Oil Changing Tools

Cheesehead Commando · May 19, 2013

Hi Commando Lovers-

Any suggestions on where to obtain the two tools needed for an oil change on a '74 850? I need the proper wrench for the oil drain and a proper tool for removal of the oil filter. Tired of hacking it.

Thanks all!!

Regards,
Tom

Throber · May 19, 2013

Any automotive store will have an oil filter removing strap type tool. Don't get the rubber belt type, get the metal strap type. Snap on sells them but the Sears tool is just as good.
It if is hard to remove just hammer a long screwdriver through it and unwind it. It is going to be thrown away after all.
When replacing the filter remember to lube the rubber seal a bit with clean oil, and the thread on the filter too.
As for the drain, it's also a common spanner, socket or wrench size. If you cant get, or don't have, a Witworth size I can send you one from down under. Let me know the size you want and I'll go and troll through the second hand shop's for you. Shipping will be about US $3.00-ish plus the small amount for the tool.

Cheesehead Commando · Jun 23, 2013

Hey, thanks, Throber, I may take you up on that. From the shop manual it states that the proper wrench for the drain plug is 7/8 Whitworth. Well, that wrench appears to be non-existent on eBay, etc. Measuring the bolt, a 1.5 inch American Standard may work, albeit a bit sloppy. Don't most people have this problem, or am I the only one trying to source a Whitworth wrench of that size? What else would work?

Thanks again for the advice..

Cheers..

concours · Jun 23, 2013

Cheesehead Commando said:
Hey, thanks, Throber, I may take you up on that. From the shop manual it states that the proper wrench for the drain plug is 7/8 Whitworth. Well, that wrench appears to be non-existent on eBay, etc. Measuring the bolt, a 1.5 inch American Standard may work, albeit a bit sloppy. Don't most people have this problem, or am I the only one trying to source a Whitworth wrench of that size? What else would work?

Thanks again for the advice..

Cheers..

Perhaps measure again? I use a six point inch size socket ground flush on the face will engage the strainer(s) properly. I forgot what size now.. 1-3/8"?

Peter R · Jun 23, 2013

i have used a 1.5 inch socket for the sump plug for years, works well, I would not bother to get a Withworth socket for that job.

DogT · Jun 23, 2013

You can get a proper sump spanner at walmart or harbor freight for around $10 in the trailer hitch section. You can use it to beat of itinerant bears too.

Dave
69S

geo46er · Jun 23, 2013

Ya got me curious as to what I have used in the past. A trip down to the shop this morning finds that the 38mm socket from my Harbor Freight 3/4 inch drive set fits just fine.

GB

PS. If you use K&N brand oil filters they have a handy 17mm nut built right on the end for easy install and removal.

ILLF8ED · Jun 23, 2013

geo46er said:
Ya got me curious as to what I have used in the past. A trip down to the shop this morning finds that the 38mm socket from my Harbor Freight 3/4 inch drive set fits just fine.

GB

PS. If you use K&N brand oil filters they have a handy 17mm nut built right on the end for easy install and removal.

What is the part number for K&N oil filter. I couldn't find a listing on their website for oil filter, only air filter.

Corona850 · Jun 23, 2013

illf8ed said:
geo46er said:

Ya got me curious as to what I have used in the past. A trip down to the shop this morning finds that the 38mm socket from my Harbor Freight 3/4 inch drive set fits just fine.

GB

PS. If you use K&N brand oil filters they have a handy 17mm nut built right on the end for easy install and removal.

Click to expand...

What is the part number for K&N oil filter. I couldn't find a listing on their website for oil filter, only air filter.

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=KN-153

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7UNxP5Zv-zA[/video]

Also read this : http://atlanticgreen.com/oilfilter.htm

ILLF8ED · Jun 23, 2013

KN-153 says fits several Ducati? Is it the same as Commando?

Thanks

Corona850 · Jun 23, 2013

illf8ed said:
KN-153 says fits several Ducati? Is it the same as Commando?

Thanks

Read the post above and watch the video and all will be revealed!

X-file · Jun 23, 2013

Is there really any need to remove the crankcase drain plug at oil change time?You won't get all the dirty oil out,because a lot is still in the crank.
You can leave the drain plug alone,and pump all that dirty oil out when you pump clean oil into the engine.The dirty oil comes out of the return line.Just disconnect it from the tank and collect the dirty oil.When it comes out clean,re-connect the return hose.

bluto · Jun 23, 2013

So far as the tank goes I bought an oil extractor awhile back, works really well and waaay less messy than pulling the drain plug, no need to remove the side cover...

concours · Jun 24, 2013

bluto said:
So far as the tank goes I bought an oil extractor awhile back, works really well and waaay less messy than pulling the drain plug, no need to remove the side cover...

+1, I've been wanting to try this, for reasons of sludge removal from the bottom of the tank. Drain plug is up a bit from the bottom. I was surprised to see a 1/4" layer of sludge in the tank after only 5,000 miles.

DogT · Jun 24, 2013

X-file said:
Is there really any need to remove the crankcase drain plug at oil change time?You won't get all the dirty oil out,because a lot is still in the crank.
You can leave the drain plug alone,and pump all that dirty oil out when you pump clean oil into the engine.The dirty oil comes out of the return line.Just disconnect it from the tank and collect the dirty oil.When it comes out clean,re-connect the return hose.

I like this idea.

Dave
69S

Hobot · Jun 24, 2013

2nd xfiles method but wouldn't worry about the crank volume of oil remaining nor the similar amount left in the TS sump w/o removing its cover too. I quit swearing/sweating over oil filters too after I learned they only filter stuff big enough to clog passages and let the majority of wearing particles right through. The factory crank trap and the oil tank bottom sediment/sludge collectors are more effective to protect engine than a truck size [non-bypass type] oil filter.

Oil Changing Tools

Similar threads