First time Oil Change problems
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
Don't be discouraged by these problems. All of the above suggestions are great. I'll add that it is easier to add oil to the primary by using a small funnel with a length of clear hose attached to it. Just snake the hose down into the primary a little way.
Whoever tightened those derby cover bolts previously way over tightened them. The torque spec is pretty light.
You can remove the passenger floor board on the derby cover side if you want. I find it makes it easier to get the derby cover off. It's only 1 bolt. Note that the floor board height is adjustable.
You are saving a ton of money over a dealer service. The next time you do this it will be much easier.
Whoever tightened those derby cover bolts previously way over tightened them. The torque spec is pretty light.
You can remove the passenger floor board on the derby cover side if you want. I find it makes it easier to get the derby cover off. It's only 1 bolt. Note that the floor board height is adjustable.
You are saving a ton of money over a dealer service. The next time you do this it will be much easier.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: NE GA
Local shop wants $270 for the 5k service. $270!!!!!!!
Service manual was about $50
5 qts of oil about $50
Filter $10
Already had grease gun and grease. Check all the bolts, etc for tightness, etc., takes a little over an hour. No way will I drop the kinda coin the dealer wants for a service I can do.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
To answer your question on how to get the stripped torx bolt out. drill the head off remove the cover then you can spin the rest of the bolt out. Do not drill the whole bolt just the head off. The chisel idea is not a great idea. Yes it works but one slip and there goes your chrome. Replace the bolts with allen heads they are way better than torx.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
To answer your question on how to get the stripped torx bolt out. drill the head off remove the cover then you can spin the rest of the bolt out. Do not drill the whole bolt just the head off. The chisel idea is not a great idea. Yes it works but one slip and there goes your chrome. Replace the bolts with allen heads they are way better than torx.
My only other advice is you get a 3rd to 1/2 qt. more oil out of the engine case with the bike sitting vertical instead of sitting on the jiffy stand. Its easy with the bike jack, but you can do the same thing simply by getting on the bike and holding it vertical for a couple of minutes after drained it on the jiffy stand. I don't where the oil comes from because the plug is on the left side of the pan.
Beary
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Roswell, GA
Being new to this forum, I would have never guessed so many people would chime in! You guys are awesome! Thanks for the valuable info. You'll catch me at my local Sears getting news toys to finish up tonight. My local dealer is $313.00 for the 5K service... and a 1 1/2 to 2 week wait.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Chapin, South Carolina
Over the years, I've done as many mechanical repairs family autos as I could, and having three kids driving, it made sense financially.
I've replaced radiators, starters, brake pads, alternators, etc., in parking lots, or on the side of the road to save some major bucks.
So, after paying the dealer over $200 for the 1K service on my RKC, I bought a manual and did the 5K and 10K myself.
I've invested in some specific, quality tools with the coin saved.
Not least of all, there's great satisfaction in knowing the job was done right.
And those primary torx bolts were TIGHT!
I've replaced radiators, starters, brake pads, alternators, etc., in parking lots, or on the side of the road to save some major bucks.
So, after paying the dealer over $200 for the 1K service on my RKC, I bought a manual and did the 5K and 10K myself.
I've invested in some specific, quality tools with the coin saved.
Not least of all, there's great satisfaction in knowing the job was done right.
And those primary torx bolts were TIGHT!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 491
From: Northern WV
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
You didn't ask, but this is how I do the filter change. I pull the oil pan plug with the engine and oil hot. I wait for the oil to drain completely and for the engine to cool. This is about a two beer wait. Then the engine is cool enough to go after the filter without melting a plastic freezer bag or burning my fingers.
I loosen the filter to less than hand tight but tight enough so it's not dripping oil. I then pull a plastic freezer bag over it, hold it up on the right side of the filter housing, and spin the filter off with my other hand. The filter needs to be loose because it gets slippery and tough to turn when oil gets on it and the inside of the bag. The filter and the oil end up in the bag.
I bought a bunch of o-rings at Ace Hardware and always replace them even if the used one looks good.
I loosen the filter to less than hand tight but tight enough so it's not dripping oil. I then pull a plastic freezer bag over it, hold it up on the right side of the filter housing, and spin the filter off with my other hand. The filter needs to be loose because it gets slippery and tough to turn when oil gets on it and the inside of the bag. The filter and the oil end up in the bag.
I bought a bunch of o-rings at Ace Hardware and always replace them even if the used one looks good.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 296
From: Wyoming
To answer your question on how to get the stripped torx bolt out. drill the head off remove the cover then you can spin the rest of the bolt out. Do not drill the whole bolt just the head off. The chisel idea is not a great idea. Yes it works but one slip and there goes your chrome. Replace the bolts with allen heads they are way better than torx.
+++++1. By far the best way to go.
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