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Puzzled

2K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Lockjaw 
#1 ·
On the new generation bikes there is a small tube that drains the oil filter compartment by removing a small bolt at the bottom of it. When I bought my 09, the mechanic told me that I should always drain that tube when I change the oil. He said it was important because metal filings will settle in it. The manual says nothing about it. I've watched some videos that show how to change oil and they never mentioned it. I have never seen it mentioned in the forum. Do you guys all drain that tube? Is it important? Thanks for your help.
 
#2 ·
Are you referring to the airbox drain tube? It has a little clear canister deal at the end with a small plug in it to drain it. It catches condensate and sometimes a little oil that get's back into the airbox from the crankcase vent. Actually on my 08 I've never noticed any accumulation in it yet so I haven't bothered to drain it. You can see through it to see if any liquid builds up and drain it when it does. Hope this helps! :D
 
#3 ·
Stew. I think he's referring to the tube that runs down from the oil filter housing and has a plug on the bottom as shown in this picture.

Personally I have never removed that plug. Read somewhere what it's purpose was but forgot.




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#4 · (Edited)
If referring to the bolt at the bottom of the metal "tube" that runs down from the oil filter housing, it's the oil passage plug and its only intended use seems to be to attach an oil pressure gauge for troubleshooting oil pressure problems.

If no applicable maintenance reference tells you to remove it when changing the oil filter, I personally would leave it in place and not mess with it. If removing it truly served some purpose when changing oil, it would most likely be mentioned in a service manual.

If you choose to remove it, I would recommend using a torque wrench and Loctite during re installation of the bolt. It wouldn't be a good bolt to strip upon installation or have come loose while riding.

Very good question, by the way.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the comments. That makes a lot of sense. I couldn't understand why, if it is so important, nothing was ever said about it. I sold my 09 and bought a new 12 that I haven't picked up yet (Iowa winters suck) so I plan to just leave that tube alone on the new one. Thanks again. Bob B.
 
#7 ·
Yeah, if it ain't broke...I've never even heard of someone messing with it during oil changes. Adjusting your doo, however, is a good idea.
 
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