Hi,

I changed my oil today and took some pictures and decided to make a "Pictorial" of how I did it. This is really just for those who don't know how to change the oil, or for those that think that they aren't mechanically inclined enough to do this. It is one of the easiest types of maintenance that you can do. If you already know how, or have worked on things before, you probably already know this or have a better way to do it. This just works good for me.

(PDF Format)

Nice pictures and description Jeff. When i change my oil after i drain the oil, remove the filter and the oil dip stick. I then start my engine and let it run for about 2 to 3 seconds. You would be surprised, about another half quart comes out. So instead of putting in 2.25 quarts it takes 2.75 quarts. which is about 20% to 25% more of the old oil your getting out.

I know some people might say " your running the engine without oil".
but there is oil residual on all the part and when you start an engine for the first couple of seconds there isn't oil pressure anyway. It takes a short time to build up oil pressure and that is why the oil light stays on for a short time when you start your bike. This shouldn't hurt your bike, but does remove more of the old oil and lets you put more fresh oil in.

Paul,

I never thought about doing that since I just figured most just came out. I don't think it will hurt anything either since, like you said, there is some residual oil and the engine isn't warm or hot anyway. It's probably like starting your car or bike up after resting it for a day or so. Thanks.

Jeff,
I love your post. I have been reading a lot of articles about oil and oil filters. I guess I may start a war but I feel obligated to share the tests I believe performed by Mark Lawrence. He is very convinced the Fram filter is not a good filter. His website is located at:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ I also like Leroy Beal’s website at:
http://www.leroybeal.net/ He also has studied various filters. See his website at:

http://www.leroybeal.net/motorcycles/silverwing/articles/oilfilters/Motorcycle%2520oil%2520filters%2520exposed.pdf

Both of these websites do not recommend the Fram filter. Maybe this should be another thread.

Dennis,

Thanks. The reason I bought the Fram is because I read somewhere that it is just as good as the Honda but cheaper. I can't remember where I read that but it had to have been a Silver Wing site. I will read through the links you provided since Im' curiours now. Thanks.

I totally agree with your recommendations of articles on oil & filters. I have personally been using the Wal-Mart SuperTech ST-7317 in both the S'Wing and my Road Star (interesting...they both use the same filter!). The S'Wing only has a little over 2000 miles, but I have over 15000 trouble-free miles in all kinds of conditions on the Roadie, and in my opinion, the ST7317 can't be beat...especially for $2 and change!

Gene

PS - For the Original Post...great pictorial!!

Jeff Is the picture of the oil drain plug the right thing It looks like its an allan wrench not a socket when i look under the cruiser there is a bolt/plug that looks like that and then theres one that looks to need a 24mm socket????

cruiser,

The oil plug/bolt is a 24mm bolt. I will need to look at the pictorial again concerning the allen wrench. But the oil plug is a 24mm bolt.

The oil plug bolt is actually called the tappit. It is called the tappit because in the 1970's Honda put that exact same bolt over each valve on the 750 Four so that you get to and adjust the valves easily. Back then that bolt over each valve was called a tappit and it is still called a tappit. I have broken several of them on the Honda Silver Wing and when you call the parts house and tell them you need another one sent overnight you have to tell them that you want the tappit for the Honda Silver Wing.

Thanks Jeff the pic on my screen makes the bolt head look inverted. when I was looking under the bike there's and allen wrench bolt to the rear then up a bit that the pic did look like.
Sorry for the confusion

how much oil do i need to chnge?