Forum

[johno]

Hy all just a quick question how many plugs do you remove from the electra x (2007) when changing the engine oil
I can see 1 on the oil tank (central) and what appears to be 2 others forward of that,(are they sump plugs)
any advice welcome
regards johno.

[PeteF]

Yes, take them all out, there are gauze filters on the front two so careful as you withdraw them. Don't overtighten any of these plugs as they only have a few threads. Use new washers or anneal the originals. Better still, use Dowty bonded seals....http://www.whfolk.co.uk/REOCHUMBER/Arti ... nplugs.htm

[carpe diem]

Hi

I'm about to do my first oli change on my 2006 Electra x 500, so this post is helpful. I also have a question, as part of the oil change should I take off the primary chain case and adjust the chain? Any other helpful tips would be appreciated.
Thanks Clive

[Norm]

Never hurts to pull the primary, particularly on something second hand you have just purchased, at least you then know what the state of play is in there

[PeteF]

What Norm says is right but you can check the chain tension through the filler plug if you fingers are long enough.

[carpe diem]

Thanks for the replies. I have just received various bits and pieces from Hitchcocks so will start work soon. I still have a couple of Q's if I may, I may be a bit dim. In the manual is says that the clutch oil (which I gather is in the primary chain case) is the same as the engine oil 15W 40. I assumed that this was because they were linked, but am I right in thinking that they are completely seperate, and that the oil can be changed independently, and also, am I right in thinking that I should use ATF 3000 in the clutch (primary chain case) oil, as per the previous owners suggestion?
I have received the gasket for the primary chain case and thought I would try and adjust the tension as someone told me it sounded as though it needed tightening. I don't know how urgent this is but thought I would have a go before too many more miles are done.
The engine has done 14,500, is this a lot for these engines? I believe it was looked after and had oil changes every 1500 miles.
Thanks for any more info you guys can give, I appreciate it and hope to learn more as I get to know the bike.
Perhaps I should have a username as "nice but dim" rather than carpe diem !

[Robin]

Hi Carpy, engine oil and primary chain case oil are entirely separate. ATF 3000 is fine. Rub grease on the gasket until it shines, before use. This way it will not stick to the case when you open it up again in the future, and you can use the gasket again. Tighten primary chain to 6mm free play at the tightest spot in the chain. My Electra X did 23000 miles of hard riding before the main bearings went bust. Hope this helps.

[carpe diem]

Thanks Robin

Much appreciated. Watch out for further dim questions from me !

Clive

[PeteF]

There's quite a difference of opinion about using ATF in the chaincase.
I'm on the ATF side, had it in for 10k miles and no problems.
Hitchcocks recommend it and I have a feeling they know more about REs than I do.

[carpe diem]

Oh dear, what have I done now. I sucessfully completed the engine oil change, but I did have a bit of trouble getting the tappet adjuster cover back on, I had to fiddle with the decompressor adjuster nuts. Anyway, it went back ok and started straight away. I let it tick over for quite a few minutes so I could check the oil levels, but every time I gave the throttle a little blip it just cut out. So starting and tikover fine, but any throttle and it just dies. I wondered if it's the decompressor adjustment, I thought it was ok and despite fiddling with its adjustment a few times the same problem arises. I can't find any good instructions on the adjustment, and don't even know if thats the problem, but I can't think of anything else I've done.
Any suggestions (apart from get another bike you dimwit)
Thanks...Clive