Oil Change and Filter problem.

[potter3438]

I was changing the oil and the oil filter on my GZ yesterday and I had the oil filler hole open and I was taking off the filter cover. One of the acorn nuts came out of my ratchet and fell into the oil filler hole. I could not get it out, I put oil in it and the bike seems to be running ok. I know I should get this looked at but has anyone had this happen and can the engine seize? I am very new to bikes and engines. Thanks

[bonehead]

Major Problem. But you might get away with it. you might be able to get it out by taking the oil screen off. It is where the drain plug screws into.

[Easy Rider]

One of the acorn nuts came out of my ratchet and fell into the oil filler hole. I could not get it out,

Just when you thought you'd heard it ALL........ :roll:
Man, that's Murphy for you! :cry:

Good idea taking the oil screen off; hopefully it is stuck in there.
If not, you might be able to "snare" it with one of those magnetic "snakes".
I agree, you should not run it with that bouncing around in there.
Might want to "screen" the oil as it comes out, just incase your nut comes out with it.

Good luck!

[potter3438]

Thanks, if it is on the screen is it likely that it will stay there, unless if I hit a bump?

[music man]

I also would not advise you running that engine period, not for one second, until you get that out of there. Because even though it is heavy and likely to stay at the bottom of your engine forever, if the occasion does rise that it does get slung up in the moving parts of the engine, it will probably lead to a catastrophic engine failure.

[potter3438]

I am going to try tonight to get it out, will let you know what happens thanks.

[Easy Rider]

Thanks, if it is on the screen is it likely that it will stay there, unless if I hit a bump?

Don't know. I sure wouldn't take the risk.

[potter3438]

I won't run the engine, I will try to get it out tonight. Thanks

[bonehead]

I won't run the engine, I will try to get it out tonight. Thanks
Well....... did ya get it out?

[potter3438]

I couldn't get the oil screen out because the screws are stripped, but it does not even look like it is in there. The bike runs great so I have no idea. I guess thats what I get for working on my bike when I am sleep deprived.

[New GZ250]

Suggest you don't work on your bike in the future, get a professional.
:lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

Your best and safest route might be having a qualified tech remove the right side crank case cover. It has to be in there somewhere. Could a cheap investment in the long run. Any small foreign object can trash moving parts. 2 objects can not exist in the same place at the same time.

[alantf]

I couldn't get the oil screen out because the screws are stripped,

Do you mean that "the threads" are stripped? If so, what's holding the screen onto the bike? Might be an idea to let him look at that, at the same time. :??:

[bonehead]

Can't figure that one out. Just looked at how my screen housing is attached to the engine and it has hex head bolts. Maybe he meant rounded off instead of stripped?

[potter3438]

However had my bike before me must have put different screws in then. They are two phillips screws, and the ends of the screws are stripped. I will get it looked at when I bring it back out in the spring.

[alantf]

They are two phillips screws, and the ends of the screws are stripped.

I still don't get it! Perhaps you could explain what you mean by STRIPPED. Stripped is a technical term - usually applied to the threads. I'm not condemming you for not using the correct term (all of us have to start learning sometime :) ) but you're confusing me. Do you mean that someone has buggered up the ends of the screws by using the wrong screwdriver, or do you mean something completely different? Not being picky, just trying to find what EXACTLY you mean. :2tup:

[Easy Rider]

.....just trying to find what EXACTLY you mean. :2tup:

Even stranger than that is the fact that THREE fasteners (bolts) hold the strainer plate in place.
I fear that if he has damaged only TWO Phillips heads.......he is trying to get the wrong thing loose !! :??:

Or......considering your response in the other thread.....maybe you would prefer that I stop posting here altogether ???

[alantf]

maybe you would prefer that I stop posting here altogether ???

NO - This is a perfectly polite reply to a question. You chipped in with valuable information that others (including myself) hadn't realised.

It's just when you start ranting, in reply to some genuine question from somebody with little mechanical knowledge, that you get people's backs up. Stay chilled out, & everybody's happy with you. Your knowledge is really helpful - it's just the way you put it across sometimes.

C'mon easy - don't think that your attitude is 100% right, & everyone else is wrong. CHILL OUT MAN! :2tup:

[5th_bike]

Just to clear things up, the oil sump filter where your nut is supposed to be, is at the bottom of the engine, and the oil drain plug is in the middle of its cover. You can access the oil sump filter it by loosening the three bolts of its cover. Be careful.

[potter3438]

On my bike there are two Phillips head screws that hold my oil screen in place. The top part of the screws where you put the screwdriever head onto is stripped. I cannot even turn the screw to make it loose. I did not do this but whomever had my bike last.

[alantf]

Something screwy (no pun intended!) going on here. Any chance of a photo so that we can see if you're trying to get the correct part off? :??: :cry:

[bonehead]

Try a pair of quality needle nose vise grips and see if you can get ahold of the head of the stripped phillips screws and turn them that way. If not, I would suggest the shop.

[Sarris]

Or... you can take a Dremel and try to re-cut the x-slot. Or..... just cut a big slot for a standard screwdriver.

Or.... cut the head off with a Dremel and use a needle nose vise grip to remove the remaining stud.

Or... use a small chisel and try to rotate the head enough to break it loose. Be gentle.

Remember "Tighty Righty, Lefty Loosey"

Good Luck

:)

[bonehead]

Good tips Sarris. Just hope he has the ability to get it done.

[Water Warrior 2]

An impact driver might be a good tool to try. But I am still wondering why only 2 screws and not 3.

[bonehead]

An impact driver might be a good tool to try. But I am still wondering why only 2 screws and not 3.
Not sure wether there's enough clearance under the bike to use an impact driver and swing a hammer?

[Water Warrior 2]

An impact driver might be a good tool to try. But I am still wondering why only 2 screws and not 3.
Not sure wether there's enough clearance under the bike to use an impact driver and swing a hammer?

Would you be able to lay the bike down on it's side with some form of cushion or old blankets to protect it from damage ??

[mrlmd1]

I haven't looked at the parts fiche for this area but you should check first before you lay it down (even though that sounds like a good idea to get access to the bottom of the bike) that the nut doesn't have room to drop down to the other side and get lost somewhere else. Seems to me it would be easier to get it out from the side. Have you tried those mechanical graspers with the prongs if you can fit one down the oil filler hole? If you were close by, I could use a fiberoptic scope to take a look in there and fish the nut out.