1st oil change

[wmh9680]

Just changed my oil for the 1st time (used rotella t). I didn' see what looks like a cap on top off the filter. I'm guessing that it stuck up in the block and didn't drop out. The filter came out fine but nothing on top of it. Any ideas. I didn't take the long bolt apart (forgot what it's called). Was that a big mistake. Thanks's Mike

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Mike, it's been nearly a year since I've changed mine but I have a new filter setting here with me right now. The filter (Fram CH6012) does have a metal cap on each side (identical on both sides) with a thick rubber grommet in the hole where the bolt passes thru. The filter also comes with two O-rings (1 large and 1 small about dime sized). When changing your oil you should get and replace both O-rings.
- Did you change out both of them when you did yours?
- Maybe the brand filter that was used last time didn't have a cap on the one end! (?- puzzling if not)
- Did the new filter seat correctly?

[wmh9680]

I used a fram 6012. In my kawa service manual it apears that there was a cap or spacer or something on top of the filter in the pics. I did not replace the little oring that you have to take the bolt out of the cap to replace. Thanks, Mike

[wmh9680]

I think the old filter was a mx12??? Mike

[Mr Jensee]

I'm pretty sure he is referring to the oil filter cap that goes on the topside of the oil filter, Ref# 13169 on the picture in the link below.

http://webservices.motorsportdealers.co ... /E1710.Gif

[wmh9680]

yep, that's the one. I never saw it there. Maybe it was stuck up in the block but it wasn't on the fram 6012 filter I pulled out. Thanks's Mike

[Charlie from Illinois]

That is pretty important to have on there. Maybe the last guy forgot it. Carl may have one.

[wmh9680]

And I suppose that I have to drain all the oil out again to put a new one in. Just what does this thingy do? Thanks, Mike

[Mailman Joe]

in the manual, they call that "cap" an oil fence, don't know what it does...but I'm guessing you should put one back at some point...

when you said "take the bolt apart"...no, you don't take the little parts out of the bolt, that's the filter bypass valve, you just remove the small o-ring at the base and the big o-ring on the oil filter cover

did you have the spring and flat washer under the filter after you removed the filter from the bolt?...if not, there's some more stuff you need to get from carl in addition to the "oil fence" (my filter was missing the spring and flat washer, carl hooked me up)

did you remove BOTH oil drain plugs?...there are 2 plus the filter bolt, you need to remove all 3 things to drain out ALL the oil.

good luck Mike, any questions, shoot me an email

Joe

[wmh9680]

I just found some info at https://zrxoa.org/forums/showthread.php?p=2321885. It says the fence protects the filter from a blast of oil that could destroy the filter. I did have the spring and washer. I guess I should find a fence and change the oil again. Bikebandit shows it for about $6. I'm still waiting for new brake pads from ebay (extreme something or another), I ordered them on the 8th. Bummer. I just put on speedbleeders to make it easier. I go on vaca today and wanted the brakes changes already so I'm not too happy.

Could the fence have stayed up in the engine and not dropped out? I tried looking but there wasn't enuf room between the flood and the bottom of the engine to look up in there with my big head.
Thanks, Mike

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

Mike,

Use a mirror under the bike along with a light to take a look for the oil fence.

[Mr Jensee]

I have only had 1 oil change on the Voyager since I've owned it but my ZRX I have had for 8 years. In all that time I have never had the oil cap get stuck up inside the cavity. Of course I change the oil on my bikes every 3000 miles so I never let there be any sludge build up. My guess is the last owner simply lost the cap or forgot to put it in. Like American Express, I think you should never leave home without it.

[kelley]

And I suppose that I have to drain all the oil out again to put a new one in. Just what does this thingy do? Thanks, Mike

You can change the filter and only lose a very small amount of oil.

[wmh9680]

Well, I guess when I get the part I'll try it. Thanks, Mike

[wmh9680]

Well I just changed my oil (rotella synthetic/fram 6012) and would you believe that after I was done I looked over and saw I forgot to put the spring back in so I decided to remove the cover and catch the oil to reuse. Well I found out that the oil does not come out when you only remove the cover and filter so I was happy. Then after I had it all back together again I picked up the old filter and saw I forgot to put the washer between the filter and spring in so I removed the filter again and put the spring in. How stupid can I be? I also noticed that the metal cap on top of the filter that I referred to earlier was still missing. Do I need it? It hasn't been there since I got the bike in 2007. I start the bike every week in the winter and it just started missing this time so I pulled the right two plugs and they were fouled-I guess from using the choke all winter. Man is it hard to pull the left two plugs-esp the 2nd from the left. Any tips? I also have to get a new battery as I somtimes have to jump it to start it even though I keep it on a trickle charger. Thanks, Mike