Oil and filter change - stupid question sorry!

Some of you may have read that I was thinking about changing the SV for a Z750 but I've changed my mind, the SV is still an amazing bike and I'm really only using it at 50% of it capabilities at the moment so why change? I've got so much still to learn (and scrape!!) I think it's better to wait another year. Also, had an amazing ride round the lanes last night and I can't bear (or it that bare?) to part with it yet.

So anyhoo, some Z6 tyres will be purchased soon and it needs it's 1 service (now a month overdue!). I'm going to do this myself so can some kind person give me a wee guide to changing the oil and flter.

Should I empty the oil THEN remove the filter?
Any tips on putting the new filter on?
Where can I get a filter wrench?
You top up a K3 with 2,700ml for an oil and filter change right?

Any other tips would be great and sorry for such a noob question but hey, you guys must be used to them by now (I ask my fair share anyway!!)

Yup drain the oil, then the filter.

It's very straight forward to do, I'd suggest a haynes manual. Halfords should have them and it has a step-by-step that's as easy as the proverbial log falling off.

Oil level should be tha same for all models, same engine innit?
Apart from the few small changes for the pedantics among us

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by Dirty Baz

Should I empty the oil THEN remove the filter?
Yes, if you don't, all the oil will pour out of the filter connection lug on the front of the bike - very very very messy! Let the bike drain for a good few minutes, before unscrewing the filter. Also remember that when you do unscrew the filter, some residual oil will flow from it, so you'll still need your oil catcher.

Any tips on putting the new filter on?
Easy does it. With the new filter, smear some new oil with your finger around the rubber seal, just to moisten things up. With a clean rag, make sure that the thread and outer rim that the filter seals against on the bike, are clean and free of excess oil, dirt and road grime.
Screw the filter on by hand as tight as it will go, then using a wrench give it another HALF turn, or just enough to make sure it's sealed.

Where can I get a filter wrench?
Any dealer should have one, the cup type are more reliable, and should set you back between £5-£10.

You top up a K3 with 2,700ml for an oil and filter change right?
Something like that, but these things are never really so defined. Once you've put everything back together, set the bike on it's side stand, and pour in 2 litres of oil (using the gauge on the side of the bottle as a guide).
Put the filler cap back on, and start the engine for a few moments. You might hear a "pop" from the filter, that's perfectly normal. Turn the engine off, and leave it for at least 30 seconds. Stand the bike upright, and look at the sight-glass for the oil level - it may take a second or so to flow into the sump.
Repeat this filling-starting-waiting-checking cycle until the oil level is at, or just below, the "F" mark on the site-glass.

Any other tips would be great and sorry for such a noob question but hey, you guys must be used to them by now (I ask my fair share anyway!!)
Make sure you run the engine before checking the site-glass, this ensures that the oil is pushed around the filter and oil cooler, filling up the spaces it needs to be. Not doing this might lead to underfilling the bike.
Also, remember - it's much easier to put a little oil in, than to take a little oil out! So, Once you can see the oil level in the site glass, but still need to add more - little bits at a time!

It helps if you have a drip tray, a funnel and some plastic bottles to put the old oil in. Don't pour it down the drain.

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by thor

It helps if you have a drip tray, a funnel and some plastic bottles to put the old oil in. Don't pour it down the drain.

Bugger, I'd have hoped this were obvious!

Get yourself down to Halfords and buy an Oil Catcher for a Fiver. It'll hold 6 litres of oil, and really is a bargain!

Ps, DO NOT overfill it! It will **** your engine.

superb, thanks for the speedy response, just what I needed.



and don't worry, I'll take the oil to the local tip.

Originally Posted by BillyC

Bugger, I'd have hoped this were obvious!

Get yourself down to Halfords and buy an Oil Catcher for a Fiver. It'll hold 6 litres of oil, and really is a bargain!

What's wrong with the bowl from the kitchen sink then .... ???

And put some newspaper / old carpet down as you are guaranteed to spill some on the drive ... - have a few cloths to hand for mopping up as well.

Banana

[BillyC]

Originally Posted by banana

What's wrong with the bowl from the kitchen sink then .... ???

That's fine, so long as mothers/wives/housemates don't find out... however it's not very good for longterm storage.

When I do my oil changes, once the oil is drained, I give the engine a quick crank over, it chucks out another few mml of oil.