Triumphrat

Doc_Hollywood · 06-21-2006

Did I catch on another thread about some kind of off the wall oil change procedure? Something about over filling it?

Seems that all I can see is drain the cases, and remove the oil filter, fill the new filter, and put 3 quarts in the cases.

I shtere somethign I am missing?

mecscc · 06-21-2006

Well, you already know you should put a bead of oil around the O ring on the new filter, I assume. Other than that very minor technicality as far as procedure goes it is as straight forward as any other bike.

I assume you know the Triumph recommendations as to oil. If not. 10W40 or 15W50 API semi-syn or full syn that also is rated JASO MA, for motorcycles. I would not use an oil rated less than SG, although Triumph specifies SH there is no real difference as far as a bike like a Bonnie is concerned.

I personally will not pay $10 plus for a quart of oil so I mix $3 10W40 Pennzoil dino motorcycle oil and 20W50 Mobil 1 V-Twin oil ($7) 50/50 and use that. Those two meet all the Triumph requirements as a blend.

One thing: My Bonnie is an '05 and takes 4 quarts and I can't imagine that an '04 takes less, but I really don't know. That includes the several ounces you will need to fill the new filter. So if you are only going to put in three quarts I think you will be starting out low. If in doubt, put in 3, run it a while, let it sit and check the sight glass. I think it will be barely showing at the bottom. With 4 it will be almost to the top with a little bubble of air just above it.

All in all you are right: it ain't rocket science. :-D

Monte

PS: I love your stable of bikes! Makes me nostolgic!

Thunder_Forever · 06-21-2006

removed......for better ideas.............................................

[ This message was edited by: Thunder_Forever on 2006-06-21 21:54 ]

dcpyatt · 06-21-2006

Yes, Monte, the '04 T100 takes 4 quarts as well... My sight glass appeared to be overful when the 4th quart was added, but remember that the oil cooler has to refill...

I idled her for a couple of minutes (just a few, so as not to get it too hot) and the sight glass read on the money.

I personally went with AMSOil 20W50 motorcycle after about 3 days of research and deliberation. I realize I won't get the 10K-20K extended drain mileage in a year, but it makes me feel better knowing that the wear is being kept at a minimum.

Thunder_Forever · 06-21-2006

Speaking of oil......I'm sad that the Oilers didn't win the Cup... :cry:

GatorBait · 06-21-2006

Quote:

On 2006-06-21 17:48, Thunder_Forever wrote:
Here's the process.......

Undo the drain plug over something that will catch the old stuff to dipose of, then untighten your oil-fill cap on your engine to displace any airpockets that may still be retaining any fluid........next, remove your old oil filter......I always just take a screwdriver and jam it in the side to loosen it....
After that procedure, I start the bike up, for only like 15 seconds, just to cycle the rest of the naughty oil out, then shut it off.....

Wait for a bit and watch to make sure the oil is done draining......

Next, you take your *new* oil filter and fill it with oil.... it will fill up slowly so be patient.........ZZZZzzzz...
After that.,,,apply a thin layer of new oil around the gasket of the oil filter and install...tighten fully by hand....this seem will not break if tightened correctly....(by hand torque, only!)
After this, re-install the drain plug with a new crush washer. I always tighten till I can't tighten no mo.....Fill Mr. Engine with the remaider of the 4 Quarts of 15-50 fully synthetic you bought , start er up, check for leaks, if all is fine.....let's go RIDE!!!

You start your bike with NO oil in it??? That can't be good .. even for 15 seconds!!

Normandy · 06-21-2006

Gator's right man. You don't have to get the case that dry anyway cause you can increase the frequency of your changes for a better result.

dazco · 06-21-2006

I changed mine today as a matter of fact for the 4th time. I would add one thing....you an let it sit overnite and there will still be a good bit left. Lean the bike over then back and watch a new thick stream begin to flow. And if thats not enough, once thats done you can do it 4 or 5 times more and still get a new stream gointg. I probably drain a good 1/2 quart that way that would other wise stayed in it. Today i let it drain till nothing was coming out, then tilted the bike and left it for another 5 min. then did that 4 or 5 times till i could tilt it and not a drop would come out. i guess it's a personal thing, but i change my oil more often than recommended and still want every drop of old oil outa there ! motor oil the the single most important thing in the bike's life, so i'm anal about it. If i could afford it i'd change it even more often.

dawgfan · 06-21-2006

Just in case...don't forget the golden rule.

Better to to be a tad bit short than a tad bit over with oil. First, it is easier to add oil than to drain it and secondly AND MOST important...

Too much oil can raise the oil pressure in your engine above desired levels (there is only so much room to go around in there) and possiby damage your seals. Then you ARE in for some shop time.

Thunder_Forever · 06-21-2006

removed......due to better ideas.............................................

[ This message was edited by: Thunder_Forever on 2006-06-21 21:55 ]