How to Perform an Oil and Oil Filter Change w/Pictures

[Ares X]

It gets easier each time and you're way less tense too.

[Sweet Tooth]

I just bought a stubby 17 mm wrench. So i had the open end and boxed in on the same tool. I dont ever jack mine up or nothin though. Was weird the first time though being it had 3 bolts to drain from. I use a new oil filter every oil change. I dont Its kinda like puttin new water n a pool that has a old green slimey filter   I dont want that old crap flowin back into my engine.

[RickMeans]

I think I only found one of the front drain plugs.......looks like its time to change the oil again!

[MinRaider]

  Craftsman tools makes a stubby 17mm wrench with a thin box end that fits the 2 drain plugs perfectly without doing any mods to the wrench.  You can also use it without a bike lift.

[Return to Riding]

  Craftsman tools makes a stubby 17mm wrench with a thin box end that fits the 2 drain plugs perfectly without doing any mods to the wrench.  You can also use it without a bike lift.

A link or pic would be good here.........

[MinRaider]

here is a link:      http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-professional-17mm-full-polish-stubby-wrench-12-pt-combination/p-00944118000P

[Lrdofh8]

Thanks for taking the time to do this 

[Sweet Tooth]

Lowes sells the 17mm stubbys too. Their Kobalt not craftsman though

[Sweet Tooth]

I wonder what would happen if you put like 3 or 4 quarts in their then crunk it reved it . Then put the rest in ? I am sure someone has done that b4.

[seventhLetter]

Been doing my own oil changes for a couple of years now...question though:

I always replace the gaskets. Always.  But in this how-to it says to replace the plugs themselves.  Is that really necessary?  I still have the original plugs (bolts) from when I bought the bike in 2007.  Why is it necessary to replace them?  I've never had a leak, and I check it pretty frequently.

[Coldfinger]

I'm bad I guess, I've been reusing the aluminum crush gaskets on my Concours for 23 years and it's not leaking yet.  I'm just careful to make sure the gasket orientation is the same because if I flip it over then I'm sure there would be a leak.

I figure it this way, if there is a leak it will be more like a slow seep and the gasket can be swapped at the next oil change.

[mxracer546]

G is just do the crush washer and use the same plug!

[seventhLetter]

Yeah that's what I figured Jim, but the write of this How-To says to replace the plugs each time.  That makes no sense and is an unnecessary expense.  Does it actually state to replace them in the service manual?  I'd be replacing them every few weeks! 

[mxracer546]

Service Manual states:

8. Check:
• Engine oil drain bolt gaskets
Damage → Replace.

So would say it does NOT say replace drain bolts.

[Skullz]

You don't have to change them all the time. I only changed mine because the heads were getting a little worn. The parts are listed for reference.