Post by huey64 on Sept 16, 2015 19:11:15 GMT
Having recently purchased my Diversion I thought before using it I would give it a service. New filters, plugs, oil etc. All went well until I needed to drain the oil then a major hiccup. I couldn't remove the sump plug as the exhaust was in the way. My bike is fitted with a Motad 4 into 1 exhaust and the nearside downpipes join directly below the sump plug. No choice but to remove the exhaust. This, I thought, is going to be a nightmare. Then I remebered reading in MCN the other week about removing exhaust nuts without removing the studs. Rub plenty of candle wax onto the studs then warm up the studs gently. The idea is that the wax will melt and the oil in the wax will run down the threat and help loosen the nuts. I laughed and thought, no way is this going to work, but amazingly it did. The nuts came off nice and easily with non of the creaking and groaning and even possibly snapped studs we all normally associate with removing 20 year old exhaust nuts.
Then the good bit. I removed the old sump plug and thought I would see if I can get a plug that hasn't got a 17mm nut on it. After a quick check on the internet I found that the plug is a 14x1.5mm thread, exactly the same as a Vauxhall Astra,Calibra, Corsa etc and can be purchased on e-bay for a measly £1.99 with free p&p. This is a good steal and to cap it all the plug has a nice flat head with a torx screw drive in the middle. Now I can remove the sump plug with ease without removing the exhaust. Hope this is of use to others who have a similar problem with their exhaust getting in the way, and its also about a third of the price of a normal sump plug.
The candle wax trick was a good bit of advice too.
Then the good bit. I removed the old sump plug and thought I would see if I can get a plug that hasn't got a 17mm nut on it. After a quick check on the internet I found that the plug is a 14x1.5mm thread, exactly the same as a Vauxhall Astra,Calibra, Corsa etc and can be purchased on e-bay for a measly £1.99 with free p&p. This is a good steal and to cap it all the plug has a nice flat head with a torx screw drive in the middle. Now I can remove the sump plug with ease without removing the exhaust. Hope this is of use to others who have a similar problem with their exhaust getting in the way, and its also about a third of the price of a normal sump plug.
The candle wax trick was a good bit of advice too.
