What is the plug 2-3" behind the oil drain plug? Help please

[Chico06GZ250]

Hi everyone,

I did the first oil change on my gf's 2006 GZ250 on Sunday. I removed the oil drain plug first, only a bit came out since it appeared to be low on oil. Thinking it may have a second plug, I also removed the plug that sits 2-3" to the rear of the motor behind the oil drain plug. It is the same size and color as the oil drain plug.

When this was removed, a spring and what looked like a magnet fell out. I put it back together how I thought it came out (smaller piece inside the spring, then back into the motor with the smaller piece touching the plug and the extended spring pointing upward). I tightened the plug along with the drain plug, replaced the oil filter, filled it with oil and started it up.

It seems to run fine, but I want to know what purpose that other plug/spring setup serves. I did a search and this question has been asked several times but never answered, I can't find anything about it in either the owner's or service manual either. Can someone please let me know?

Thanks in advance

[blaine]

If I understand you,what you removed is the 'gearshift cam stopper' as pictured at bottom of page 3-51 in service manual.

[Chico06GZ250]

Thank you so much Blaine, thats exactly what it is. Good thing I just started it and didn't take it for a spin, because I put what must be the stopper at the bottom instead of the top of the spring.

Thanks again!

[blaine]

I would ride slowly and shift up & down to make sure shifter working properly and not binding.Glad I could help.Welcome and good luck!

[Chico06GZ250]

I'll be sure to do that, thank you!

[00clipse00]

What would happen if you ran the bike without this? Short term and long term effects?

[blaine]

Welcome.It keeps you from shifting more than one gear up or down at once.I wouldn't want to try to ride without it as you could shift down two or more gears at once causing wheel lock up and loss of control.Why do you ask? :??:
http://www.postimage.org/templates/images/smiley/confused/11.gif (http://www.postimage.org/)

[00clipse00]

Well because I messed up and used the wrong bolt to drain the oil, and have since then have lost both the spring and the stopper. This was my first time changing the oil on this bike.. Usually my dad did it but since leaving home it was up to me this time. x(. I have already ordered the new parts. Cost me about thirteen dollars shipped.

But aside from shifting down to many gears, will this cause harm to the motor riding like this?

[blaine]

I don't think so.If you must ride this way I would try it very slowly away from traffic to get a feel for it.I personally wouldn't ride this way. :rawk: :2tup:

[Easy Rider]

But aside from shifting down to many gears, will this cause harm to the motor riding like this?

I would certainly want to inspect the hole that is left to be sure that oil isn't going to come out if the hole is left open. My opinion is better safe than sorry.....and don't ride it.....or even run the engine, maybe.

[Water Warrior 2]

I would be sure not to even start the bike. I have visions of something inside the engine trying to eat the end of the spring.

[blaine]

I would be sure not to even start the bike. I have visions of something inside the engine trying to eat the end of the spring.

He lost both the spring and plunger.He still has the plug for the hole.

[Water Warrior 2]

I would be sure not to even start the bike. I have visions of something inside the engine trying to eat the end of the spring.

He lost both the spring and plunger.He still has the plug for the hole.
OOPs, brain fart. I still would not be starting the bike, after all, it is missing parts.

[Water Warrior 2]

"How It's Made" just showed this not 5 minutes ago. The spring holds the top piece up against the shift drum only allowing 1 gear selection at a time. You can't skip a gear. If my understanding is correct this prevents you from shifting for example from 5th to 1st and doing some major damage to you and the bike. It makes sure you can only shift one gear up or down with each movement of the shift lever. This little item is a very important piece of the bike.