Oil Change.

[Guzzler]

Afternoon chaps,

After reading a couple of recent threads on oil consumption and poorly dommie engines, I decided it was time to do an oil change on the SLR - thought it was just about due after reading all the advice, done about 2500 miles since I got her.

One question! I got me a new filter this morning, where does the bloody thing go????

Is it the little cover on the lower right hand side of the engine casing with the three bolts on it? Looks about the right size?

Thanks in advance!

Gareth.

[Simon]

thats the place and there is also a bolt half way up the front of the frame which needs removed to allow the oil to be all drained. I might have a picture or two i can post for you if you give me a few minutes to find them and load them.

[Simon]

ok, sorry but i can't seem to get it to work even though i've found it. If you give me an e-mail address i can see what i can do for you.

[anton88]

Before you get the filter cover off, make sure youve got a new o'ring that seals it when you get it back on - at my first oil change i didnt bother changing it, and had a small weeping leak until i changed the filter again.

[Guzzler]

Cheers chaps, thought it may need a gasket or some sort of seal.
My Address is gjones0528@btinternet.com - thanks very much Simon.

Might give it a whirl on Friday if I can get hold of an 'o' ring.

Gareth.

[Rubberchicken]

Never changed that o-ring in my life to be honest. Thenagain it's never been a problem, so hey.

Anyway, a quick oil change is simple. Ride it around the block once or twice to get a bit of heat in the oil, it'll drain quicker when it's warm.

Then first undo the drain plug on the front of the frame tube in front of the engine (does an SLR have a bash plate? On the dommie it just catches the oil, so taking it off is usually worth the effort) and let that drain.

Then put the plug back in. Here's where you should fit a new copper washer, but really I've never bothered.

Then the same goes for the sump plug which is on the bottom-left of the engine, just behind the shift lever somewhere.

The filter is indeed behind the little round plate on the right of the engine. Be careful when taking out the old filter, there's a spring in there, and make sure you have the filter in the right way around. Finally put the plate back, and note that this will still bolt on when rotated but then you'll have blocked the oil flow so that's not good. It kind of shows itself though so don't worry.

Then, refill.

But beware! The engine takes about 2 liters of oil, but you should not just chuck 2 liters into the tank because then you'll have a mess on the floor. The little tank only holds about a liter and a half, then you have to run the engine for a minute or so and finally top it up to max.

And keep checking that oil everyone! These engines are pretty much bulletproof as long as you keep enough fresh oil in them...