[Dexter]

Anyone who has done their own first oil change at 300 miles/500 km, has dealt with that oil strainer cover and and the messy affair that is. I'm not sure why RE thought the Meteor needed both an oil filter and an oil strainer. However, it was good to find that there was no sign of any swarf in the strainer when I checked mine.

After doing the change, I happened to notice a bolt that looks suspiciously like an oil drain bolt under the sump. It is more easily visible from the left side of the bike, as the frame on the right side hides it somewhat from that viewpoint.

It looks all the world like a normal oil drain bolt, with a large 17mm head and it appears to have a copper crush washer under it. I know RE likes to use copper for its crush washer applications. Its position is a bit odd though for an oil drain, as it is actually in the bottom of the right side engine case cover, not central in the sump. See the picture.

When I picked up another oil filter a few days ago, thinking my next change would utilize that bolt, I asked the parts guy for the crush washer for that bolt, but he could not find any reference to it. Yet, on a YouTube video seen recently, in the comments section, someone asked where he was supposed to use a copper crush washer that came with his filter. Very strange.

Has anyone removed that bolt thinking what I have been thinking? It certainly would be an easier and much cleaner way to drain the oil.

[GROMMIT141]

Certainly is a oil drain plug, mine has been replaced with one of these magnetic plugs   https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/18627

[Hotamale]

I removed it during my oil change along with the strainer cover and strainer. I removed it before I removed the strainer items. It drained just like every other engine I have drained. And it cut down on the mess from the strainer removal part.

[Dexter]

I removed it during my oil change along with the strainer cover and strainer. I removed it before I removed the strainer items. It drained just like every other engine I have drained. And it cut down on the mess from the strainer removal part.

Was there much oil left to drain out via the strainer, after taking the drain bolt out? I'm thinking why bother dealing with the strainer at all, if the drain gets most of it anyway. One could always tip the bike to the right on the centre stand to further empty the sump.

Also, if you used a RE copper crush washer - not an imperative mind you, could you, or anyone, supply the part number so that I can inform the local parts guy who was unaware it exists.

Cheers!

[Hotamale]

No, not much oil left there. I do not recall if a replacement came with the kit but if I replaced it, it was generic. I do know that no part numbers were provided in the kit sent to me.

[Red Leader]

Hi Folks,
With regards to crush washers; one can buy a box of assorted sizes in both metric & imperial.
They are not expensive & cheaper than paying out for the odd one or two in the long run especially if you have a few bikes to keep going.

I use them on all my bikes - a thin smear of Wellseal or similar helps to ensure no drips.
Cheers
RL

[KENNRIDE]

The number of views for such a simple procedure as just dropping the oil, is an indicator of how badly servicing info for the RE is needed. Us RE riders really need a  proper service manual.    

[Dexter]

The number of views for such a simple procedure as just dropping the oil, is an indicator of how badly servicing info for the RE is needed. Us RE riders really need a  proper service manual.   

Did you manage to download the RE manual from that link? I agree, it leaves a lot to be desired.

I also don't understand why the RE supplied tutorial on changing oil, as seen on YouTube, makes no mention whatsoever about the oil drain bolt. Could it be that the poor manual and incomplete tutorial advice given is meant to deter people from DIY, in favour of more work for their dealers?

[20MarkIII]

Did you manage to download the RE manual from that link? I agree, it leaves a lot to be desired.

I also don't understand why the RE supplied tutorial on changing oil, as seen on YouTube, makes no mention whatsoever about the oil drain bolt. Could it be that the poor manual and incomplete tutorial advice given is meant to deter people from DIY, in favour of more work for their dealers?

But then why make the Tutorial vids at all? Another thing I don't understand is on the chain adjustment Tutorial. I've always heard that the swingarm needs to be supported by a paddock stand to properly adjust the drive chain. They show it adjusted with the bike up on the center stand. ?

[KENNRIDE]

The download was a failure Dexter... hopefully by the time the warranty runs out on these new 350 s they will give us the courtesy of allowing us to PURCHASE a manual  that has  already been produced...trying to be optimistic....   

[Hotamale]

Is the sump plug washer sold in the oil filter kit from hitchcocks RE rbanded?

[vionsur]

I was doing a routine oil change on my 650 and now cannot get the drain plug to screw back in. Typically you can hand screw it almost all the way in and then tighten it up with a ratchet but now it only goes halfway.

[ads248]

I removed this bolt to drop my oil on first service tonight and only got a dribble out, probably an egg cups worth. I thought blimey I’ve been running about without oil.  I had to remove the plate and strainer to drop the oil successfully.  Was somewhat surprised at how little came from drain bolt.

[Navy Boy]

I removed both when I did my oil change. I replaced the washer on the front bolt with a copper washer though, as others have said, not much oil came out. I assume that it's a bit of overkill on RE's part to ensure that you get all the oil out 

[Dexter]

I took that bolt out on my second oil change and had the same result. A piddling amount of oil came out, even before removing the strainer. Waste of time taking it out.