1978 GS500E Oil Change mistake

[miershpedankl]

Hey Folks,

I was changing the oil for the first time in my new 1978 GS550E and I guess I tightened one of the three oil filter cover nuts too tight. I must have also tightened the drain bolt to tight b/c it just spins. It really didn't seem like I had tightened them all that much. ARGH!

Anyway, I have a MD state inspection on Tue and I am wondering how this will affect the inspection. Are these two parts easy to replace? Are they standard parts that a shop might have on hand?

Thanks,
Nate

[Billy Ricks]

Hey Folks,

I was changing the oil for the first time in my new 1978 GS550E and I guess I tightened one of the three oil filter cover nuts too tight. I must have also tightened the drain bolt to tight b/c it just spins. It really didn't seem like I had tightened them all that much. ARGH!

Anyway, I have a MD state inspection on Tue and I am wondering how this will affect the inspection. Are these two parts easy to replace? Are they standard parts that a shop might have on hand?

Thanks,
Nate

If there's enough of the filter stud left you can remove it and just use a bolt for the time being or better yet cut the proper size bolt head off and make your own stud.

For the drain plug try this, http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...p/t-71861.html .

[Nessism]

Pull the drain plug back out and go to a good auto parts store and ask for a self tapping plug - the type that cuts their own threads. Also pull out the stud for the filter and get a new one of those as well.

[miershpedankl]

Awesome guys! Thanks so much for the quick response. Looks like I'm heading to the parts shop tomorrow. I was totally bummed b/c this is my first bike and I thought I'd done something super stupid --- I just want to ride!!!

Peace,
nate

[Billy Ricks]

Awesome guys! Thanks so much for the quick response. Looks like I'm heading to the parts shop tomorrow. I was totally bummed b/c this is my first bike and I thought I'd done something super stupid --- I just want to ride!!!

Peace,
nate

It would be best to pull the pan when using the self-tapping plug. Some people have reported doing it with the pan on the bike but I wouldnt risk leaving threads behind that might foul a bearing or clog an oil passage. It will also help you get it threaded straight.

[SqDancerLynn1]

If it uses the standars size look for a motormite # 65217 drain plug. Self taping - Grease it up, screw it in slowly 1/2 turn/ back a little/ another 1/2 turn Remove it & wash the grease & shavings off it, Good to go.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Just for future reference, the drain bolt, at least on several models I'm familiar with, should be torqued about 8 or 9 ft/lb. Yes, it's very easy to over-tighten it.
The small nuts for the filter cover plate should be about 4 ft/lb. Again, very easy to over-tighten small hardware.

[miershpedankl]

Just for future reference, the drain bolt, at least on several models I'm familiar with, should be torqued about 8 or 9 ft/lb. Yes, it's very easy to over-tighten it.
The small nuts for the filter cover plate should be about 4 ft/lb. Again, very easy to over-tighten small hardware.

I discovered this the hard way. Any particular torque wrench good for bike maintenance? I've seen so many different kinds, but have yet to own one myself.

BTW - have any of you used http://www.alpha-sports.com to purchase replacement parts? If use the Suzuki link and navigate to your year and model it seems like they have everything. ??

[Nessism]

I discovered this the hard way. Any particular torque wrench good for bike maintenance? I've seen so many different kinds, but have yet to own one myself.

BTW - have any of you used http://www.alpha-sports.com to purchase replacement parts? If use the Suzuki link and navigate to your year and model it seems like they have everything. ??

Sears is a good place to purchase tools. Buy a click-type torque wrench with a 3/8" socket head - most of these are medium range which is the most useful range.

For parts, Bike Bandit is cheaper than Alpha-Sport, but not as cheap as Flat Out (which has VERY slow service).

[the_journeyman]

I've got a nice 3/8 Craftsman torque wrench, it was under $100 too. I bout a 1/2 step up socket so I could use my large axle sockets that are 1/2. Spin the handle to the torque value you need & tighten until the handle clicks & gives ~

JM

[lurch12_2000]

Here is my torque wrench substitution method I've been using for years:

1 to 2 fingers on the ratchet for light torque (under 10 lbs)

3 fingers for medium torque

4 fingers for more medium torque

whole fist and forearm for heavy torque

Granted, you get to know from experience on the size and material of the nuts and bolts you're dealing with to determine how much torque to use.
And always tighten gradually and evenly in a crisscross pattern when you have multiple nuts or bolts to do.