Another Oil Change

[jbfla]

The CSC tutorial says to change the oil at 200 miles, and then again at 1,000 miles with synthetic oil. Then every 2,000 miles.

The Owner's Manual says to change the oil at 500 miles, and then every 2,500 miles.

I'm OK with either one. But my curiosity got the better of me.

This was the drain plug at the 200 mile oil change:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/drain%20plug%20w%20sludge_zpska8ks6ot.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/drain%20plug%20w%20sludge_zpska8ks6ot.jpg.html)


I kept wondering if the drain plug would look like that next time.

So here's the drain plug at 600 miles:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/mag%20plug2_zps6ixlns3e.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/mag%20plug2_zps6ixlns3e.jpg.html)


I also noticed some sort of sealing compound on the oil screen, and around the threads on the drain plug (see above photo)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/sealer_zpsu9rvbjx3.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/sealer_zpsu9rvbjx3.jpg.html)

So it cost me $20 to satisfy my curiosity (filter and 2 qts. of oil).

It took a little less time for this change:

And I really miss my table lift (in NC). It's tough for an old guy to be crawling around on the ground.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/oil%20change%202_zpseyihyg1h.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/oil%20change%202_zpseyihyg1h.jpg.html)

Then lubed the chain (every 200 miles):

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/chain%20lube_zpsslzxtspw.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/chain%20lube_zpsslzxtspw.jpg.html)

jb

[Jay In Milpitas]

Very much like I found, JB.

I don't think ahead to take pics, so no photo trail. Just for investigation sake, I changed oil at 250, 500, 750, then went to synthetic at 1,000 miles.

At 250, lots of ferrous fluff on the magnet, bits of chaff/fluff on both screens. Cut open and did a post mortem on the filter element and found only expected amounts of metals there, both ferrous and otherwise. Didn't do spectrum analysis, though.

At 500, almost nothing in the screens and much reduced levels in the filter element.

At 750 & 1000 everything diminished to low levels as I would expect of a high quality, precision made high dollar machine.

I just didn't pay high dollars for it. Ain't it sweet?

[jbfla]

......

At 750 & 1000 everything diminished to low levels as I would expect of a high quality, precision made high dollar machine.

I just didn't pay high dollars for it. Ain't it sweet?

:tup:

jb

[SpudRider]

Thanks for posting the informative photos. :)

I like the reflectors on the side and rear of the panniers. :) I also like your swingarm stand. Who makes it, and how much does it cost? Can you post a link for that swingarm stand?

[detours]

Thanks for the pics and write up of your observations. I had a similar experience to yours, though I didn't change the oil as often. I'm looking forward to my next change to synthetic.

[jbfla]

...... Can you post a link for that swingarm stand?

I've been using a rear paddock stand on my TW for years. Makes it easy to lube the chain.

This is the one I have been using on the TW in NC:

http://www.cyclegear.com/TRACKSIDE-Rear-Paddock-Stand

I wanted another one for FL but was too lazy to drive the 25 miles to the Cycle Gear store. So I ordered it online, and that's what they sent me...a substitution, but it works OK.

I prefer the one with dual wheels, and the substituted stand seems to take more effort to lift the bike. However, the RX3 is heavier than the TW.

Using the rear stand takes some coordination to use if you don't have the front wheel secured.

It is possible for the bike to take a tumble. Then you get to see how well the crash bars on the RX3 work....

jb

[SpudRider]

I have a T-Rex swingarm stand I have been using for the last 7 years. It works well for all my motorcycles. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Motorcycle%20Extras/ZongMaintenance029.jpg

[jbfla]

Spud, that looks like a TW on that stand.

Didn't know you had one, only the Zong with the TW clone engine.

jb

[SpudRider]

Spud, that looks like a TW on that stand.

Didn't know you had one, only the Zong with the TW clone engine.

jb

That is my Zongshen Sierra (ZS200GY-2) on the stand. Both the ZS200GY-2 (Sierra), and ZS250GY-3 (RX3) are manufactured with 15-inch rear wheels, mounted with size 130/90-15, rear tires. ;)

I took that photograph while the 15-inch knobby tire was rare, but still available in North America. After that tire wore out, I couldn't find 15-inch knobby tire. Therefore, I converted the bike to a Yamaha XT225 swingarm, and switched to an 18-inch rear wheel, and the XT225 shock absorber. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/XT225%20Swingarm%20Conversion/XT225SwingarmConversion015.jpg

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=5644

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/XT225%20Swingarm%20Conversion/XT225SwingarmConversion024.jpg

[jbfla]

Ahhhh..... Before and after.

:tup:

jb

[SpudRider]

Ahhhh..... Before and after.

:tup:

jb

Yes, here is a photo of the Zongshen Sierra with the original wheels.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zong%20Day%20Trips/RattlesnakeRoadSprocketChart015.jpg

Here is a later photo of the Zongshen Sierra, after a few modifications. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/2012%20Rides/March/Zongride3-21-12003.jpg

[jbfla]

The "after" looks much better.

So all that is left of the original Zong is the main part of the frame and the engine?

CSC must have gotten the idea of the TT250 from looking at your bike.

jb

[SpudRider]

Thank you. :)

The carburetor, air box, and 37mm USD forks are also stock. I only trimmed the plastic a little. ;)

[SpudRider]

Here is a better photo of my Zongshen Sierra, in stock configuration. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/March%20Madness%202010/TwinButtes941.jpg

[Co2]

I also noticed some sort of sealing compound on the oil screen, and around the threads on the drain plug (see above photo)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/sealer_zpsu9rvbjx3.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/600%20oil%20change/sealer_zpsu9rvbjx3.jpg.html)

jb

İf that part is soft sliconise/plastic and color grey, yes it is middle crankcase seal:)

Nice topic/thread , im make first 3000 kilometr ( first 50 , 150 , every 150+ 300>>>3000 km i adviced that methode, i know that is not economic, but best way for motor healt, and RPM limite using, evvery gears,every rpms, but never use long time same continius high rpm) my moto much period oil change every time i use 10-40 cstrl ( for motocycle.) 3000 km later decrease that metal micron dusts.:tup:

Oil filter steel is long life, cleean easy, and i think best.

[jbfla]

Two more oil changes:

That makes a change at 200, 600, 1,400, and 2,400 miles.

I switched to synthetic oil at 1,400 miles.

This one took about 1 hour 20 minutes. About half of that was "drain time".

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20change%204.1_zpsej9eknmf.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20change%204.1_zpsej9eknmf.jpg.html)

There was still a bit of sludge and sparkly bits:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/drain%20plug%202400_zpsewkuzwda.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/drain%20plug%202400_zpsewkuzwda.jpg.html)


But the filter had almost none:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20filter%202400_zpsxstadnvq.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20filter%202400_zpsxstadnvq.jpg.html)

I saved a sample to send in for analysis:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20sample_zpstqqehfck.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20sample_zpstqqehfck.jpg.html)

From here on out, I'm going with 2,000 mile oil changes, unless I get a surprise from the oil analysis report. Then I may change every 1,000.

jb

[Jay In Milpitas]

Good to see someone else that does post-mortem filter inspections.

But,,,,,,,,,,,,, the mallet?

I'm glad the RX3 only takes 1.7 quarts of oil, that filler for the trans area really should be a larger bore. I've idly pondered laying the bike o the left side guard bars and pouring the oil in the filter & screen holes for expedience.

[Lee R]

Please post results of the Oil analysis, I did one at 1000 miles on mine and it showed some fuel contamination. I'm really curious what yours shows. My drain bolt looked similar to yours but I didn't check the filter.

Did you have any fuel smell to the oil?

Here's my oil report.

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad85/kalimarus/RX3%20Oil%20Analysis_zpsn6l1gb4s.png (http://s924.photobucket.com/user/kalimarus/media/RX3%20Oil%20Analysis_zpsn6l1gb4s.png.html)

[jbfla]

...... But,,,,,,,,,,,,, the mallet?.

The mallet is for banging against the side of my head....when I forget to put the drain plug back in before pouring in the new oil.... ;)

Actually it's to lightly tap the end of the socket wrench handle to loosen the drain plug and mesh filter screen covers....saves my knuckles from being scraped when the covers suddenly release. The drain plug always seems to be much tighter than when I last put it in.

I'm wondering if there should be a crush washer on the drain plug? My other bikes have one.

For putting in the new oil, I use a long neck funnel that just barely fits in the filler hole.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/funnel_zpsrzyynsbz.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/funnel_zpsrzyynsbz.jpg.html)

jb

[jbfla]

...Did you have any fuel smell to the oil?...

No fuel smell in the oil, and no measurable amount of oil usage between changes.

Thanks for posting your oil analysis report. I looked at it when you previously posted it.

I ordered the analysis kit from Blackstone as well. I imagine it will be a couple of weeks before I get a report.

jb

[Lee R]

No fuel smell in the oil, and no measurable amount of oil usage between changes.

Thanks for posting your oil analysis report. I looked at it when you previously posted it.

I ordered the analysis kit from Blackstone as well. I imagine it will be a couple of weeks before I get a report.

jb

Blackstone should be pretty quick, it was about a week after I sent mine that I got the results. I'm a little jealous of your southern location as I stare out into the snow here in NY!

[SpudRider]

...I'm wondering if there should be a crush washer on the drain plug? My other bikes have one...

jb

Yes, there should be a crush washer on the oil drain plug. ;)

[jbfla]

Yes, there should be a crush washer on the oil drain plug. ;)

Thanks Spud.

...no crush washer was present at the first oil change...


Edit: perhaps there was a crush washer...I'm used to seeing copper washers....

EDIT #2.... Senility has set in. Definitely a washer, just not what I was expecting.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/drain%20plug%20clean_zpszenbgkat.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/drain%20plug%20clean_zpszenbgkat.jpg.html)

That's one reason I take a lot of photos. They are much better than my memory. :)

jb

[SpudRider]

You found it. :tup:

[jbfla]

You found it. :tup:

Yes, but it still doesn't look like the copper crush washers that are on my other bikes.

And I've wondered from the beginning about all the white substance that was smeared around the drain plug threads...looks like some sort of sealing compound.

jb

[SpudRider]

Yes, but it still doesn't look like the copper crush washers that are on my other bikes.

And I've wondered from the beginning about all the white substance that was smeared around the drain plug threads...looks like some sort of sealing compound.

jb

Both my Honda CRF250X and Honda XR650L have aluminum crush washers. ;) I think my oil drain plug might have had a similar substance on the threads; if it bothers you, just peal it off. The oil drain plug won't leak oil. :)

[jbfla]

Both my Honda CRF250X and Honda XR650L have aluminum crush washers. ;) I think my oil drain plug might have had a similar substance on the threads; if it bothers you, just peal it off. The oil drain plug won't leak oil. :)

You're going to make me pull out that drain plug again, aren't you...>:

Just to see if that is a real crush washer (aluminum or not), or a solid washer. ;)

jb

[jbfla]

You're going to make me pull out that drain plug again, aren't you...>:

Just to see if that is a real crush washer (aluminum or not), or a solid washer. ;)

jb

Spud didn't make me do it, but I wanted to do another oil change before the bike goes to CA.

No crush washer this time. Don't know where it went:

Oil Change # 5

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/crush%20washer_zps4ovac7ue.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/crush%20washer_zps4ovac7ue.jpg.html)



Found the aluminum crush washer stuck to the bottom of the engine.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/crush%20washer%202_zpskczbforl.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/crush%20washer%202_zpskczbforl.jpg.html)



There is still a good amount of sludge and metal filings on the magnetic drain plug.

The way the filings are standing up, I believe they are steel, not aluminum.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20change%205_zpss2qaf70a.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20change%205_zpss2qaf70a.jpg.html)


Only a few tiny sparkles in the oil filter:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/mascioj/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20filter%205_zpswizooxfp.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/mascioj/media/CSC%20Motorcycles/oil%20change/oil%20filter%205_zpswizooxfp.jpg.html)

jb