Page 1 of 1

Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:55 pm
by ronhartless
I've changed the oil in my truck many times, so I know the basics, but this was my first time changing the oil in the R1200R. I drained the oil, put on the new filter...but didn't realize that the rubber seal on the old filter didn't come off with the old filter. I put the oil in, jumped on the bike, started it up...sounded ok at first, then knocking/clicking, then the low oil pressure light came on...i then realized the oil was coming out from around the filter.

I shut off the bike, let the oil drain, and then took the filter off...at which time I noticed the old rubber seal.

I put the filter back on, put more oil in, and it seems to run just fine, but I'm worried I may have damaged something.

your thoughts?...other than calling me an idiot...i already know that :)

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 10:20 pm
by snag
As long as you didn't run down to the QuickiMart before you discovered the mess you're probably fine. I usually have my face on the floor looking under the vehicle when I first start it after an oil change. I once backed out of the garage and left a nice 20' X 1' oil slick down the driveway from my Accord after an oil change. The hour it took me to clean up the mess gave me time to consider the flaws in my oil change routine. I once had the oil filter on a Fiat Spider pierced by road debris on the way to Safeway. My daughter noticed the 2' slick under the car when we came back from the store. Since then I always look under the vehicle before I get in.

Doug

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 10:24 pm
by ronhartless
no, i was quick to notice it. the engine probably only ran for about 30 seconds, then i got the oil pressure light, then i shut off the engine.

i put some white paper under the bike for the night to see if anything drips down.

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:54 am
by parkec
Sounds like to me another engine break-in theory :D

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:19 pm
by parkec
Seriously,

any idea how much you lost? I'm going to guess that your ok even if you had to add back a quart or so - considering you did not take off racing, or harley engine reving.

btw I notice when my spyglass oil level gets low the engine gets louder, kind of like an auditory oil warning :shock:

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 4:03 pm
by ronhartless
I'd guess that it lost about 2 quarts, then the rest after i turned it off.

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:04 pm
by kay bill c
"I'd guess that it lost about 2 quarts, then the [REST ]after i turned it off." I am not sure I understand the [REST] part. How many Qt's did it take to fill it back up? If it took all new oil to fill it back up that's quite a lot, enough to worry about.2 - 3 Qt's should be OK if you did shut it off right away,Been my experiance working on trucks that once that light's on damage is following real close.

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:01 am
by ronhartless
It lost about 2 quarts, i shut off the engine, the oil was still leaking from the broken seal. I had to take the filter off to discover the broken seal, so at that point the remaining oil came out. I replaced the filter, and filled it back up with new oil.

What are the symptoms of damage that might have been caused?...what should I be looking/listening for?

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:59 pm
by kay bill c
2 Qt's low for a few second's should not have any ill affect's.If there was damage you would most likly hear it.Sounds that were not their before,I don't know how many miles you put on this bike but most likly you know what the engine sounded like before,if it sounds the same ride it.If new clanks,bangs,grinds are there better stop by your shop.

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:27 am
by towerworker
These boxer engines are darn near bullet proof. Ride it.

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:06 am
by ronhartless
I've put about 4,000 miles on it since i bought it. The bike sounds great. Unfortunately our warm weather has passed, and it's snowing outside, and it's going to be a cold weekend...so it'll have to stay put for a few days.

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:11 am
by towerworker
It snowed here in Va last nite and this morning. Not much though. Stopped already and roads are nearly dry here in Staunton. Work got canceled today due to weather. I can't resist---going for a ride this afternoon.

Wayne

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:41 am
by 8b
Hey, when you other east coasters ride in this COLD weather, is your temperature readout on computer flashing like mine? (indicating ice possibility).

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:20 am
by deilenberger
8b wrote:Hey, when you other east coasters ride in this COLD weather, is your temperature readout on computer flashing like mine? (indicating ice possibility).
Yes. Traditional BMW - on the cars - it also beeps.

Re: Oil Change Mistake

Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 10:09 am
by vodka
To Ron,just a follow up. All OK after the oil change mishap. ?????