Oil change & screen cleaning question

[Tbakko]

I just drained the oil on my 1999 Vulcan 1500 classic. I havn't owned the bike for very long, this is the first time I have changed the oil. My question is, when I pulled the screen out to clean it, the closed end of the screen was facing outwards. I this correct or should it be the other way around, I want to make sure that the person I bought it from kew what he was doing.

[rbentnail]

The gasketed (open) end of the screen goes in first, then the spring slides over the screen, then the plug goes on. Sounds like the previous owner got it right.

What kind oil did you use? I'll have to change mine soon and am still debating between dino, blend, or fully synthetic. Some folks like one, others like the other.......

[NY_Guy]

Originally Posted by rbentnail

What kind oil did you use? I'll have to change mine soon and am still debating between dino, blend, or fully synthetic. Some folks like one, others like the other.......

This is a subject of much debate. While synthetic is a better lubricant (it withstands higher temps without breaking down), cost can become an issue with 3,000 mile oil/4 month changes. There are very small screens on the HLAs (hydraulic lash adjusters) on the rocker cases that can get plugged if oil isn't changed frequently. So, while synthetic oil will last longer than dino, it will also accumulate more particulates in the process that can clog the HLA filters.

On one of the synthetic vs. dino threads, someone mentioned an inexpensive synthetic at Wall Mart he purchases in 5 gallon quantities. That might be a way to go.