Took me forever to find the oil drain plug. Then I couldn't get it lose for nothing. Not enough room to get any leverage with a wrench or to get a ratchet on it. Any ideas besides lifting bike? Is the filter as tough to change? Thinking about bringing it in???
Also what is the plug in the front of the engine case? Is that for transmission fluid?? I know HD have trany fluidd do Savages?
In Reply to: Visit my site for Tips... posted by Jon D. on March 17, 2003 at 14:38:16:
I used a closed end wrench to get mine. I wore some leather gloves to prevent burns and just laid down on the ground (had a large piece of cardboard under the bike)
I had went out and bought a Gator Drive like Jon suggested, but it would not clear the casing to get a good grip.
In Reply to: Re: Visit my site for Tips... posted by Paul on March 17, 2003 at 15:18:46:
Thanks Can't get it lose though. Is there trany fluid in these bikes to check? What is the plug in front of the engine case for? Is the filter oil filter a pain to change too?
In Reply to: Re: Visit my site for Tips... posted by Chuck on March 19, 2003 at 20:42:07:
Getting the drain plug out the first time was a chore. They must use alot of locktight on that bolt.
Anyhow I layed on the ground and used a closed end wrench. Make sure your turning the right way, since your upside down its easy to get backwords. Once I broke it loose, I was able to take it the rest of the way out by hand.
I wore gloves to prevent burns form the hot motor (should be warmed up to let the oil run out smooth) and to prevent busting my knuckles on the bike or the gorund should I slip.
The filter was easy. 3 hex bolts came out (they were tight also but I was able to stand so it wasnt so bad.
I used a small pry bar to get the casing off after the bolts were removed.
The oil filter just pops in and out. There is a small spring gadget that keeps it in place on the casing cover.
Don't overfill your oil.. I found out the hard way!
In Reply to: Re: Visit my site for Tips... posted by Paul on March 17, 2003 at 15:18:46:
Yeah, I suppose I should mention that the gator grip only allows you to "grab" one of the wing ends of the cap, BUT I only get this cap snug. I don't tighten this cap really, really tight, so gator grip works like a charm.
The commercial for the thing showed that it fit all sorts of odd shaped things, so immeidately I thought of this appication.
I never thought of a closed end wrench. I'll have to try that.
In Reply to: oil plug ?? posted by Chuck on March 17, 2003 at 12:59:28:
I also used a wrench to change mine. I didn't have enough room to actually get it started as I swear the Incredible Hulk must have tightened the thing. So I put the wrench on the bolt and used a rubber mallet to tap the handle around until it loosened a little (have to be careful-don't whack it with all your might-don't want to strip the thread or anything). Once loosened I could get my hand at a different angle and get it off. Best of luck to ya. Oh and as Jon suggested the Clymer manual is awesome. I used the Suzuki manual for the last 2 years and I swear you have to be a mechanic to know what the heck they are talking about. Have done more in the last few weeks than 2yrs with the Suzuki! Good luck!
In Reply to: Re: oil plug ?? posted by Volley on March 17, 2003 at 18:42:28:
I use a short version of the wrench and a dead blow hammer if needed, make sure you are loosening the plug not tightening it. It is easy to turn the wrong way working upside down like that. Then get a couple three new plug gaskets and replace it every other time. The are compressible and after a couple uses, get are impossible to get lose easily. I had a Mitsi Galant and the dealer actually taped one to the filter box as they had the bottom of an oil pan actually tear out on one car. Would be hard to tear the cast crankcase, but easy to strip the threads Max.
In Reply to: Re: oil plug ?? posted by Ram on March 18, 2003 at 03:06:41:
Try to find a 6 point box wrench or one of those new sockets that Sears has that drives on the flats and can be turned with a box end wrench. The tool trucks have them also, bit probably more money. Also vice grip makes a locking plier that grips a hex on 3 sides and has worked for me a couple times on other bolts. Dosen't work very good on nuts as it squeezes them tighter on the threads. I'd order a new plug ahead of time or make sure they have one before I started the job or have them do it. Be sure to use a new gasket or have them do it. Max
In Reply to: Re: oil plug ?? posted by Volley on March 17, 2003 at 18:42:28:
I use a thin wall socket and give the socket handle a tap with the palm of my hand if necessary. Note: It is a mistake by some people to try to turn the bolt the wrong direction, when laying on one's back!! The bolt turns counter clock wise only when looking straight into the front of the bolt.
