oil change

Message

jaydodds · #1 Unread post by **jaydodds** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 4:12 am

Suzuki GS850 has been sitting for about 7 weeks. Before it sat i put additive in bothe the gas and oil tanks. Now that the weather is nice i want to get it back on the road. I checked the oil and noticed it was very low. Would that have anything to do with the additive?
Also since its been sitting and since I bought it recently, I want to change the oil. I suspect that i need to
1. Change oil
2. Change oil filter

is there anything else i need to do?

Scott58 · #2 Unread post by **Scott58** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 4:23 am

What kind of additive did you put in the oil? 7 weeks isn't that long. Did you change the oil and filter before you parked it?

jaydodds · #3 Unread post by **jaydodds** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 4:29 am

I used the marvel additive. I did not change anything before I let it sit. Also, i noticed no staining on the floor from leaks. I figure since this will be the firest time I change the oil and such, it will be easier for me to keep track of how often it gets done.

#4 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 4:42 am

This is all just stupid assumption, but it seems to me that the oil may have settled into the oil pan over the course of those 7 weeks.

The most recent issue of Canadian biker had a list of things you should do to prep your bike after storage and one of them was drain and replace the oil with new stuff. That might be worth doing.

earwig · #5 Unread post by **earwig** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 10:43 am

Get the bike up to running speeds, and maybe take it around the block... THEN check the oil, depending on that bike's system the oil probably has to circulate.

Scott58 · #6 Unread post by **Scott58** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:30 pm

We need a bit more info. How many miles were on it when you parked it? How dirty was the oil when you added the marvel? I'd probably go ahead and change it.

niterider · #7 Unread post by **niterider** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:36 pm

After changing the oil and getting your bike back on the road be sure to keep a good track of the oil level. You do not want to run the pan out of oil. There really is no where for the oil to go except out to the floor. I am so ready to get back to riding regular again this comming spring and summer. Have fun N B careful.

jaydodds · #8 Unread post by **jaydodds** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 4:07 am

so,
change the oil and oil filter....what else?

V4underme · #9 Unread post by **V4underme** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 4:29 am

air pressure in the tires, check chain tension (if that bike has a chain), coolant level if water cooled, clean and gap the plugs, etc....

btw, oil additives are a waste of money. That's been documented many times by many studies. Use a good oil, 10w-40 or higher, change it often, and you'll be fine. If you have a choice, I'd recommend staying away from Fram filters, too (even though a few people like them). Some Stabil in the gas tank is ok, but even that gets over-used (but it doesn't hurt).