Oil change/spark plug question

testpilot · April 23, 2013, 13:33:58 PM

The OEMs engineer, design and manufacture parts for the specific performance characteristics of their vehicles over long term. They do it to protect their warranty, their brand and their customers. I believe OEM is best and I always use OEM. Here's an excellent read on why: http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html

Pilgrim · April 21, 2013, 07:08:58 AM

Air filter k&n part is ka-1596?

yes, that is the one I am using.

Petemoss · April 20, 2013, 21:17:20 PM

Changed the air filter to a K&N, replaced the spark plugs, changed the oil and filter and the final drive oil tonight. Wow what difference. The Drifter runs so much better. The PO said he changed the oil...uh huh. He had it for 1000 miles. I havent seen oil that color since my 20's. You know, when I changed the oil every two-three years or so in my beater car.

The filter threw me off a bit because K&N is smaller in circumference than the stock filter. The weird thing that happened was after everything was done the bike wouldn't idle fast enough to keep it running unless the "choke" was pulled all the way out. Also the fast idle wouldn't adjust at all. We took the filter off while the bike was running and everything was fine. put the cover back on and done with it. Anyone have this happen before?

Know how do you read oil levels? Every time I look at the glass oil site the levels always look low. The bike level and off when I check the oil level. I put in 3.3 quarts and hope that's enough. Final drive oil level...I think I have enough there too...

Petemoss · April 20, 2013, 17:38:43 PM

Air filter k&n part is ka-1596?

chief · April 17, 2013, 20:53:59 PM

Quote from: Petemoss on April 17, 2013, 19:16:25 PM
I got 49 mpg on Sunday.

How would I know if I needed a fi box?

Deceleration popping, backfires... similar to exhaust gasket leak...

Pilgrim · April 17, 2013, 19:54:44 PM

I wondered that myself...don't know but i would guess, and this is only a guess, read the plugs and see if it is running lean?
I thought mine may be running lean now that I replaced the air filter. Could that be the reason I got 50 mpg...don't know.
Anyone have any idea?

Petemoss · April 17, 2013, 19:16:25 PM

I got 49 mpg on Sunday.

How would I know if I needed a fi box?

Pilgrim · April 17, 2013, 18:56:54 PM

I recently replaced my stock air filter with a K&N filter. Seems to be running great. I rode on a 225 mile ride last Sat. and got 50 mpg. I have stock exhaust.

chief · April 17, 2013, 18:00:31 PM

Well, I put it in at the same time as my Big Willy's and needed an add-on FI box... I honestly don't think the filter had anything to do with that... I still have all the stock ductwork etc. in place.

The K&N does a much better job of filtering intake air with little maintenance.

Petemoss · April 17, 2013, 17:56:47 PM

Quote from: Troll on April 17, 2013, 17:14:19 PM
The K&N in the stock airbox won't do anything but improve engine air filtration. The stock box is so restrictive, you'll never notice any difference

I've seen debates that suggest more airflow=more dust and dirt in the engine. Is this a concern or much ado about nothing?

Troll · April 17, 2013, 17:14:19 PM

The K&N in the stock airbox won't do anything but improve engine air filtration. The stock box is so restrictive, you'll never notice any difference

Petemoss · April 17, 2013, 17:01:13 PM

Chief, with a k&n air filter will anything need p be tweaked so the bike runs okay? I have Roadhouse exhaust without baffles. Would more airflow require me to adjust the fuel injection?

chief · April 17, 2013, 12:43:15 PM

Quote from: Petemoss on April 17, 2013, 12:36:42 PM
How did that effect performance/horsepower/mpg?

Haven't a clue... !!! I just liked the filtering capacity and ease of maintenance.

Petemoss · April 17, 2013, 12:36:42 PM

Quote from: chief on April 17, 2013, 12:34:33 PM
I replaced mine with a K&N soon after I got the bike.

How did that effect performance/horsepower/mpg?

chief · April 17, 2013, 12:34:33 PM

I replaced mine with a K&N soon after I got the bike.

Petemoss · April 17, 2013, 12:22:14 PM

What type of air filters is best? Stock or a cleanable filter?
What do you mostly use?

Pilgrim · April 16, 2013, 07:27:58 AM

Just did all that and this is what I used:

Plugs-NGK
Oil-10w40
Filter- HiFlo
Final Drive- 75w90
Brake/Clutch fluid- Dot4

chief · April 15, 2013, 22:17:48 PM

1) Sparkplugs... NGK is fine

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/sparkplugref.html
2) 20w50 is better for warmer/hot weather. 10w40 for cooler weather. Motorcycles like 20w50...
3) I assume you are talking about final drive gear box oil... as long as its GL-5 the 75w90 will work. some folks use 80/90 and even 75w140 in hot areas.

Petemoss · April 15, 2013, 21:44:03 PM

I'm changing the oil, plugs and air filter this weekend for sure. Any tips or suggestions? Spark plug brands? I using Amsoil and a k&n oil filter. I do have one question concerning oil weight. The shop manual suggests both 10/40 and 20/50. Which weight would be best?

I would also like to change the driveshaft oil this weekend. What weight would you all recommend? I have Amsoil 75/90 driveshaft oil will this be okay?