Is it possible for zero spillage at filter change?

[Q. Arrius]

I had my 500 mile service done at my dealer, at the end of last year. ('12 SE, bought as a left-over.) Instead of doing myself...I took it to them, as I wanted record of it for my YES warranty.

I believe they vacuumed the oil out...but I can't be certain. I opened the sled up and the bolts and battery tray looks untouched. Zero scuffs on bolts ect. I found dust on the filter, but that doesn't say much. I found zero oil residue near the filter. I believe it's the original filter.

Even with a rag....is this possible? For peace of mind, I'm changing the filter and oil. My brain will melt down if I don't!

So if the filter was never changed: the first change, the filter will be extremely hard to loosen, correct? I noticed what I thought was light, clear brown lube oozing out...but perhaps this is the Yamaha glue?

If I find the filter stuck hard....at least I only put 200 miles on after the 500 spec'd change.

Any thought would be appreciated. It's not really about the filter....rather learning if I can trust the dealer.

Q. Arrius

 

[HABS 1]

for some reason my apex filter is always easy to remove (wish my bike was same way), if anyone finds a way to change oil n filter with zero spillage, please let me know!i change filter every year and no matter how neat and ckean i try to be i end up brake cleaning pan and using bunch of rags to clean under filter!!!

 

[yama_rider]

The filter change is messy on these....I would say it was not done if it's as clean as you say.

 

[MrSled]

I would say, you better find a new dealer.

 

[thor452]

I would ask them to explain maybe they had/have a bad tech that they dont know about and would rectify situation for you.

 

[RTX]

I would ask them to explain maybe they had/have a bad tech that they dont know about and would rectify situation for you.

I agree with this.
Politely explain that you are extremely anal about your stuff and you always double check everything no matter who services your stuff.
Let them know what you found and listen to the response.
If they cant explain or are unwilling to explain it is time to find a different dealer.

 

[vodoo child]

I agree with this.
Politely explain that you are extremely anal about your stuff and you always double check everything no matter who services your stuff.
Let them know what you found and listen to the response.
If they cant explain or are unwilling to explain it is time to find a different dealer.

X2, After I did mine for the first time I called Ulmer and installed his oil filter relocation kit. 1/2hr oil and filter changes are now the norm!

 

[Frozenstiff]

It,s practically impossible to not spill some oil when changing the filter since the filter is mounted perpendicular to the engine, that is, it is on the front side. As you unscrew the filter, you are going to have some spillage.
The only way to know for sure, is to change it yourself.
It,s a great way to get to know how to dis-assemble your sled, in the nice warm garage.
That way, if you ever have to change a spark plug, you will at least be familiar with taking the top end of your sled to get at the plugs.
Great bonding experience with your sled, and you will also be able to assemble a nice little collection of tools to carry with you so you know you,ll have what makes it easy to change the plugs, whenever you might have to do that trailside, in the cold and wind.

 

[Winderallday!]

My opinion, dealer should have definitely changed filter, especially if this was the first ever oil change, machining debris and other crap should be captured right away. After the first filter change, I generally replace it at every other oil change interval.
The factory installed oil filter can be a bear to remove, I usually remove them using a rubber strap wrench, but have on occasion resorted to a pipe wrench to get it started. My experience, despite jamming shop towels under the filter in an attempt to avoid excessive oil clean up, there is always some that drains/drips down in the bottom by the access cover and you find oil seepage spots on the floor after.
The Ulmer oil filter re-location kit is an ideal upgrade if you can find one around, brings the filter to the front nose of the sled for easier access and less sled tear down, but I don't think he's making them any more last I heard.
Cheers.

 

[87gtNOS]

If not already mentioned, if I remember correctly, the original filter is always a bugger to get off!!
Also, you simply cannot unscrew it without oil spillage!

 

[NOS-PRO]

When I had my Apex, I could do an oil change and not have any mess from the oil filter. This past summer I helped someone do an oil change and did the same procedure with no mess.

With the sidecover off, bottom plate removed, oil drained and airbox/battery removed.....take a heavier plastic bag (the bag that you get from the Yamaha dealer works great!) cut the seams so you have a sheet of plastic. Now, stick the plastic up from the bottom of the sled thru the access panel you removed. Keep the plastic tight to the engine as much as possible and pull up from the top leaving about 5-8 inches sticking down from underneath the sled. (Make sure the plastic is flat and goes the width of the opening). This will catch the drips of oil from the oil filter and with the 5-8 inches sticking down will let the oil run right into your drip pan. Once you have your filter off, let the engine drain and drip. Put your new filter on and then pull the plastic out the bottom of the sled. You will only have to take a rag and wipe the bottom of the engine when done. Re-install all the components and your done!

 

[87gtNOS]

When I had my Apex, I could do an oil change and not have any mess from the oil filter. This past summer I helped someone do an oil change and did the same procedure with no mess.

With the sidecover off, bottom plate removed, oil drained and airbox/battery removed.....take a heavier plastic bag (the bag that you get from the Yamaha dealer works great!) cut the seams so you have a sheet of plastic. Now, stick the plastic up from the bottom of the sled thru the access panel you removed. Keep the plastic tight to the engine as much as possible and pull up from the top leaving about 5-8 inches sticking down from underneath the sled. (Make sure the plastic is flat and goes the width of the opening). This will catch the drips of oil from the oil filter and with the 5-8 inches sticking down will let the oil run right into your drip pan. Once you have your filter off, let the engine drain and drip. Put your new filter on and then pull the plastic out the bottom of the sled. You will only have to take a rag and wipe the bottom of the engine when done. Re-install all the components and your done!

Brilliant!!!

 

[YammyRX1]

Does the work order say that they changed the filter? I know the specified interval for changing the filter is huge (8 or 10k?) but most people do it every season or every other season. All that said I would still expect the very first oil change to include the filter.

 

[Brian Friebel]

My manual says every 12000 miles for filter change.

 

[actionjack]

When I have my sled serviced at the dealer they hand me all parts they removed and replaced. I would have gotten the spent filter upon being given the bill.