Hitchcocks Forum

Help, I am a bit confused. I have a 1990 350 Bullet and am planning on an engine oil and filter change.

I notice for a 2000 yr on 350 Bullet there are these bits...from the online parts book:-
Drain plug - 500140;
Copper washer for drain plug - 144846;
2x Drain plug and filter - 140052;
2x Copper washer for the two drain plugs and filter.

On the 1991 yr 350 Bullet there are just these bits:-
2x Drain plug and filter - 140052;
2x Copper washer for the two drain plugs and filter.

Is there no sump drain plug on the earlier models?

How do you drain the sump on the earlier models?....I cant look coz I am away with work and the bikes at home.

Oh, and if the engine oil filter is changed how or what tips to top that cavity up with oil? Pour some in where the 'tappet adjusters' live after taking off the cover - so it doesnt run oil less until the filter chamber has some lube in.

Hello confused.. No daft questions just silly answers sometimes..

The two drains on the 91 are the flow and return sump drains with filters on...

The later 2001 had a 3rd drain plug added without filter just to drain the oil tank...

This is the rearmost one of the three...

I usually fill the timing chest through the tappet cover until i see it start to fill the oil tank..

The chest will indeed fill itself but it just takes so long and you have to keep topping up the tank until the level stabilises...

Just a tip, forget the copper washers and instead fit the DOWTY seals sold buy our host..

You will find you only need half the tightening torque to create a leak free seal...

If you must use ancient copper then at least anneal them first.... gwilly

Second the Dowty washers. Have a read HERE

Gwilly.

Do you use dowty washers on all three plugs in the sump/oil tank.

Hi Badger, Yes i've used for all three, also the gearbox drain and level plug...

Could also be used on the banjo bolts, (rocker oil feed) ..

soak a new filter in oil overnight

Soaking the new filter is a good idea but overnight?
I just pop them in a jug of oil before dropping the old oil and filter out and they look pretty well soaked by the time I need it.

ok , the correct time for soaking a filter is 7 mins and 42 seconds with a room temperature of 21 degrees C

Are you sure about that Alan I don't want you misleading people.

umm there was a reprint done on the manual, they faxed me the new times back in dec 1961 , although in those days we were imperial , and days were longer. so I now just leave a spare filter soaking , on one occasion it was overnight, and I will swear my bike gained 6 bhp thru this !