Oil Change - Tips

Can everyone please share tips or advise regarding the oil change process on an 02 VTEC? Is it necessary to remove both side panels? Can only the left side be loosened?
There is a first time for everything, and I'd appreciate your help.

Regards,

Luckyman???
*************************************added by HS

Remove the Panel on the left Side, Take off the left side panel and the inner panel.
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The Fairing Bolts should only be tightened to 1.1 ft/lb when reinstalling the panels, thats hand-tight.

For Tools your going to need about 4 quarts of New Oil. Honda recommends 10W40 with no Graphite or Molybdenum additives for good clutch operation, no Caster Based, non detergent, or vegetable based Oils.

You will need a filter wrench, oil pan, funnel, 14mm socket, replacement washer for the oil pan bolt (you can get by without it if its not damaged), new filter, and a torque wrench. I use vinyl Gloves to keep the grease out of my fingernails.

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Tools

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Loosen the drain bolt and let it go, you should warm up the engine for five minutes to help the oil flow out, watch out you don't burn yourself.

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Hot Oil Watch for splashing, keep kids/animals away from your work area.

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Before removing the old filter cover the headers with a rag to keep oil off them

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If your using a socket type wrench my will need an extenstion.

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oil always leaks out of the old filter.

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moisen the new filter seal with oil.

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Screw the new filter on, careful not the cross thread, and torque to (7ft/lbs for 98-01, or 22ft/lbs for VTEC).

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Tread the drain bolt back on, new washer if you have one, and torque to 22 ft/lbs, again don't cross thread the bolt.

Screw off the filler cap and insert your funnel, put in 3 quarts and check the level in the window, fill it to the top line. Then put the cap back on (Your not done yet) start the motor and let it run for a little while, enough time to let the oil pump fill the new filter and circulate the oil all over the engine. Then turn it off and wait a few minutes and check the level again, fill to to between the marks on the sight glass. Reinstall the fairings and your done.

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See below for a diagram to get the plastic clips out.

Yep...you only have to remove the left side.  Put some rags over the headers too cause you will get oil on them when you remove the oil filter.  

Make sure to oil the filter seal before you install it.  

Also I know the manual says to replace the crush washer on the drain bolt every other oil change, but for $.45 I change it every time.

Hope this helps!!!

Oh yeah...use oil without Moly.  This will affect your clutch performance.

Tip 1: use a power screwdriver with a hex bit that fits the fairing screws.  It will make fairing removal much less of a hassle.  

Tip 2:  The filter will be difficult to remove.  They seem to get very tight AND there's very little room to get a good grip with your hand so a "small" filter removal tool is strongly advised.   Now, I can get the ones I'VE INSTALLED off with one of those textured grippy work gloves.

What's the secret to removing these two pins that for some reason on on the bike?     Given the no. of screws in the fairings, it seems very secure without the pins.

The Clips are a bit counter intuitive, you push the center of the clip inward and they come out.

If you are refering to the black button fasteners on the lower front fairing and on the bottom front of the side fairings.
Push the center circle in with a small phillips head screw driver. then grasp the outside edges on two sides with your fingernails and pull out.

Good lord!  No wonder I couldn't get those things out!    It's little wonder I didn't break the things.

Thanks guys!   I'm a newbie......but I'm willing to learn.    I'm hardly mechanically inclinded, but I really want to be able to do this for my bike so I'm using the kind of oil I want and saving some pretty good money in the process.    Thanks again.

Those black fairing clips are a bit of a PITA. Buy extras, cuz they break easy.  :cool:

Autozone has a "slip over" cap for the oil filter (size F) for
$3.50.Just use your own socket extension.It works pretty
well. biggrin.gif

I use a Park hex bicycle tool for the fairing bolts.  Quick removal.

After trying one recommended by the dealer, I bought the Honda oil filter wrench.  The dealer wrench (a Fram I believe) slipped before hitting recommended torque levels.  The Honda tool while expensive works flawlessly.

The clips really aren't that bad if you follow the diagram for removal/installation.  I broke one before I read the instructions but have had no trouble since with dozens of opportunities to break them.

Thanks for that-there diagram HS - those plastic meanies were giving me fits the first time I had to take my fairing off!   :doh:

Put bike on center stand and place a piece of wood under the rear wheel. This will raise the rear and  lower the front wheel to the ground. Then when you remove the oil filter you will have less mess on you exhaust pipe.

Lisle Tools makes an oil filter removal tool that can, in my experience, defeat the most tenacious filter that man or gorilla can install.

Have a look. Oil Filter wrench

It easily dealt with the factory installed filter at my 150 mile oil change and the filter the shop installed at 600. I've since begun using K&Ns.

Success!

Finally got the bike up on the c-stand. � �The key was a tip I saw in another thread. � Make sure that the bike is level with both extensions of the c-stand on the ground, then stand and pull. � �Piece of cake after that. � � Put it up and took it down several times after that just to be sure I got the hang of it.

No spills. � �No stink after starting. � � Fresh Mobil 15W-50 (red cap) oil and a Honda filter in and ready to ride!

Aluminum foil around the pipes does a nice job of keeping the oil that will come out after removing the filter off. �

Thanks to everyone how chimed in on about three different threads helping out.

For my first oil change, I ended up with a bit of oil on the headers and what happens with the v-tec is that it mixes fresh air with the exhaust going out the pipes and it apparently pulls that fresh air from the header area, because when I first rode it after the change, I had a significant amount of oil smoke coming directly out of my exhaust pipes.  I had one of those check your pants moments, thinking that I'd over filled the engine with oil and had busted a seal or something!! It went away after I finally burned off all the oil (my commute is too short!!).

i've got the oil filter wrench that Honda makes for the cars.same size and is shallow,didn't have to remove any fairings on last oil change,just put a rag on inside edge of fairing to keep oil off and used an extension and went thru the front.The Honda wrench they have at the motorcycle shops does not have the 3/8 socket adapter in the end of it.The Honda part # is 07HAA-PJ70101 if you want go to an Acura or Honda car dealer.

first - allen keys - how many of you guys can hold the key with a couple fingers - kinda like through them between the first and second knuckle and them spin it with your thumb? learned that trick "wrenching" at work and once the screw is loose - its ALL good. :cool:

next - "didn't have to remove any fairings on last oil change" - REALLY? loosened them? how did you get your hand in there to pull the oil filter out? NICE! i GOTTA check that out!

PLUS - LOVE The idea for tin foil!   :bow:

finally - posted this in a seperate post, but how many of your bikes tip forward or rearward when you put it on the center stand? mine always goes forward, with significant imbalance.

For my first oil change, I ended up with a bit of oil on the headers and what happens with the v-tec is that it mixes fresh air with the exhaust going out the pipes and it apparently pulls that fresh air from the header area, because when I first rode it after the change, I had a significant amount of oil smoke coming directly out of my exhaust pipes. �I had one of those check your pants moments, thinking that I'd over filled the engine with oil and had busted a seal or something!! It went away after I finally burned off all the oil (my commute is too short!!).

The PAIR system pulls it's air from the filtered side of the air box, so I don't think that's where your oil burn-off came from. �I've had the same issue with mine and don't have a good answer as to why that happens, though it went away for me too with no noticable drop in oil level. �Next time I change the oil, I'm going to half fill the crankcase and run the engine for a few seconds. �Perhaps the oil needs to circulate into the filter and oil lines before filling fully? �I think the oil cooler holds quite a bit of oil that doesn't fully drain under normal circumstances so that may lead to an over-filled condition when going "by the book" for the oil fill amount.

first - allen keys - how many of you guys can hold the key with a couple fingers - kinda like through them between the first and second knuckle and them spin it with your thumb? learned that trick \"wrenching\" at work and once the screw is loose - its ALL good.

After trying various type of allen wrenches, I switched to an allen socket and speed wrench.  This works for all the hex screws except for the ones that hold the center lower fairing insert and is a big time saver.  I also decided to leave the bottom two screws on the center lower out because the side fairings seem to hold it firmly in place without the screws, and they're the biggest pain to work with due to the tight clearance between the screws and the front wheel.

Buy a K&N oil filter (#204).  They have a 17mm (I think) hex welded on the end.  No special filter wrench is required and no interference with the vapor canister getting a wrench on the filter OD.  A standard 3/8" drive 17mm socket, 4" extender and a torque wrench and you'll be all set.  Unfortunately, this doesen't help getting the original OEM filter off.  That was a real PITA.

Get one of these:

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=QC

Moved to How-To Section, added pictures to the original post.

Excellent thread.  :bow:

I just changed my oil this weekend, and I came across another tip for y'all.

I think that the tendency is for most people to drain the oil and change the filter on the center stand.  It's really MUCH easier to do this on the side stand.  Not only does more oil drain out (think about it...this is why all the drain plugs are on the LEFT side) but no oil ends up on the headers.  If you look at the pan carefully, you'll notice a little "lip" cast in.  With the bike on the side stand, this lip deflects the oil that drains out of the filter and keeps it off the headers.  Also, everyone should go out right now and buy the Honda filter wrench.  It makes removing and installing the filter (even at 20ft/lbs) cake.

If anyone is interested, here's the procedure I used:
1) Bike on center stand.  Just loosen drain plug and filter.  NO oil should fall out at this point.
2) Start the bike and warm it up.
3) Wait a few minutes to let the headers cool - Burns hurt!
4) Move bike to the side stand and loosen the filler cap.
5) Position your catch pan, and pull the drain plug.  Use a wrench and just let the plug fall in the pan.  If you try to catch it the hot oil will scald your fingers
6) Remove and drain the filter.  Long leather gloves prevent burns.
7) Drink beer until it has drained thoroughly.  :beer:
8) Install the filter hand tight.  Be sure to wipe the seat surface and apply clean oil to the o-ring
9) Install the plug (with new crush washer) hand tight.
10) Bike on center stand.
11) Torque filter to spec...Did I mention the Honda wrench is good?
12) Torque the drain plug to spec.
13) Add three quarts of your favorite non-Honda oil.
14) Start the bike and let it idle for a minute or so.  Your oil pressure light will come on for the first couple of seconds...This is OK.  It will go out once the new oil fills the filter and starts to circulate.
15) Stop the motor and wait a minute or so for the oil to drain back into the pan.
14) Add additional oil to bring the level up to the top line in on the sight glass.  It should take another 0.3 to 0.4 quarts.  The bike should be level left to right for this step...Get a bubble-level and set it on the gas cap to check.  This is important.  Even a small lean left to right can make a big difference on the indicated oil level.  Also, be sure to clean the filler plug and apply fresh oil to the o-ring.
15) Go ride!

Hope this helps!
md

I'll add a few more things.

Don't use a torque wrench to loosen bolts.  Use them only to tighten them.

Since you have one fairing off...you might as well take the other one off and do a inspection of your bike.  Check for loose bolts ect...

Beer Drinkers Version,

• Tell the wife your gonna go out into the garage to work on bike, she begins to laugh
  
• Open fridge in Garage to see how the "supply" situation is
  
• Pull the bike out from the corner and "think you have the kickstand down"
  
• Put the bike on the "kickstand" you forgot to actually put it down.
  
• Watch bike fall over
  
• Yell at wife that "its nothing dear"
  
• Walk to "supply center" and get beer to calm down.
  
• Inspect newly broken mirror and lift bike up "using your garage words"
  
• Actually put the kickstand down this time
  
• Watch your children skipping and running down the street repeating your "Garage words" to the astonishment of your neighbors.
  
• Yell at kids to "do as Daddy says and not as Daddy does"!
  
• Grumble to yourself "she was supposed to be on pill"!
  
• Smile cause you suddenly remember your own childhood "just like me"
  
• Finish off beer *get back to work*
  
• Unscrew the obvious bolts
  
• Watch as wires fall out - from where you don't know - screw bolt back on!!!!
  
• Go into house and find manual, look at the pretty pictures - Honey asks again "what was that loud noise"
  
• Tell her what happened - listen to her laugh again!
  
• Walk out to garage and get more "supplies"
  
• Open beer put on the ground next to tool box
  
• Watch as youngest child kicks over supplies and gets beer into toolbox.
  
• Youngest asks to *Help*
  
• Tell child to help *over there* point to far side of garage as you let beer drip off sockets
  
• Tell youngest to "Get Daddy some paper towels"
  
• Look at clock hour has gone by
  
• Walk to supply center for another beer
  
• Tell youngest that this is Daddy's and not to knock it over again!
  
• Yell at wife though the door to find your *helper* something else to do!
  
• Kiss youngest good-by and hold hands in prayer that wife will keep your *helper* occupied
  
• - supplies are half gone!!
  
• Gulp beer and exclaim  - "OK lets do this"
  
• LOOK at manual again and unbolt the "correct bolts"
  
• Watch as newly scratched fairing comes off
  
• Mumble some cuss words.
  
• Forget where you left oil pan
  
• Find oldest son using it as a sandbox in backyard
  
• Remind oldest that Daddy's tools are not toys
  
• Son looks at you like he didn't hear a word you said
  
• Snatch oil pan and walk off mumbling again!
  
• Spend ten minutes getting sand out of oil pan.
  
• Put oil pan under bike
  
• loosen oil plug and watch as oil spills out somewhere else but oil pan
  
• quickly move oil pan into oil stream
  
• Used papertowls to clean garage floor.
  
• Watch as oil overflows over too small oil pan,
  
• pour extra into empty milk jug found in trash
  
• Look at oil pan and realize it really was a sandbox toy! Oops!
  
• See *Real* oil pan out of corner of your eye sitting on shelf where you put it!
  
• Clean up mess and promise yourself to take broken hearted son for Ice Cream later on the back of the bike.
  
• *If you get it back together*
  
• slip on oil and fall on ass
  
• Yell at wife "its nothing honey"
  
• she comes out to find you on floor saying "nothing huh"!
  
• She lifts you up and says its almost time for lunch
  
• Feel better "lunch is good"
  
• Screw oil plug back in
  
• figure out where oil filter is
  
• wonder how the hell your gonna get it off
  
• Look on tool wall for Oil filter wrench
  
• find one that looks too big
  
• Hold it up to filter - it is too big
  
• Bingo - get idea that old belt might work- run in house find belt
  
• Slip belt into loop wrap around filter and watch filter crush but not budge *use garage words again* Look around for little ears listening.
  
• Say to hell with it, pull screwdriver off pegboard, stab filter and screw it off
  
• watch as gallon of oil spills on floor again!
  
• run out of paper towels, run into house with oil on shoes.
  
• Listen to wife yell at you as you track oil on carpet
  
• Ask wife to *get some paper towels honey*
  
• She hands you towels and points at mess on carpet "says thats not going to clean that up"
  
• tell wife to bring stain cleaner from under sink
  
• she says "No I will do it"!
  
• feel insulted and go back into garage
  
• Drink a new *supply* to calm down
  
• clean up oil on garage floor
  
• screw on new oil filter finger tight
  
• wonder how are you going to get it on tight enough
  
• see *correct* filter wrench in tool box *where you put it*
  
• say "Doh" and put wrench on filter and tighten to spec
  
• fill motorcycle with oil, look at window till its full
  
• start bike and watch as loose oil plug falls out spilling oil on garage floor.
  
• *use garage words*
  
• *get another supply*
  
• screw plug in tight
  
• clean up garage floor
  
• Hop in car to get more oil
  
• buy a useless thingy hanging off the register cause it looks like it could be handy.
  
• Get home to find out that oil pan has tipped over, suspect *helper* and clean up oil for fourth time!
  
• Fill up oil again, start bike, run it, shut it off, fill to correct level.
  
• Put fairing back on, notice oil from hands all over plastic
  
• Break 2 crappy plastic clips *say garage words*
  
• Ta DA!!! oil change is done!!

Wash off mess on fairing and floor with hose, Log onto VFRd and Boast your a Mechanic GOD!!!

biggrin.gif Nice!

I've discovered through experience that brake cleaner does wonders for removing oil spots from concrete.  A little shot and a quick wipe and no one knows you were there.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.  I have four fresh quarts of M1 20w50 ready to go.  Slammer, I'm going to pick up a six pack on the way home so I can properly utilize your procedure.  I'll have to borrow someone else's wife and kids to follow the procedure to the letter, though.  Wish me luck!
beer.gif

I dont have kids either but it made for a better Beer Drinkers version.

LOL! That was great slammer! I've done the ole screwdriver in oil filter trick a few times. Definately isn't the cleanest method. Heck, once I started putting the oil into the bike and forgot to put the drain bolt back in first! Doh!  :doh: