So today I changed the oil and filter myself for the first time. I have a few questions.

1. Is there a technique of getting the drain plug screw out without getting oil all over your hand?

2. Does there need to be a gasket on the drain plug screw? I don't think there has been one on mine (unless I lost it when I took it off today), and it hasn't been leaking.

3. I put a little too much oil in. Where can I buy a syringe to get the extra oil out?

Thanks!

Laura

hi laura, i find that if i loosely open drain screw, then quickly pull it away, 99% of oil drops into catch pan...as for having a gasket yeah.they have a washer on, u probs dropped it into oil pan...regards too much oil, how much u talking about..if its very minimal dont worry..but if its alot..any chemist sells large syringes..

Quote from: LauraSo today I changed the oil and filter myself for the first time.

Cool!

Quote from: Laura1. Is there a technique of getting the drain plug screw out without getting oil all over your hand?

I've never quite managed it, but richard did it last time without getting a single drop on his hand.  What a guy!

Here's my theory:

* Loosen the drain bolt with a wrench and unscrew it several turns.

* From then on, push up on the bolt head as you continue to (slowly) unscrew it.  You should be able to tell when it starts getting "loose" in the threads.

* When you think it's all the way out of the threaded hole, try to tilt/pull it to one side.  If it doesn't come loose, reapply the upward pressure and give it another twist.[/list:u]

Quote from: Laura2. Does there need to be a gasket on the drain plug screw? I don't think there has been one on mine (unless I lost it when I took it off today), and it hasn't been leaking.

Mine has a (seemingly permanently attached) metal crush washer.  The book says to replace it every time ("Ha!") so I bought a couple extras ... and could never figure out how to get the original one OFF.  They're still around somewhere.

Quote from: Laura3. I put a little too much oil in. Where can I buy a syringe to get the extra oil out?

Look in the grocery store aisle where they sell kitchen utensils: can openers, spatulae, etc.  It's a "baster".

Thanks for the info Lee67 and Kerry:)

I suppose a chemist is the same as Walgreens, eh? I've never seen a large syringe there, but maybe that's just because I didn't look. And I didn't even think of using a turkey baster.

What do you consider a miniscule amount? The oil is halfway up the "F" on the dipstick. Do you think I need to take some out?

I guess I need to buy a gasket. I hope it will be okay until the next oil change. I'm not convinced that I lost it, though, because I drained the oil into a big oil pan, and then I poured the oil through a funnel with a fairly small opening to get it into the empty oil containers. Just to clarify, what is a "crush" washer? Are those the ones that don't meet all the way?

Thanks again! Toodle-oo!
Laura

Quote from: LauraWhat do you consider a miniscule amount? The oil is halfway up the "F" on the dipstick. Do you think I need to take some out?

You mean like in the first picture in THIS POST?  Nope, I wouldn't worry about it.  (In fact, I didn't and don't worry about it.  That happened since my last oil change, and I haven't changed it again yet.)

Quote from: LauraI guess I need to buy a gasket. [...] Just to clarify, what is a "crush" washer? Are those the ones that don't meet all the way?

I was trying to say that on my bike there IS no gasket - only the crush washer.  Describing from memory, I would say that the washer is like a thin metal grommet, or a metal bobbin with a large hole and almost no space between the two sides.  My understanding is that the "slack" between the layers is crushed out when you tighten the bolt against it, and it shapes itself to the bottom of the oil pan and serves as a gasket.

If I remember I'll try to find the washers I bought and post a picture.  I might even be able to take a picture of the drain bolt from richard's blown engine....

Hmmm.  This Ron Ayers fiche page describes item #5 as a "gasket", but mine was metal.  And since we both have '99s (right?) I would expect yours to be the same....  :dunno:

how not to get oil on your hands: Wear Gloves

got a 100 pack from harborfreight.com *i think i got it from the retail store) anycase.. it was like 5 bucks for 100.. you think i will pass out on cheap stuff.