QuestionI have a honda 600 vlx and want to change the oil for the first time. I do not have a manual. How much oil should I have to use and are there any possible difficulties I should be watch out for. Thank you for your help.
AnswerHi Andrew,
An oil change is pretty straight-forward.
First, have the oil, oil filter and a new drain plug seal/gasket on hand before you start.
Remove the drain plug and then drain the oil and remove the filter.
Buy the oil and other parts from Honda. That way, you'll never have to listen to them say anything about "Non-compliant parts", etc.
I don't know exacly how much oil you'll need for your bike, but if you have 4 litres / quarts on hand, you'll have more than enough.
After draining the oil and removing the filter, pour a little of the new oil into the new filter before you install it. This will simply prevent a little additional wear-and-tear on the engine when it starts up after the oil change.
Tighten the new filter to firmly hand tight, and do not use a wrench to tighten it.
Then, replace the drain plug (and new seal) and torque it to the specified setting found in the owners manual (Let me know if you don't have this, and I'll send it to you)
Then, add three litres / quarts of oil to the engine. With the bike sitting on it's wheels on level ground you can check the level. Then, simply add a little oil at a time until the level is correct against the dip-stick / level indicator.
Then, tighten it up and start the engine. Let the engine idle for about 30 seconds while you check for leaks at the filter and oil drain.
Then, check the level again and add if necessary.
That's it! You should still run the bike to the service shop for a general check-up, but for the oil change, that about covers it.
Cheers and ride safe
