Oil Change

[joel20042002]

Hey everyone, this might sound a wee bit silly but I was wondering if anyone could guide me to help with an oil change on a 78 GS550E. I have changed oil before but never on something that has the oil filter inside. I am new to the concept of doing this myself and the only thing I have ever worked on were vehicles and bikes with external oil filters. Any info would be great! Thanks in advance!

-Joel

[Rover]

Hi and welcome.You can find an oil change tutorial on bikecliff's web site.Has he given you the welcome yet?

[Nessism]

Get yourself some diesel engine oil (or motorcycle specific oil if you use cash as fireplace starter) and go to work... http://members.dslextreme.com/users/.../oilchange.pdf

[jteller1]

oil change

I just changed my oil today on my 79 GS550. I do it with the engine hot so the oil flows quickly. The filter is in the center between the front exhaust pipes. There is 3 nuts that hold the cover on. just remove those and the cover should pop off. There is a spring in there that is part of the cover. Just flush it out with brakecleaner and make sure the seal is in place and make sure the gasket is in place, replace the filter and reassemble. No problems. The oil I use is valvoline 20-50 motor cycle oil.

[Florida Guy]

I'm lucky - my 1100G has a spin-on oil filter, making changing it a snap.
With new filter, my bike calls for 5.3 qts. of oil - more than a lot of cars I've owned.
I guess that's because it's got a huge oil cooler in front of the motor.

After you've done your oil change, you will see how really easy it is, even with having to remove the 3 acorn nuts.

BassCliff's oil change tutorial didn't mention this, but I always do it....
I take off the cap on the oil filler before (or while) letting the oil drain. I don't know if this helps or not, but I've always done it.