Oil Filter Change

[Sven]

Suzuki doesn’t tell you change the oil filter every time you change oil.  Oil is supposed to be every 4K miles, and filter every 11K miles (or once every three changes, I suppose).

I don't know anyone who changes thier car oil without changing the filter, whether they do it or have it done.

I have always previosuly changed the filter with the oil on the bike.

What do you think about not changing the filter this weekend since I just did it in May?  I can save the filter for next time.  Almost cuts the cost of an oil change in half.  Almost.  Thoughts?

[txbanditrydr]

I change the filter every other oil change.... however, I change the oil every 2,000 miles.  I'm using dino oil and the OEM filter and this works well for me especially with these 100 degree days.

I'll bet you could pass on the filter this time but I couldn't bring myself to go 4,000 miles on the oil - even running synth.  Just my 1/50th of a buck.

[Red01]

My '01's book says every-other oil change, which is pretty common with cars, too. I always change the filter every time though. I don't want to leave a filter full of dirty oil in the engine and the cost of a new filter is cheap insurance, IMHO.

[pmackie]

I "usually" change the filter every time, as it is fairly cheap. But, I have left the filter on through 2 oil changes (10,000 kms).

If I leave the filter on, I still drain the oil from it and reinstall, after checking the gasket. I also drain the oil cooler every time. My oil changes are just under 4 litres, new or old filter.

Anyway, if Suzuki says the filter is good for two changes, who am I to argue. Go for it.

[longislandbandit99]

I forgot about draining the oil cooler.  Ever since I started riding I've changed the filter every other time.  My usual MO is change oil and filter when the weather starts to get hot in the early summer.  Then I'll change just the oil again prior to the fall or just before winterizing.  That way come spring time I have fresher oil to start with.  Every spring I do new spark plugs.

[Sven]

OOf! This is reminding me of the debate about gas grades...while the book says low-grade is perfectly fine, I think most B.A. regulars use premium.  We seem to be very reluctant to do what the factory says is perfectly fine.

OK, several more days to go, so keep weighing in, kids!

[Raphy]

As far as I can remember , my manual says nothing about draining the oil cooler... how would u do that ?  

[Red01]

while the book says low-grade is perfectly fine, I think most B.A. regulars use premium.  We seem to be very reluctant to do what the factory says is perfectly fine.

Here's your chance to vote and see if you're right.  

[pmackie]

my manual says nothing about draining the oil cooler... how would u do that ?

Your right, the manual does NOT discuss this, but the oil cooler lines are right there where you change the filter (on the 2G anyways). The 2G 600 oil cooler holds just under 1/2 litre.

I just remove both oil cooler lines, making sure I don't drop the aluminium compression washers in the oil pan. I check the washers, but after about 10 oil changes, I have yet to replace them.

[Sven]

the manual does NOT discuss this, but the oil cooler lines are right there where you change the filter

But the oil drain plug is lower, so any oil in the radiator would drain out...I mean, no, we're not going to get in there and get the lines all squeeky clean, but I don't see changing the oil as having that tight of a tolerance.

[LowRyter]

I change the filter every other oil change.... however, I change the oil every 2,000 miles.  I'm using dino oil and the OEM filter and this works well for me especially with these 100 degree days.

I'll bet you could pass on the filter this time but I couldn't bring myself to go 4,000 miles on the oil - even running synth.  Just my 1/50th of a buck.

that's what I do.  2k on oil, 4k on filter.  at $12 a filter, it seems "prudent"....I've used Castrol GTX 10-40 Dino, some of the 15-40 diesel oils.  But now I've tried some Castrol Syn (blend?) 10-40 motorcycle oil.

[longislandbandit99]

I bought the filter from the dealer and picked up a gallon container of 20W-50 oil, Kawasaki brand.  The whole deal cost me about $30.  As far as gas goes, I run 87 with no problem.  The way gas prices are, why pay more if it runs fine?  I've put 89 in it before too and never noticed that big of a difference.  When it comes to octane and mostly stock motors, I don't think going with 92 is any different from 87 besides the wallet.  You're just putting in a cooler burning gas.

Oil is cheap and I changed it as often as I feel necessary but definitely twice a year.

[Blade]

I always change the filter with the oil change and I do an oil change eveery 2K or more if needed. I usually can feel the shifting getting clunky at about 1800 to 2Kmiles. No mater if I use a blend or petroleum base.

If may be not according to the manual, but think about the meta shavings and what not. I do not want to take a chance of getting that into my engine any more than I have too.

[Red01]

the manual does NOT discuss this, but the oil cooler lines are right there where you change the filter

But the oil drain plug is lower, so any oil in the radiator would drain out...

Nope, the oil in the cooler won't drain out. There's a check valve in the line that prevents the oil from draining back when the motor shuts down. If it didn't have that, it would have to have a bigger sump for all that oil to drain into -  and the engine would run without oil longer during startups while the oil pump filled the cooler & lines.

[pmackie]

There's a check valve in the line

Just for clarification, the check valve is in the line in the engine block, not in the external line, so you have to remove the external lines to drain the cooler.