldn't be a problem.

John: What's the third word (above)? Reminds me of the announcement over the PA system with heavy static and garbled message followed by...." or you will die.!"

[Phatboy]

I think he just added an extra a and he meant be

New if thue firdst anfd lasdt lettyer arte correcgt mosft peopkle donf't noticve the typpo's

[kc6wfs]

Anyone know if the EN500 has the screen?

Dave

[bigjohnyeti]

Jan-
What is the p/n for the purolator filter? I can`t ever find the listing/filter in the local stores out here.Is there a car filter that fits?
The same for the Tech filters at Wallyworld-they don`t have a listing,but I keep reading that those are among the best....In fact,for the 2 or 3 bucks,if you`re gonna change the oil at 1k mile intervals you can do these filters and have the little extra piece(sic) of mind.
I`ll probably be doing a similar routine on Princess Leah..I`m always looking for reasons to get into the garage and run my hands all over her...oops,did I really say that?lol
John
Oh,by the way,that was a GREAT ride out to the North Fork Sunday-can`t wait for Montauk-hope more people will ride with us,too.

[NY_Guy]

Originally Posted by bigjohnyeti

Jan-
What is the p/n for the purolator filter? I can`t ever find the listing/filter in the local stores out here.Is there a car filter that fits?
The same for the Tech filters at Wallyworld-they don`t have a listing,but I keep reading that those are among the best....In fact,for the 2 or 3 bucks,if you`re gonna change the oil at 1k mile intervals you can do these filters and have the little extra piece(sic) of mind.
I`ll probably be doing a similar routine on Princess Leah..I`m always looking for reasons to get into the garage and run my hands all over her...oops,did I really say that?lol
John
Oh, by the way,that was a GREAT ride out to the North Fork Sunday-can`t wait for Montauk-hope more people will ride with us,too.

John: That was a GREAT ride indeed-- thanks for making it happen. The PureOne Purolator part number is PL14610. It's about 3.5" in length. I ordered 9 last night from partsamerica.com (shipping free for orders over $50). Price was $5.88 each. Now if I could just find that new oil filter wrench I bought....

[NY_Guy]

I forgot to mention Gadget's site: http://www.gadgetjq.com/oilfilters.htm

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by NY_Guy

I forgot to mention Gadget's site: http://www.gadgetjq.com/oilfilters.htm

Jan, you slipping there?

[NY_Guy]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

Jan, you slipping there?

Slipping, sliding and still waffling over synthetic oil! lol Blame it on the accident!