1st oil change - not so well.

dmonaco05 · May 31st, 2009, 11:11 AM

so i hit 600 miles and gear up to do my 1st oil change. I was gonna have the dealer do the service but i figured the cost of that I could buy a rear stand and everything else id need. so i change out the oil and filter and start it up to let the oil fill out so i can get it nice and full. i go to check for any leaks to be sure and i see a stream of oil pouring out of the filter cover. I figured the o-ring must not have seated so i go to unbolt the cover and it falls apart in 2 pieces. didn't over-torque it since my wrench was set at only 14 ft-lbs the cover just snapped in 2. Goin to the dealer tomorrow and hopefully theyll cover it under warranty as a faulty cover.

Tubesock · May 31st, 2009, 11:14 AM

Man that sux I just did my 600 mile service today too, actually I'm still in the process. But I probably would've flipped $h1t if that happened to me, hopefully they'll cover it cuz that looks like faulty manufacturing.

dmonaco05 · May 31st, 2009, 11:23 AM

yeah i told my girlfriend to just leave me alone for a few hours while i cooled down.

I think the worst thing about this is now I have to change the oil all over again

Tubesock · May 31st, 2009, 11:29 AM

Haha yea probably a good idea to cool off some.

And yea oil changing sux a big one for someone who's never done it b4

but I guess it'll get easier the more it gets done.

pantera · May 31st, 2009, 11:40 AM

Looks like that part only cost $19.72 on Ron Ayers web site.Part number 14025-1422.Dealer will probably say it must have been over tightened.

OldGuy · May 31st, 2009, 11:42 AM

Dom - I know you said you were using your torque wrench but how hard did it feel like you were pulling? 14 ft-lbs is not that much torque. Using a standard sized 3/8 ratchet two fingers out towards the end is going to be about all you need.

If you have a lot of confidence in your torque wrench I'd take it along to the dealership so they can compare your pull to one of theirs. The bad news could be they are going to say your wrench is way off and sorry.

If the dealer isn't going to cover the filter cover it is only a $17.00 + shipping part from CheapCycleParts.

dmonaco05 · May 31st, 2009, 11:58 AM

well the torque wrench is brand new, so i hope its not off by much but it could be. didnt feel very hard to me, and i know its not that expensive but if i can get it covered id be happier haha.

anyone know how to calibrate a torque wrench?

ShishkaBOMB · May 31st, 2009, 12:39 PM

You'll need a torque wrench calibrator, which is not readily available in most cases.

You could try contacting the manufacturer.

I agree with OldGuy though, i just did my oil change yesterday and i prefer to just use a ratchet and tighten by hand till it feels right.

It wouldn't feel too tight with that torque wrench because there is so much leverage. By using a ratchet you can hold it by the head or with a couple fingers at the end and get a good feel for how much torque is applied. The filter/drain bolts are not critical parts where you need exact torque specs.

I have one of those torque wrenches and i hate it, confuses me because i'm not sure if it reads 24 or 14ft/lbs. For the low torque ones a beam style torque wrench would be better. Also be sure to reset your torque wrench to 0 when storing.

How are you taking the bike to the dealer? Major suckage.

smcbride11 · May 31st, 2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShishkaBOMB

I agree with OldGuy though, i just did my oil change yesterday and i prefer to just use a ratchet and tighten by hand till it feels right.

I was actually shocked at how light 14 ft/lbs. is (14.5 is technically the spec though, right?). Had I hand tightened to my normal hand tightening standard, I'd be well over 14 lbs.

HKr1 · May 31st, 2009, 04:40 PM

You need a smaller range tourque wrench.

dmonaco05 · May 31st, 2009, 04:47 PM

not taking the whole bike there just the cover, if i needed to tho i can push it up in my truck and bring it there.

idk i read all these diy's and they all say 14.5 ft-lbs so i thought it was important to torque it to that spec.

i honestly think it was a crappy piece, im not a very big guy (135lbs) so i dont think i coulda broke a good one if i was even trying to.

Sailariel · May 31st, 2009, 06:25 PM

Torque wrenches can be finicky. You should always store the wrench with the torque set at Zero. I periodically lock te wrench in a vise and click away at various settings--keeps the thing nimble. On my bicycles I use a 1/4" torque wrench--use it on the Ninjette as well. I also have an ancient Sturdevant Beam torque wrench which is exceptionally accurate. I keep my wrenches in cases and NEVER lend them to anyone.

noche_caliente · May 31st, 2009, 07:27 PM

Sorry to hear that. Good luck with the dealer tomorrow.

backinthesaddleagain · May 31st, 2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smcbride11

I was actually shocked at how light 14 ft/lbs. is (14.5 is technically the spec though, right?). Had I hand tightened to my normal hand tightening standard, I'd be well over 14 lbs.

sorry to hear about the cover. the 14 lbs will seem tighter when you remove it after some heatig/cooling cycles. think of a spin on filter like cars (and some bikes have). you put it on hand tight and it doesnt seem that tight, then wwhen time comes to change it your need a filter wrench to get it loose.

dmonaco05 · June 1st, 2009, 03:57 PM

just got back from the dealer, they had never seen anything like that before. they indicated it would be fully covered under warranty and ordered the part. will be in friday.

kkim · June 1st, 2009, 03:58 PM

noche_caliente · June 1st, 2009, 03:58 PM

great news!

pantera · June 1st, 2009, 04:01 PM

Glad to hear the dealer will cover the part under warranty.

HKr1 · June 1st, 2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmonaco05

just got back from the dealer, they had never seen anything like that before. they indicated it would be fully covered under warranty and ordered the part. will be in friday.

Good to hear

Now go get something like this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...tourque+wrench

You should be using the middle range of a torque wrench. Either far end you cant trust.

pantera · June 1st, 2009, 04:26 PM

That torque wrench only seems to measure 25 lbs and above.

noche_caliente · June 1st, 2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pantera

That torque only seems to measure 25 lbs and above.

25 inch pounds, which is a titch over 2 foot pounds...

pantera · June 1st, 2009, 04:43 PM

Seems like a great tool to have then.

kkim · June 1st, 2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noche_caliente

25 inch pounds, which is a titch over 2 foot pounds...

a wut???

dmonaco05 · June 1st, 2009, 07:01 PM

ok so i noticed that while its been sitting without a filter cover some oil has made its way onto the tire, i read to use brake cleaner? anyone know what to do in this situation?

Nickds7 · June 1st, 2009, 07:57 PM

I don't trust those torque wrenches. I just bought an old school one, always accurate as long as the bar is pointing at 0 when no torque is applied.

I would think brake cleaner or maybe simple green would clean the oil off the tire.

May 31st, 2009, 11:14 AM	#2
Tubesock ninjette.org member Name: David Location: Chatta-vegas Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 69	Man that sux I just did my 600 mile service today too, actually I'm still in the process. But I probably would've flipped $h1t if that happened to me, hopefully they'll cover it cuz that looks like faulty manufacturing. __________________________________________________ "When I die I want mud on my jump boots, magazine empty, and barrel hot."

May 31st, 2009, 11:29 AM	#4
Tubesock ninjette.org member Name: David Location: Chatta-vegas Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 69	Haha yea probably a good idea to cool off some. And yea oil changing sux a big one for someone who's never done it b4 but I guess it'll get easier the more it gets done. __________________________________________________ "When I die I want mud on my jump boots, magazine empty, and barrel hot."

May 31st, 2009, 11:42 AM	#6
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Dom - I know you said you were using your torque wrench but how hard did it feel like you were pulling? 14 ft-lbs is not that much torque. Using a standard sized 3/8 ratchet two fingers out towards the end is going to be about all you need. If you have a lot of confidence in your torque wrench I'd take it along to the dealership so they can compare your pull to one of theirs. The bad news could be they are going to say your wrench is way off and sorry. If the dealer isn't going to cover the filter cover it is only a $17.00 + shipping part from CheapCycleParts. __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

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May 31st, 2009, 11:23 AM	#3
dmonaco05 ninjette.org member Name: Dom Location: oswego ny Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250r Posts: 46	yeah i told my girlfriend to just leave me alone for a few hours while i cooled down. I think the worst thing about this is now I have to change the oil all over again

May 31st, 2009, 11:40 AM	#5
pantera ninjette.org member Name: Brion Location: Rochester, NY Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom / 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Posts: 133	Looks like that part only cost $19.72 on Ron Ayers web site.Part number 14025-1422.Dealer will probably say it must have been over tightened.

May 31st, 2009, 11:58 AM	#7
dmonaco05 ninjette.org member Name: Dom Location: oswego ny Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250r Posts: 46	well the torque wrench is brand new, so i hope its not off by much but it could be. didnt feel very hard to me, and i know its not that expensive but if i can get it covered id be happier haha. anyone know how to calibrate a torque wrench?

May 31st, 2009, 12:39 PM	#8
ShishkaBOMB ninjette.org member Name: Shish Location: SGV, CA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 35	You'll need a torque wrench calibrator, which is not readily available in most cases. You could try contacting the manufacturer. I agree with OldGuy though, i just did my oil change yesterday and i prefer to just use a ratchet and tighten by hand till it feels right. It wouldn't feel too tight with that torque wrench because there is so much leverage. By using a ratchet you can hold it by the head or with a couple fingers at the end and get a good feel for how much torque is applied. The filter/drain bolts are not critical parts where you need exact torque specs. I have one of those torque wrenches and i hate it, confuses me because i'm not sure if it reads 24 or 14ft/lbs. For the low torque ones a beam style torque wrench would be better. Also be sure to reset your torque wrench to 0 when storing. How are you taking the bike to the dealer? Major suckage.

May 31st, 2009, 04:40 PM	#10
HKr1 IC2(SW) Name: Kerry Location: Pensacola Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.	You need a smaller range tourque wrench.

May 31st, 2009, 04:47 PM	#11
dmonaco05 ninjette.org member Name: Dom Location: oswego ny Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250r Posts: 46	not taking the whole bike there just the cover, if i needed to tho i can push it up in my truck and bring it there. idk i read all these diy's and they all say 14.5 ft-lbs so i thought it was important to torque it to that spec. i honestly think it was a crappy piece, im not a very big guy (135lbs) so i dont think i coulda broke a good one if i was even trying to.

May 31st, 2009, 06:25 PM	#12
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Torque wrenches can be finicky. You should always store the wrench with the torque set at Zero. I periodically lock te wrench in a vise and click away at various settings--keeps the thing nimble. On my bicycles I use a 1/4" torque wrench--use it on the Ninjette as well. I also have an ancient Sturdevant Beam torque wrench which is exceptionally accurate. I keep my wrenches in cases and NEVER lend them to anyone.

May 31st, 2009, 07:27 PM	#13
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	Sorry to hear that. Good luck with the dealer tomorrow.

June 1st, 2009, 03:57 PM	#15
dmonaco05 ninjette.org member Name: Dom Location: oswego ny Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250r Posts: 46	just got back from the dealer, they had never seen anything like that before. they indicated it would be fully covered under warranty and ordered the part. will be in friday.

June 1st, 2009, 03:58 PM	#16
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.

June 1st, 2009, 04:01 PM	#18
pantera ninjette.org member Name: Brion Location: Rochester, NY Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom / 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Posts: 133	Glad to hear the dealer will cover the part under warranty.

June 1st, 2009, 04:26 PM	#20
pantera ninjette.org member Name: Brion Location: Rochester, NY Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom / 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Posts: 133	That torque wrench only seems to measure 25 lbs and above.

June 1st, 2009, 04:43 PM	#22
pantera ninjette.org member Name: Brion Location: Rochester, NY Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom / 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Posts: 133	Seems like a great tool to have then.

June 1st, 2009, 07:01 PM	#24
dmonaco05 ninjette.org member Name: Dom Location: oswego ny Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ninja 250r Posts: 46	ok so i noticed that while its been sitting without a filter cover some oil has made its way onto the tire, i read to use brake cleaner? anyone know what to do in this situation?

June 1st, 2009, 07:57 PM	#25
Nickds7 ninjette.org guru Name: Nick Location: Sacramento, California. Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 379	I don't trust those torque wrenches. I just bought an old school one, always accurate as long as the bar is pointing at 0 when no torque is applied. I would think brake cleaner or maybe simple green would clean the oil off the tire.