Make your oil change EASY!

[sommerfliesby]

Just changed the oil on my Vector for the first time. After stripping a couple of the crappy Philips head screws that hold the body panels on, I determined that I'd rather not deal with taking those off if I could avoid it. Happened to have a pump laying around the shop that I use to pump gear lube into the outdrive on my boat, so I decided to give it a try. Worked absolutely PERFECTLY. I was able to completely empty the oil reservoir (pulled the drain plug WITHOUT removing that panel through a little contortion, and nothing else came out). Then I pulled the plug on the crankcase, let the rest of the oil out, changed filters, and slapped it back together. So, if anybody else wants to avoid pulling the body of their sled apart just to change the oil...here's a link to the pump I used:
http://www.marinepowerservice.com/boati ... ctID=39129

Time to start thinking about boating...have a good summer everyone.

Here's a pic of my wife enjoying her brand-new Vector this winter up in Land-o-lakes, WI...

 

[snowsweat]

It might be a bit cheaper to buy the proper screwdriver. If you try to use the same screwdriver to remove the body panels as you use on your carbs, you will get frustrated.

 

[sommerfliesby]

Hope you aren't insinuating that I can't pick the correct screwdriver...???

15 bucks is also a fairly cheap solution, but hey, different strokes, I guess.

 

[NY_Nytro]

Good idea on the pump. But it is also good to remove the line at the bottom oil tank to clean the screen.

Grind the point off a little on a #2 phillips head will allow a deeper bite into the screw and avoid stipping it.

 

[yamaslob]

The pump is a good idea, those screw's are a joke!! Most of mine were striped out on my old nytro.

 

[Phantom]

Believe it or not... The screwdriver in the tool kit that came with your sled actually fits the screws properly

 

[JohnWI]

But it is also good to remove the line at the bottom oil tank to clean the screen.

What? Please explain.

 

[NY_Nytro]

But it is also good to remove the line at the bottom oil tank to clean the screen.

What? Please explain.

On the oil tank there is connection at the bottom. Two allen screws hold it on. After you drained the oil, remove that connection and pull it out. You will see a screen. Its so any debris that may fallen into the oil tank doesn't make its way into the engine.

 

[ACG]

I'm trying to think of a way to rig up 1/4 turn fasteners on the side panels or at least a quicker way to get them off. So much easier to change belts and do minor clutch work with them off. I seem to be taking mine off at least once a week tinkering with it. Once you break the initial torque that was on them from the factory they are pretty easy going on and off. I stripped out a few and no dealers in town had any. Called them a few weeks later and bought out there entire stock...a whole 3 screws...

 

[Vectornut]

After you have drained all the oil from the three (3) locations, Resivoir, Oil Filter and the Plug at the bottom of the engine , pour two liters of new oil into the resivoir and one litre into the top cap hole at the top of the head. My dealer says this will help prevent any dry periods when restarting the engine. I do this with my 05 Vector. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Stu]

After you have drained all the oil from the three (3) locations, Resivoir, Oil Filter and the Plug at the bottom of the engine , pour two liters of new oil into the resivoir and one litre into the top cap hole at the top of the head. My dealer says this will help prevent any dry periods when restarting the engine. I do this with my 05 Vector. Any thoughts on this?

Seems reasonable. I know that's not what the manual says but that would make sense about preventing the dry start after draining the old oil. They give you a location to add oil at the top of the engine so I can't see how it would hurt to throw some oil in there and the rest in the reservior. Just my $0.02.

 

[yammie3687]

Changing the oil by pumping it out is not really a great idea. You can not get all the oil and sediment out with a pump. The screws are really tight from the factory but once you get them out for the first time it's not to bad. I would replace all the screws and next time it won't be so bad. Tap the screwdriver with a hammer first losen them up.

 

[aVenture]

Vectornut, i have no idea if we have the same dealer....since your location is not part of your profile but... i have been suggested to pour half a liter as well on the top when i do a "filter job"; this comes from the #1 tech. there just back from Yam. school.

 

[Vectornut]

From Eden, Vt. My dealer is Derby Equipment In Derby Vt. Best Dealer around and best place to ride except Quebec. You guys have it all. Mike, Vectornut 05.

 

[Cruizin]

Make your oil change easy

Just purchase a #3 phillips screwdriver and you won't have any problems with the side panel screws. It also works for the hyfax screws.