??? Hawk 250 Engine Oil Drain Plug... Side Or Bottom?
 

So I was about to change the engine oil in my brand new Hawk 250 and per the owners manual, the engine oil drain plug is on the left side engine case. So I proceed to search for the correct size socket in my tool box and am completely baffled to discover that I do not have a socket large enough to remove a drain plug on this bike.

This discovery baffled me because I have changed the engine oil myself in several of my past atv's and dirt bikes over the past 20 years (from 200cc to 500cc engines) , and it struck me as odd that the drain plug is located on the side of the case rather than under the case. It also baffled me that it required a socket larger in size than that which I have in my tool box after having done so many engine oil changes on many other bikes and atv's in the past.

After shaking my head for a few moments, I then look directly under the bike's engine case (as this is the location for which I have always drained engine oil from an atv or bike for the last 20 years) and see what appears to be the actual engine oil drain plug. Yet my owners manual does not mention this as an engine oil plug, yet it is obvious to me that this IS an engine oil drain plug!

So can anyone PLEASE tell me if the Hawk 250 has two drain plugs? I understand that the side drain plug has a screen in it that should be inspected, but I just bought this bike brand new and just want to change out the factory engine oil before my first ride. So I do not believe that it is necessary yet to inspect the screen with this being a brand new bike. I plan to ride early tomorrow morning and dont have time right now to go to the auto parts store for a bigger socket. So I was hoping that the bolt on the bottom engine case is a drain plug and will work to drain out the factory oil so that I can add good high quality oil to my bike before my first ride tomorrow.

So can anyone please tell me if the bolt on the bottom of my engine case is an engine oil drain plug and can be used to change out the new factory oil before my first ride?

THANKS!!!!!

The one on the bottom is the drain plug. The one on the side is to access the filter screen to clean it. You can use that one to also drain the oil.

THANKS again JerryHawk250!!

I TRULY appreciate all your help on these forums sir!!

Your welcome. If this is the first only change I would get a socket or wrench and clean the screen. Mine had a good bit of metal shavings on the 1st oil change.

The cap on the side for the oil screen on my Hawk took a 24mm socket. I picked one up at AutoZone for a few bucks. That’s what I use to drain my oil.

A 15/16 (23.8125mm) also quite OK in this job.

For what it's worth. I take both off. I drain the bike with the main drain plug on the bottom of the motor, and then I remove the filter screen cap. Why?

The reasons is pretty simple. I have found that by doing just one, there is always a small level of oil and particulate trapped in the sump. I wanted to ensure that I got as much old oil and particulate out as possible. I also tend to leave both open and run maybe a quarter to half a quart of clean oil through with them both removed. I always have a little left over oil from my 4 quart jugs of rotella, so it works well for this.

Am I known for my overkill when it comes to maintenance? Yes. But, I am also known as the guy that daily drives 30-50 year old vehicles with nary a problem. :tup:

Thats not overkill , its smart. The side plug, since it points to the side not straight down, tend to dribble a good amount of oil all over the bottom of the case .

Which Oil Drain Bolt
 

Hello H250:
I have been using the bottom plug for quick oil changes in these first few miles....For four bucks per quart at Walmart, why not. The screen does need cleaning at intervals. Either one will work as long you occasionally clean out the screen. Be sure to note how you took the screen apart for correct reassembly. Harbor Freight has an impact socket 15/16 for a few bucks...check to make sure you have the drive you want (3/8 or 1/2) on the socket. Let's recycle our oil.

And of course be gentle with that screen cap !

An adjustable wrench also works good for the filter cap if you don't have a socket big enough for it, Just be careful about scraping inside of the frame with the handle if you care about the paint. (a rubber coated handle is best)