Changing oil on my 650 Triumph Bonneville

[@lynnlamar51]

I sure do appreciate this video, Mr. Lunmad!! I am a 64 year old woman who is the proud owner of a 1971 650 Bonne. The more I learn, the happier I am. She and I are just a couple of antiques enjoying the road!!!

[@lunmad]

+Lynn LaMar Thank you Mz LaMar its great to know there are young ladies out there riding and repairing classic Bonnies. Happiness is an open road and the roar of a Triumph, ride safe keep the rubber side down. John

[@1331pugster]

Me too,1971,$1500 new when I bought it- fired it up today -yum yum

[@colinrosengrave2191]

I want to thank this bloke for these videos. Makes maintaining my T120 possible, from an old Aussie with an August 1972 Bonneville. long live the right foot brake!!!!!

[@cramersclassics]

Wonderful job. Also, love the accent too. Just got my first classic British bike, a 1977 Bonneville with only 717 miles. Very excited. Thank you!

[@dogtiredd]

I just learnt more in 11 minutes than I would learn in half a day of poking round. Thank you for the videos.

[@57250tr]

Thank you so much for making this video, I was lost without it. I’ve referenced several of your videos now to change my fluids.

[@CharlieRafferty]

Watching this warmed my heart, to be sure. Someone brought me a '67 750 Bonny, to change the jets out for our 7,000' altitude here in Taos New Mexico, USA. But the Devil if I could tell where the oil goes, much less to change it. And it has a separate gear box as well? Gotta figure that out. I could really feel the love and affection you have for your ould girl Mr. Lunmad. I very much enjoyed your video.

[@lunmad]

Hi Charlie :-) thank you, glad my video helped you out, aye I do love my ould Bonnie I've known her over 35 years now shes always been a gudun!

[@mountainrager]

Your videos are great. Im going to try to grt my 79 bonneville running with help of the videos you make. Thanks so much.

[@56pickuptruck]

I recently bought a 1972 Bonneville reg 1973 too. Did not fancy having to go through the mess you did every thousand miles though. Bought myself the universal Tri/Norton/BSA spin-on oil filter off ebay & clamped it to the bottom of the OIF in front of the rear wheel with a big st/steel exhaust clamp. Binned the top-hat tea strainer, so now the Triumph has proper filtering plumbed into the oil return line. No more messy gasket changing & I can get away with a clean oil change every 6000 miles.

[@67giacomo]

I had my left plug foul out.I got fuel in the oil myself.Thank You for you great vids.With the manuals and your help getting my 76 Bonnie in great shape.

[@seekfirst]

Only a classic triumph can make it sound so good....

[@lunmad]

Hi Jeremy :-) the oil tank is about 4pts. A better guide is the hight of oil in the tank. Fill the tank (OIF) until 1"-2" down from the filler neck. In general if you can touch the oil with you finger through the neck there's enough in :-) Do not fill above the return pipe inside tank. Hope this helps.

[@chugerich]

Thanks Lunmad!! I just got a 71 Tiger and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out how to change the oil. It was a bit emmasculating. ;-) ! I guess I'm used to all my Japanese bikes I had growing up....

[@buddybeetle]

Excellent as usual. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@bruceellsworth9950]

Thank you. I'm finishing up my rebuild on my 72 Bonneville. Now I know what to prime it woth before I do the top end.

[@Leon-ki5uj]

Top top superbe seul qui nous montre tous ce démerder avec ça triumph merci lumad

[@lunmad]

Thanks 67giacomo :-) I'm glad my vids are helping, Regular oil changes are the secret behind these old girls. It's also a good habit to turn petrol taps off when not running, and not overdoing the tickling as that can lead to petrol flush.

[@lunmad]

Hi 515miker515, glad you found it handy :-) the pre-OIF still has a gauze filter in the tank, don't forget to clean, the engine bits should be similar.

[@bodrinker]

Very informative vids, thanks for posting. I have a TR7V Tiger, my first Brit bike.

[@lunmad]

Hi MrGatohead I heat it to anneal the copper, it makes it soft, so seals better. I removed my main stand a long time ago, I got sick of it scraping the road on left handers. With plenty of oil changes your trusty Triumph will last for years :-) Well any motor really. happy servicing :-D

[@lunmad]

Cheers pictgroove4 :-) shes on the road now but the weather has been yuk! :-( and shes clean, so its a good excuse to give her a long needed service. Sunny soon!

[@lunmad]

Thank you Tavi340 you have some great vids yourself, as they say a picture says a thousand words :-)

[@lunmad]

Hi BHunter50490, :-) The silicon is not really necessary, but a bit on the gaskets makes a real good seal. Only a tiny smear is needed. I do use plenty on them darn pushrod tubes though ;-)

[@lunmad]

Thanks dogtiredd :-) don't know ow I missed ya post! And a happy new year to one and all 2010 :-D

[@Surfgarage760]

Hey i just bought a BSA Victor 1965, reading the haynes manual after watching this, if i am not mistaken you not only changed the drive case oil, but also the gear box oil. Should point out that the gear box uses a different oil than the drive case. On mine its 80W-90 gear oil and 20W-50

[@lunmad]

@creek1369 HI creek1369 :-) I'm glad they are helping. 2 x 68's verry nice. The pump would of primed eventually after many kicks, it's surprising just how little oil the pump delivers.

[@lunmad]

Hi Bruce :-) I used to always use Duckhams Q 20/50, can't get that no more so I now use Morris Golden Film 20/50

[@515miker515]

I really wish you had a pre-OIF.. Still some good bits in here I can use. Thanks!

[@lunmad]

Hi James :-) I have since fitted an inline spin on filter and an oil cooler and made a vid :-) but I also kept the top-hat filter

[@notwocdivad]

@lunmad I expect you get plenty of requests well here`s another, How does your "comical" front brake perform? I have an RE Bullet with a similar 2ls brake with a less than great reputation the same as yours. Fancy doing a set up vid on the front brake sometime? Cheers anyway for the informative and fun videos.

[@56pickuptruck]

Enjoyed watching the video of external oil filter. Had difficulty getting the oil pipes onto the filter kit spigots but did it after nearly an hour. I also found a magnet in the bottom of the OIF to catch the metal shavings but binned that too. Out of interest now you have external filter, how many miles between oil changes are you choosing?

[@MrGatohead]

Hmm - why do you heat up the copper sump gasket? Also... is your center stand removed for this procedure? Excellent vid for the novice, which I am. I won't be paying anyone to change my oil. Thanks

[@oddjobtriumph6768]

love the vids keep them up ..great job

[@lunmad]

Thanks Oddjob :-)

[@cfranzoso]

chugerich, I have a 71 TR6R and trying to figure it out too,,, manual has no pictures... you make a video of yours?

[@caferacer64]

Thank for the info. i just got my first 1972 t120r this will help.... do u add oil to the shift lever area?

[@jeremynguyen216]

I have a noob question. What is the oil capacity for a 1972 triumph? I'm in the process of changing oil but want to make sure I put in the right amount. thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question.

[@lunmad]

Hi GiveMeThatMacBookPro that is engine oil for the crank case. It is a start for the scavenge, not forgetting the rockers are fed off the return, but don't forget to prime the rockers.

[@mfppro]

So question. I just drain my oil in my 79 750 bonnie, drain the crankcase and oil tank...fill up, and when i road it, oil was spitting out of my crankcase breather line real bad....as the bike seemed to be running hot, because I could feel the heat from the crankcase breather line. Do i need to prime the system or something? thanks for the info. Matt

[@lunmad]

Hi Bruce glad to help :-)

[@BHunter50490]

what exactly is the purpose of the silicone? Is it necessary or just something to be extra safe? Thanks

[@lunmad]

@caferacer64 Hi there! :-) whoops time for a g/box vid! Mine is a left hand change, so that oil comes with the g/box oilcheck. The level is found by removing the small central bolt from g/box drain plug, when oil stops dripping out it is correct the bike must be level. If you have not done it before you should remove the drain plug and check there is a little tube still attached to it. Fill it up the the clutch cable hole.

[@1stMrSceptical]

Wow all that sludge! I wonder how full the crank sludge tap is, what oil do you use.? I use Semi synth 10/40 every change, remove the Oil tank and strainers clean thoughly in my parts washer, the oil stays clean till the next change. Can't say a like oil in the frame, the heavy guage frame dosn't disapate the heat as a thin steel remote tank as on my '65 TR6. I buy oil from Costco, 20lts 10/40 semi £35 at this price you can change it more than every 1500 miles. Love watching others work, Cheers mate.. If yer ever in Jockland I'll buy yer a pint in the Carbeth Inn…

[@stephenholmes1735]

Hi mate I have a triumph bonneville t140 1978 my sump plate wer filter is has oil pipe coming from it is it the same filter as wot u have used here. As iv bought 1 and dint no if it will be OK

[@BHunter50490]

I have another question if you dont mind, the drain plug i think has a fibre washer on it or something? Should that be changed every time you drain the oil, also should the gasket be changed everytime you drain the oil?

[@kkkkkeenny]

can i know the amount of oil did you put on 8:59? and the mount of oil you put on the frame? is there a transmission oil in bonneville sorry i'm a newbie with triumph bike i usually ride a sportster

[@lunmad]

It just happens I have sprung a leak through the studs I think. I'll cobble a video together of my process. Flatness of the mating surfaces is imperative. I'll try do it over the next few days.

[@jtreg]

Oi John hope uour well... do us a mechanical vid mate!

[@Tavi340]

Thanks for sharing, great video.

[@lunmad]

If the fibre washer and gasket are ok, I would re-use them. If it is a copper washer, I would anneal it first then reuse it.

[@raymondlee8352]

you should put a drop of flush oil as well in the engine help clean up inside that looked dirty ...

[@lunmad]

@TheHollyWarrior1 :-D you're right about disgusting oil it was! Just before I did the rings and head, at the time it was using loads of oil and living on big top ups but no changes. "You're right I need a kick up the butt" :-D

[@robertayers6334]

Hello Lunmad,Had a 72 T120 back in 72 and sold it in 86. Big mistake, so I found a 72T120 with 4000miles on it and bought it two days ago. So I have Been watching your videos on oil change and many others. You make great videos. Today I'm going to change out the fluids and clean the carbs. Another question is How do I buy your videos.Thank you.Robert

[@lunmad]

Hi Robert :-) I've had my Bonnie since 1983 the best £350 I ever spent. You can visit my website www.lunmad.com and get in touch with me through there.

[@marissaawesome2422]

Robert Ayers I just got myself a untouched 72 Bonnie oil in frame..What grade oil would u guys recommend? Is the oil you put into the sump the same as what you put into the frame??

[@cotesud1764]

Hi Mr Lunmad Thanks for sharing this video. I've just received an old T140 Bonnie of 1979 and want to change engine oil. The problem is that the oil drain plug is stuck. What size of socket / type of wrench do you use ? I am French using metric and not familiar with imperial sizes, sorry ! Do I need to heat the case with propane torch ? Any advice would be welcome

[@lunmad]

+frederic peter Hi frederic :-) Do you mean the drain on the bottom of frame? this on mine is 1/2 inch AF, which is a loose 13mm or a tight 12. Saying that the only spanner to use is the correct one! Heating will help, watch out for hot oil. You can also remove the 4 outer bolts and drop the plate (messy) Don't set fire to your bike, remove fuel tank and battery.

[@cotesud1764]

+lunmad Hi lunmad, Thanks for your answer. It's the engine oil drain plug which is stuck, not the sump plate drain. At first, I tried to remove the plug with 21 metric socket, rounding the plug a little bit. Then I got a 13/16 socket , I sprayed degrip oil several times, I tried to hammer the plug, I tried to heat the case with hot hair dryer, nothing will do.

[@cotesud1764]

+lunmad I will try and use a chisel to make a slot on this plug. I will hit this slot with a screwdriver to make the plug turn counterclockwise. hopefully the plug will move ! no matter whether it's ruined or not, I will replace it anyway.

[@gchardy]

Lunmad, was curious about why you heated the copper ring for crank plug, immersed it in water, sanded off and reused. What was your intent there? Thanks.

[@lunmad]

Hi Ghardy :-) as Clark said it is called annealing and it softens the copper. I reuse most of the copper washers and head gaskets. I also anneal new head gaskets as I have found one or two Hard and did not seal.

[@rivercarson5763]

Hi I'm an eighteen year old who is doing a full clean of my dads 69 t120, since it hasn't been run in almost 20 years. I was just wondering is the silicon grease to prevent leaks? Thanks for the video, very helpful.

[@lunmad]

Hi River :-) sorry for the late reply, I'm in the middle of a rebuild. It is not silicon grease I am using it is silicon gasket maker RTV type stuff. It's great to hear you are doing your Dads bike, PM us if you have any questions you would like answering, I will try help you out.

[@andreasoblak5164]

Hey John,what exhausts do you run on this bike? Cheers from Austria

[@lunmad]

Hi notwocdivad will do! its time I had a look at it :-D

[@mrdavidjrs]

Hey Lunmad, Is the process the same for a 1970 T120R. not OIF but does share oil with primary. Thanks!

[@lunmad]

Hi David, yes the process is the same, only you should swill out the oil tank with paraffin and clean the gauze filter.

[@mrdavidjrs]

Okay Thanks! On the forums lots of people seem to be saying don't bother with the plug just change the oil in the tank and gearbox which is why i was hesitant.

[@lunmad]

Hi David :-) I don't remove the crankcase plug every time but in doing so you can get an insight to what is going on inside your motor by examining the oil that comes out, use a clean container and check for metal debris.

[@uraldneprvw]

What oil did you use when your re-filled? Cheers

[@bruceellsworth9950]

What oil do you prefer to use?

[@JonnyStevenshfx]

Any advice on the Charlie's style filter (in frame paper filter)?

[@lunmad]

Hi Jonny :-) only to replace the filter rather than try cleaning, if you have an alloy base plate don't over tighten.

[@JonnyStevenshfx]

cheers. love the videos.

[@lunmad]

Anytime Jonny :-) cheers

[@lunmad]

@roynexus6 It's a 1972 registered in '73

[@roynexus6]

John, what year is this bike ?

[@liz1965]

Again Thank You!

[@lunmad]

Hi Liz :-) thank you, your welcome.

[@lunmad]

@aaakazemaaa Cheers aaakazenmaaa :-D no problem

[@BHunter50490]

thanks for the info :)

[@BudFox559]

The is Great! Thanks :-)

[@lunmad]

Cheers BudFox559

[@tomyyoung2624]

Yes rotating magnetic field yes current Yes possible!

[@lunmad]

I'm not sure what you mean Tomy, did I mention electrickery in this vid?

[@damicotile]

What is with those finger nails?

[@lunmad]

Hi Guy :-) it's a symptom of COPD a lung disease due to lack of oxygen in the blood, it's called clubbing.