Changing Oil

[Convert]

So theoretically what happens if you just add all four quarts with a new filter since the reservoir is basically just a storage tank will it hurt anything?

 

[impalapower]

Not if you burn oil. Then you'll have some extra.

 

[Sled Dog]

Yup I did both mine and they only take 3.2 liters about.

 

[Sled Dog]

So theoretically what happens if you just add all four quarts with a new filter since the reservoir is basically just a storage tank will it hurt anything?

I think because of the height you might get some back flow into the engine raising its level and some oil blown into the air filter.

 

[Convert]

OK so i was just looking at the manual it say's Total amount 4.0 US Qt, Periodic oil changes 3.0 US Qt, With oil filter 3.2 Qt . WTF does that mean we cant get .8 qt out of the engine when we change oil? My math skills suck but it just don't add up :?

 

[Phantom]

That's correct Convert,
You will never get all the oil out of any engine. There are pockets around the cam/lifters that don't drain, oil passages as well as what sticks to the sufaces of the internal componets. The 4.0 is for a totally dry just assembled engine.

 

[ReX]

My technique (from my dealer): drain both the oil tank and engine, re-install the bolts, fill up the oil tank leaving a little gap at the top (almost 3 quarts) and fire up the sled.

After running it a couple of minutes and checking for any leaks I shut it down for a quick check to make sure the oil level is within the safe level and then take the sled for a 15 minute ride.

I park it back on the flat in my garage, let it idle for a minute, shut it down and add oil to bring it exactly to the full mark (line above the cross hatch). Depending on how well it drains (angle the sled is on), I find mine takes between 3.1-3.4 liters without a filter change. With a filter change it took about 3.8 liters.

If I change the filter, I do it while the tank and engine are draining.

 

[Snowaddict]

Well I'll be darned

You certainly can get a lot more oil out by taking out both drain bolts! I had oil all over myself and the garage floor by the time it was done draining. At least I learned something. I would agree that I don't think you'd ever get all of the oil out. I think it depends too even what angle you have the sled sitting at while it's draining.

 

[Exciter Man]

I bought a little drill operated pump with an attachment that reaches to the bottom of the tank. Then I just pump the oil out of the reservoir. It certainly reduces the mess.

 

[Bakemono]

I bought a little drill operated pump with an attachment that reaches to the bottom of the tank. Then I just pump the oil out of the reservoir. It certainly reduces the mess.

The only concern I would have with a setup like that is that by sucking the oil out of the oiltank you will get some crud that will stay in the bottom of the tank.
Over time this crud could build up and cause problems.
Cap'n

 

[Exciter Man]

I have a rubber tip on the end of the extension rod I use and I work it around over the entire bottom of the tank so I feel I have a reasonable chance of also drawing up any sludge as well. If sludge does accumulate over time, since there is not a lot of flow turbulance at the bottom of this tank, I would be more worried that the flow of oil out the drain hole would not be enough to draw it from the bottom of the tank.
As an aside, I picked this tidbit up from my dealer when I watched them do my first oil change. They definitely did not put the same effort into trying to scour the entire bottom of the reservoir.

 

[Red2003]

I don't get why you wouldn't just pull the side panel and drain the tank?? It literally takes 5 min. and its a good time to check out the brakes, chaincase oil, etc. Also the screen in the bottom of the tank should be cleaned with solvent. Its pretty fine and if you're leaving anything in the bottom, it will for sure collect there. ANY restriction in a dry sump system is not at all good. Those suction devices are used by dealerships to save 5 minutes worth of $45.00 per hour labor. Not worth it for the owner to chance it in my opinion.

 

[Exciter Man]

I did not realize there was a screen at the bottom of the tank. Is it removable? The main reason I used the pump method was to avoid Snowaddict's problem: Oil all over the garage floor! I looked in the Parts List and schematic for the oil tank and did not see a screen listed.

 

[Red2003]

Yup, there's one there. I was unaware too until another member here mentioned it. Check it out ASAP. You'll find all sorts of stuff in there. My dealer was also unaware of it, but its there. Its on the big main hose leading out the bottom of the tank. Drain the oil, remove the hose clamp and hose from the elbow, remove the 2 allen bolts and pull it out. Its about 4 in long and its a pre-filter for the oil pump. You might actually be able to see it through the top of teh tank with a flashlight. Anyway, I would definitely pull it if you never have. BTW, how are you guys making such a mess changing the oil? The filter I can see because there's no way to open up the bottom of the sled, but draining the oil should be perfectly clean. Pop the plugs and catch it in a can.

 

[impalapower]

Exciterman, put a sheet of cardboard under the sled to keep oil from getting all over the floor. Thats why they put drain bolts in these things. Also, be sure the engine is hot when you do it so the sludge pours out with the hot oil. That pump thing isn't exactly a good idea.