AirStrike
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2003
- Messages
- 8,197
- Reaction score
- 1,245
- Points
- 113
- Age
- 38
- Location
- Melbourne
- Members Ride
- 91' VN SS
Tools Needed:
Other Material Needed:
The most important factor when changing your oil is to use top quality stuff, brands I have used and don't have any problems with are Castrol, Mobil or Penzoil. You can go with the expensive synthetic oil or semi-synthetic but keep in mind going this way generally means the oil will be much thinner and will leak through any seals which are old therefore leaving oil spots all over the place.
I am currently using Castrol GTX 2 in my VN which is 20W-50, I was using Castrol Magnatec which is 10W-40 which I found a little too thin for my rear main seal and would leave drops in the driveway whereas the GTX 2 wouldn't.
Some people say you should fill the oil filter with oil before going any further as it prevents problems such as bearing damage on first startup due to spikes. I have never put any oil in the filter and my VN is still running very strong so that must say something for how I have done it.
Below is a step by step guide to changing your oil and oil filter:
I change my oil and filter every 5,000 km's although some people do prefer to change the oil filter every 10,000 km's, I figure the cost of an oil filter it may as well be done at the same time.
- 12" Shifter
- Filter Strap (Optional)
Other Material Needed:
- Quality Oil
- Oil Tray
The most important factor when changing your oil is to use top quality stuff, brands I have used and don't have any problems with are Castrol, Mobil or Penzoil. You can go with the expensive synthetic oil or semi-synthetic but keep in mind going this way generally means the oil will be much thinner and will leak through any seals which are old therefore leaving oil spots all over the place.
I am currently using Castrol GTX 2 in my VN which is 20W-50, I was using Castrol Magnatec which is 10W-40 which I found a little too thin for my rear main seal and would leave drops in the driveway whereas the GTX 2 wouldn't.
Some people say you should fill the oil filter with oil before going any further as it prevents problems such as bearing damage on first startup due to spikes. I have never put any oil in the filter and my VN is still running very strong so that must say something for how I have done it.
Below is a step by step guide to changing your oil and oil filter:
- Start the engine and get the temperature to normal operating temperature then switch it off.
- Place an oil tray (available from your local automotive supplier such as Sprint Auto Parts, Super Cheap Auto Parts or Repco) under sump located smack bang in the middle of the car at the front and undo sump plug using a 12" shifter or something similar.
BE CAREFUL AS THE OIL WILL BE HOT!
- Let the oil drain until it slows down to a drip and then remove oil filter using a oil filter strap or your bare hands.
- Replace sump plug so it is firm but not tight.
- Dip your finger into the new oil container and smear a little oil around the rubber o-ring on the new filter, this helps the filter seal to the engine block.
- After ensuring the thread and its immediate surroundings are free of rubbish and grit replace the filter over the thread and hand tighten until the o-ring locks up against the engine block.
- Tighten the oil filter to recommended specifications generally 1/2 - 3/4 turn after it has hit the engine block, this can be done by hand or using a filter strap.
- Next start pouring the oil in with about as much as you took out, in my V6 I start off with about 4 litres and wait for it to settle then check the dip stick, repeat as necessary until the 'H' mark is reached or a little higher (no more than 2 - 3mm).
- Start the engine and leave it at idle only for a few minutes then check the oil level again.
- Fill out the sticker located on the bottle with the date and odometer reading and place on the inside of the windscreen.
I change my oil and filter every 5,000 km's although some people do prefer to change the oil filter every 10,000 km's, I figure the cost of an oil filter it may as well be done at the same time.