I do not consider myself a good mechanic but I don't consider myself a bad one either. But this oil change thing is killing me. I just had one that rivaled my first. Very messy. I have even posted good ways to avoid this problem to other members. I thought I had it under control... I have the handy little valve on the oil tank... BUT THAT DON'T WORK IF THE STUPID HOSE FALLS OFF!!!!!! Oil everywhere... so it starts there. Then I crack the plug open... no problems OK, but what I failed to consider is that my bike was on an incline and when the case drains, it does so all over my plastic skid... if that damn hole was a 1/16" bigger... hmmm hole saw might fix that... anway, I started to take the skid off and what do I do... I DROPPED THE G-- DAMN SOCKET WRENCH INTO THE OIL PAN!!!! At that point I had to take a break to vent... Yes I'm only half way through. But what could go wrong just filling the bike with oil? Uhhhhh yea... strike that last comment. I thought I had the first part under control. Wish me luck. LOL[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

We mechanics call that "snakebit"![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

We're not laughing at you, we're laughing with you.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Been there done that. First time only though, quick learner I guess.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
Hang in there man, we're with you. Just be sure to replace both plugs and the screen "before" you start reiflling with oil.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

lol

That socket seems to have a magnet drawing it into the oil pan.

I've gotten to where I pack paper towels around the plug hole on the skid plate to act like a dam keeping the oil from going all over the skid plate. Works at least 50% of the time.

Also, I use a drill pump to pump the oil out of the upper tank. The pumps are about $5 from Harbor Freight Tools and some poly tubing from Home Depot. Pump it right into a gallon milk jug. I'm usually left with just enough oil in the res. that will fill up a butter tub so, I put one under the plug as I remove it. Comes out fast and you think, O Sheit! It's going over! But, knock on wood, hasn't yet. Guess be ready with the thumb to put over the hole to give you time to dump the oil in the big drain pan if you need to.

 

This is such a funny issue. I've changed mine probably 20+ times and hate it every time. I found that hot, it comes out pretty good and hits perfectly off a cross member and into my pan. Everything drains pretty clean. Then I have to take the oil filter cover off. :-( Paper towels help but still there is oil all over. LOL!
Make sure you don't over tighten the plugs. I use anti-sieze as much as I have them in and out. Many have stripped theirs and I guess it's only a matter of time before I do as well LOL!

 

I really like the part of the oil change when, after the oil is drained, the filter is changed, the oil refilled and the mess cleaned up, you get to start the bike and pray that the red light goes off. When it doesn't, as has been the case for me lately, you get to deal with the bleed screw that was obviously installed by King Kong.

 

Ive come to the conclusion im gonna make a mess no matter what.
So i park it on a old blanket to catch my mess.

 

LOL... you guys are great... feel free to laugh cause I know you've all been there before as well... I hope at least. I'm finally done. And I am laughing at how retarded I am. All thumbs, you know. I've changed my oil at least 20 times and since the first one I don't think I have ever had one go this badly. One of these days I'm going to get it perfect with no mess. THIS ONE MADE ME FEEL LIKE A COMPLETE ROOKIE THOUGH. Oh well a trip to the coin opp car wash and a can of degreaser and she looks real purty. You would think I would have figured this thing out by now. I've only had it for three years. I keep thinking that the next one will be perfect, it hasn't yet, but I got my fingers crossed for next time.

 

FatHolly - Go to any auto parts store and buy an oil extractor. It is also sometimes called a fluid transfer pump. All it is is a pump that moves a liquid from one place to another. Stick your intake hose into the oil tank, put the out-take hose into a gallon size plastic container and operate the pump. It's pretty slick. You'll still have a little bit left in the tank. Drain it. This way it won't be like opening the flood gates. Have fun!

 

My first oil change included a bag of kitty litter. LOL