Oil change—the drain was leaking, so let’s install a helicoil and repair it.
We were doing the oil change that day, but the drain wouldn’t torque down properly, so we put it on hold. We didn’t have the oil pan gasket in stock—that was too much. We’re keeping the parts safe and holding off for now.
Time passed, and the gasket arrived, so we’re removing the oil pan and making the repair.
There’s quite a bit of sludge.
While we’re at it, let’s clean the strainer filter too.
It feels really satisfying. Actually, it’s good to remove the oil pan on any bike once in a while, but it’s pretty labor-intensive, so it doesn’t happen very often.
We installed the helicoil. Now it’s pretty much good for life.
Since we won’t be removing it again, we polish it up nicely. When routine maintenance includes restoration work, the bike gradually gets cleaner over time.
After polishing, while we were air-blowing it, we found a couple of pretty suspicious spots. They look like they could be casting texture, but it’s hard to say.
The quickest way to check is to soak it in gasoline. They’re casting texture, not cracks, so no problem.
While we’re at it, let’s clean up the bolts too.
Done! Don’t you think the regulator placement under the engine doesn’t look quite right for space?
All finished.
