How do I change the oil?

[lizwalker]

I know I'm asking a stupid question here (think of it as a brief blonde moment) but how do I change the oil on my 1999 Divvy?

I DO have a Haynes manual on order but it won't be here 'til next week - I use the bike to commute and figure I shouldn't be riding with the oil light on at all, even for just the first few miles. The oil is mid-window but very black.

Please be gentle, I'm a complete beginner!

[HRHpenfold]

the oil light is a level light and has a tendancy to come on unless the oil is at the top of the window, happens on a lot of models of Yamaha's, so worry not about this, if you have never changed the oil and filter, then your better posting a help in General, as there are a few pitfalls and I am sure some one local can come around and show you how its done, everyone was a comlete beginner once, so worry not about asking seemingly stupid questions

[teejayexc]

As HRH says, don't worry about asking the question. On the D6 the oil usually has to be right near to the top of the sightglass to stop the oil light flickering on.

With the bike on the centrestand, and on level ground, check and top up as necessary. That should at least set your mind at rest till you get your Haynes manual or some kind soul near you volunteers. Where in N Wales are you?.

HTH Trev

[darren]

If its on the centre stand and the level is between min and max as you say then its ok, however if its really black then you are most likely due an oil/filter change, i you are going to top the level up just be carefull, it hardly takes any at all to top up, from the level you are at it wil take less then half a cup full (coffe cup size)

[lizwalker]

Thanks for the reassurance but the light isn't just flickering on and off, it starts as soon as I get to the bottom of the hill (I live in Llangollen, by the way) and stays on for a good few miles (or it did last time I rode it) when (I think) the bike is properly warmed up. The bike has pretty much just come out of mothballs, so is long overdue a service.

Thanks for the help and the scanned pages - duly printed out and I'll be haeding out with my trusty hammer (don't all toolboxes have one!) shortly...

[CD]

Many mechanics use a filter spanner to fit a new filter. This makes then hard to get off again so you have to go back for help. A strapwrench and extension bar is my favourite for shifting stubborn filters. The socket type shown in the haynes manual often rounds off the flats on the filter body. The usual bodge of bashing a screwdriver through the old filter isn't so helpful on Divvies as the exhaust pipes get in the way.

Looks like this...
www.amazon.com/dp/B000KKNAO8?smid=A1SV1BYDTUK2Z5&tag=yahoo-tools-mp-20&linkCode=asn

When you put the new filter on, clean the filter base area and oil the rubber seal. Then screw the filter up hand tight only. The seal is soft and doesn't need to be crushed flat to do its job.

HTH
Dave

[pinkunicorn]

I had the same probelm with my D6 when I first bought it. A complete service solved the problem. The oil had emulsified and this had caused my oil light to stay on for the first few miles. may I suggest you try and find out if there is a beginners motorcycle maintenance course near u. I have just about finished a 10 week course and it was very helpul and takes away the fear of tackling jobs on ur bike

[lizwalker]

Thanks for the advice on getting the old filter off - by far the hardest job, I think it had been put on by the Incredible Hulk! It actually bent hubby's wrench (similar to the one you recommended Chirodave), so I resorted to the screwdriver through the body - awkward but achievable.

I've ridden it quite a bit since & the oil light has started coming on again - mainly 'cos it's losing it now thru' the cooler - more forum reading necessary for the next job, I guess!

Great advice Pink Unicorn, I've been looking for a suitable course locally. The bike was always serviced regularly until I stopped riding it a couple of years ago and I've never had any problems before. The oil that came out hadn't emulsified but was very old and the bike had been standing unloved & unused for for too long.

Actually, one of the reasons I love the Divvy is just the fact that it will take so much abuse & lack of care & (so far) has never let me down seriously. And it's soooo much cheaper than a car to run now......

[neilmud Lord Protector]

Whats a little lady like you dirtying her hands servicing your bike when you have a hubby with a wrench bent or not.

Back to the kitchen with you.

;D

Neil

[General Gman]

TBH, if you check the oil level regularly and top up when necessary, then ignore the light
As IBS said, it's a level light, and the sensor can get gunked up.Easiest way to sort is to drop the sump and clean it up / replace it (or put gaffer tape over the oil light)