Overfilled Oil, Stuck Filters, And Oil-Change Hacks | The Shop Manual

Overfilled Oil, Stuck Filters, And Oil-Change Hacks | The Shop Manual
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Changing a motorcycle's oil is one of the easiest and most important jobs for the home mechanic. That's not to say oil changes always go as planned! Spills, stuck filters, and overfilling can easily throw a wrench in the works. Ari's here with a selection of prime hacks and advice for your next oil change.

[@RevZilla]

For more oil change tips and other how-to articles, head over to RevZilla's online magazine, Common Tread: rvz.la/3jPWNkE

[@haris525]

Thanks Ari!

[@RCshowmen]

Ari, you have to be careful generalizing by telling everyone lefty loosey. I can think of dozens of examples from watches and circular saws to motorcycles car and trains where righty loosey is true. Someone is libel to round or shear a nut or strip a thread on a reverse threaded fastener

[@planetearth5454]

Flushing engine before an oil change?

[@eric4946]

My 900ss Ducati had the oil filter recessed into the engine case and a torque spec of like 20 ft lb for some reason . Needless to say KN pot metal hex was rarely up to being removed making the psycho method of just stabbing it pretty much the standard procedure .

[@stevenbrace8579]

There is no worse feeling than changing your oil and not spilling a drop. Then accidentally knocking over the container you used for your used motor oil just before you were about to cap it.

[@tpddetailscr]

I did it once, then I misplaced the container on a bench and a burst of wind threw the used oil all over the shop. So frustrating, but a funny story afterwards.

[@Megolhen]

i had my drain bolt drop in through the hole of my drain pan once...good job I am an expert with chopsticks and was able to get it out again. Took me ages though.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

@@Megolhen I use a 10 oz empty salad container to catch my 1.5 qts and just replace the plug with a new one every annual change since the washer is usually fused to the plug anyway. Then transfer to a 5 lb empty protein powder container for disposal.

[@brentbartley6838]

I always have big cardboard pieces lying around. Also good for cleaning and lubing the chain without getting gunk on your garage floor.

[@thomasmatarazzo198]

I always drop the oil filter in the catch pan and splash it all over the place

[@Quatra05]

I didn’t really need to watch this, but gosh-dang it, these vids are so good and well put tohether👍

[@dredoesstuffdds5029]

Plus he’s so handsome

[@AriH211]

Ah, shucks ☺️

[@jdmartinez2006]

I was sad when he said he wasn't doing any more videos for motorcyclist, but I'm glad he does them for RevZilla now

[@Roy_Godiksen]

I'd like to add: After you changed the filter and filled up the oil. Remember to let the engine work for a few minutes and recheck the oil levels. Some times, the filters soak up enough oil to change the levels.

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

that is why i measure the oil in a container with graduation marks, so i know i have the correct amount of oil

[@MrPruske]

I presoak my filter as well

[@vtwinner]

as per my manual, i only change my filter every 3rd oil change... I've never used the same amount of oil on a change, so premeasuring like above I would never do...I use my eye to know its at the right level Put some oil in the filter, put some oil on the gasket on the filter as well, that will help it come off easier next time... I've only ever used my hands for filters in 35 years... As long as you do it in the proper intervals and lube the gasket, it wont need a wrench.

[@rya3190]

I believe he mentioned it in the last episode, but I suppose it never hurts to remind

[@TheGamersRace]

@@BigBadLoneWolf Even if you do measure it beforehand you still need to check it in the window.

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

My trick for overfilled oil. Take the pump and straw from a (preferably used up) tall kitchen liquid soap dispenser, thoroughly wash out any left over soap, then just use it to siphon out the excess oil. The wider straw and pump easily draws out oil.

[@goldroger9990]

Screw this. tell me how to get ripped.

[@nishant1857]

I've heard rubbing 10W50 grade oil on your body everyday as a moisturizer makes you vascular af

[@d3vlau]

Use the hand pump of a spray bottle on every oil change you're going to do. You'll likely get ripped fast

[@albertptran]

😂

[@nishant1857]

@gemini232003 Mineral oil of course

[@zdc590]

@@KLRJUNE Honestly? Just the first one is the biggest hurdle for people. Eat less than the average person and just lift SOMETHING

[@jasonshortphd]

Before the “drive a screwdriver” method, I usually tape some sandpaper on the filter, and then try the strap. It usually works, helps get that extra little grip if someone overtightened the filter.

[@My2RiceBowls]

Everytime I see one of these videos with ari “yessss”

[@khawajadotd]

"isopropyl alcohol is readily available" LOL not this year

[@kyleman1313]

2020 has entered the chat

[@WDGFE]

Also, not necessarily safe on all paints, and will definitely strip any wax. Best to test on an out-of-sight spot.

[@GatsuRage]

@@WDGFE I used it on my bike after removing the factory / brand stickers and I can confirm it works and it did not damaged the painting (but try it out in some hidden under corner of your plastics to see if it affects the color or not, a small dot missing painting under a plastic's place nobody will ever see wont matter much if it does happens to erase it)

[@TerenceKaplan]

Methyl Hydrate is a fair substitute. Can be found in the paint section of most hardware stores.

[@cruisingthethaiway6881]

Isopropyl is not available in some countries like here in Thailand. I have been using brake cleaner for 40 years. No problems

[@Webic33]

If you pour the oil with the spout up instead of down like you do in the video, you have to tilt the oil bottle more to get oil out and you're less likely to spill. It also makes it easier to watch the can volume as you pour.

[@lorddanielson2453]

Using RevZilla boxes under my motorcycle since 2015!

[@petecurran3995]

Oil changing - the sport of Kings!

[@LionStrategic]

After you sweep away the kitty litter, use a propane torch to burn away any residual oil before it stains your concrete.

[@marksibincic]

Holy crap. 17 years of riding and I just had to reference this video...... for the screwdriver trick. It worked! Thank you.

[@AriH211]

Ha, it's a drastic measure for sure, but it'll get the job done!

[@mki203]

Great tips! I'm always looking forward to hearing Ari's advice. Clear and concise stuff.

[@MikeKemp]

This is a great series, Ari! Picked up a few tips - who knew aluminum foil could be that useful?

[@apriliafan2244]

Agreed - marking out the oil lines for filling! Simple tip!

[@AriH211]

Glad you enjoyed it. The aluminum foil tip is great.

[@unclejj509]

Sometimes I make a full face helmet out of aluminum foil...... so the government can't read my thoughts! HAHA

[@AMARUCHI]

I’ve been away from motorcycles for half a decade now.. these videos, as simple as they are, gave me a jolt of motivation to pull out the old girls from the garage and get them running again! Missed your MC garages videos Ari Hanning.. so glad I came across this channel! Great work 👍... now to go get that troublesome old Honda VT250 F started

[@sschrybu]

I really love re-watching this shop manual series. I learned a lot of this stuff the hard way when I first started motorcycling in my teens. The hacks are great & show me that there's always more to learn. Keep it up, thanks!

[@volatilegraphix]

The rubbing alcohol tip is priceless!

[@Zepplin76]

I knew the screwdriver trick when my original filter wouldn't budge with the filter wrench with a paper towel between. I chopped most of the filter in half in one good heave. I've now learned of flathead screwdriver at an angle to softly slow "tap" the filter loose. And when I say softly I mean I was too gentle and it took 5 minutes of love tapping and promising the bike things to let go of the filter.

[@MDHenry4]

Simple but I always learn something new. Thanks and good to see you at Revzilla and thanks for shooting in 4k.

[@twowheeledgator1364]

Nice video. Good advice. Glad you are teaching riders how to care for their motorcycles. I always have an old blue tarp I put under any liquid related maintenance task. In 30 years of riding and wrenching I still can’t hit the dang pan.

[@davegoldspink5354]

Been changing my own oil for well over 40 years will no concerns thought this one was still worth the watch. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mikesmotorcycles1521]

Thanks, Ari. Good, practical video for the less mechanical among us like me. Would love to see a DIY video re checking/cleaning/changing air filters and checking/changing coolant. Thanks and great to see you and Zack at RevZilla now.

[@georgegherghinescu]

Great one Ari! Glad to see you and Zack with the tips and the roadtrips :) Stay safe u guys!

[@mannyrosario83]

I can confirm the screw driver stab method. Works like a charm. Salute

[@imadecoy.]

It might not work if the filter is really stuck. It'll ust tear through the filter and make a huge mess leaving you not much left to work with. Do not recommend.

[@leitmotiph]

The video Ii didn't need but enjoyed thoroughly anyway! I'm so happy Ahri is back with a good platform!

[@beningarfield6545]

I can't tell you how happy I am to see Ari again!!

[@michaelfodor4268]

The best! Great tips for even the seasoned wrench:)

[@kaykay8686]

Great video as usual! Glad you are back!!

[@ajoymahato46]

Ari is a genius , it's a good thing these videos are free , sharing his wealth of knowledge with us👍🙏🎉🔥❤️😀🍾🌻🏍️🎃

[@lfelixmartinez]

The spray bottle hack worked fricken amazingly.About 3 minutes of squirting oil back into a bottle and I got the line exactly where it needed to be.

[@MrPruske]

It is good to see you here again my dude! Also thanks for the tips. Had to use two screwdrivers to get my last filter out XD. I would now always recommend prefilling the oil filter and have an extra bottle of oil in case your last one falls!

[@PartialS]

So good to see some new YT stuff from Ari.

[@danmasterson4128]

Great videos Ari! Keep 'em coming!

[@rustymcculley2520]

Pro cleaning tip: to get the rest of the oil out of the concrete that the kitty litter doesn’t clean up use a weed torch with a sweeping motion like using a fire extinguisher over the area and the oil will burn off. Use wisely and don’t stay in one spot too long and no more oil stain.

[@Wildrose27]

So much good advice! Thank you ♡

[@gronkgrunk]

So glad i found Ari again 😃 Been a fan since the MC garage days.

[@tsipantziGMAIL]

These are such great videos. Thanks :)

[@corujariousa]

Thanks for the video! I changed mine today and did a neat job. :-) The aluminum foil tip is highly useful.

[@jamesbanksco]

Spray bottle trick worked a treat. Thanks Ari!

[@sergeyshulmsn]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@aashirwadtripathy1113]

so good to see you're back!

[@RoeShamBoe]

Don't forget disposal. In the U.S., you can take your spent oil to any local auto parts store and they will have a collection device in the back for it.

[@billlavine3429]

You can also take one of your ratchet straps and wrap it around the base of the oil filter. Just overlap it a couple times (in the correct direction) and then when you pull it compresses itself around the filter. It's saved me multiple times when the socket and strap types have failed

[@thenakedtriple1077]

Great info here. Keep it up 👍🏼

[@simonchau8675]

Love the series thanks!

[@jsorbet]

Ari’s the man. Another super helpful video.

[@fearless4590]

The pipe wrench saved me. Thanks for the suggestion. The first oil filter change is always a struggle. Filters end up destroyed

[@motoaventura4997]

Valuable video for people like me who loves his bike but has no professional skills. Thanks!

[@Bandit-nr5mq]

Must remind me to watch this one every time before an oil change. Been there, done that, so many times (enduro bikes are sooo demanding), but I always make a mess😀. Great video!

[@wemel007]

Great video! If you'd need another video idea: how about checking old fluids? I mean discussing the color and smell of the old fluid that comes out of the engine / gearbox / cardan / forks / cooling system / brake system. I know what to check for on engine oil, but don't know what can go bad with the others.

[@GatsuRage]

awesome vid! Thanks!

[@jonr3891]

Thanks Ari/Revzilla. More how-to videos please. Thx🤘🖤🌮

[@TheAegisClaw]

There's also the chain wrench type filter removal tool. If they don't grip they crush the filter in until the do grip, and the type that you fit a ratchet onto the end of are very useful as you can fit them almost anywhere with ratchet joints and extensions and stuff.

[@ronie9636]

This are very helpful 👌

[@Akhil.Chahar]

Seeing Ari after a long time.... good to see you man

[@yusufdawood1426]

Old chefs trick for spilt oil is salt. Works like a boss

[@workwork4229]

Ari is with revzilla now?! Awesome!

[@clayman1980]

Zach is too.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Great advice! Not much to add.... but, when I pull the drain plug, I always stand the bike up off the side stand and get out all the used oil possible that I can. Also, Visegrip makes a chain wrench that works great as a last resort before the screw driver method! lol... I’ve used a screw driver when nothing else was available. Always enjoy your videos. Ride safe my friends!

[@vtwinner]

Old leather belt that wore out the holes is what I use if a filter gets stuck... But I really haven't had to use it on my vehicles in 35 years, only others that don't put a bit of oil on the oil filter gasket when installing....Prepare it right on install , it will come off so much easier later ;)

[@seancarroll8326]

I already know how to change my oil. But I gotta watch Ari explain it. Great videos. I usually learn something new. I think he should have mentioned the form-a-funnel though. I guess you could use aluminum foil like he did, but its easier and reusable. maybe revzilla can sell that if the dont already. works great to keep oil off the headers.

[@kamikaze458g]

excellent as usual

[@guardiandaytona8454]

About to change the oil on my daytona, great tips man

[@gauraviper]

I Love Your Videos Ari!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sharagan]

Great vid, thanks :)

[@hughiemg2]

Another tip if your oil filter wrench is slipping with you twist it is to wrap some masking tape around the filter before putting the wrench on. It helps it grip better

[@nitrofish8908]

Harbor freight sells a nice set of oil filter pliers with big teeth on them, always works

[@PkwyDrive13]

That's called channel locks

[@nitrofish8908]

TylerDD you could, but these are just for oil filters

[@Whiskeyagogo519]

Got em

[@tomasguerrero9622]

Lefty loosy righty tighy can be replaced with the right hand thumb rule: point with your right hand's thumb towards the direction you want the oil filter or drain plug or whatever nut you want to screw in or out, and your fingers will point towards the direction of the turn you need to apply.

[@fredthebarber]

So well done, gang! I will share this clear and concise video with newer riders for years to come! Thanks for keeping these how-to videos upbeat and encouraging, I think it’s the best presentation for teaching, especially for nervous beginners. I also learned about the last resort, stab an oil filter with a screwdriver method from this video! I’ve never had a filter that stuck on before, but it’s good to know about any repair method that legitimately uses Trotsky assassination levels of violence!

[@imadecoy.]

Please don't tell people to use the screwdriver method. It's disastrous when it doesn't work. Filters usually are only stuck on because the filter gasket wasn't lubed, which is the case on a lot of brand new bikes.

[@fredthebarber]

something1random23 Haha, yeah I don’t think I’d ever resort to it. I have an aggressively toothed oil filter wrench if something is crazy stuck on.

[@AmgK.]

What a well put together video🙌🏻 Hope the next video is on how to get those ripped forearms though👀😏

[@mrnoedahl]

Yes I overfilled mine. Been driving like that for a while but I guess I better get it down to where it should be. Info is good to know. Thanks

[@masterjim69]

Some oil bottles have a built-in funnel like Motul. And I use an oil filter with a hex bolt on the end like HiFlo. Oil filters should only be hand tight. The hex bolt has a predrilled hole for safety wire.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

Thanks for the rubbing alcohol cleaning tip Ari!

[@murraehaynes3182]

Nice job! Covered all the bases....

[@jonathanfrancisco6910]

Behind Meme Review, the Shop Manual is my favorite series on YT

[@jg1468]

These hacks are fireee🤙

[@LockieNZ]

To avoid stuck filters in the future, get a K&N filter. They have a 17mm nut on top. Makes like so much easier

[@RevZilla]

Very true, although also important to mention for new-K&N buyers that the nut is for removal only and not install. Ride safe, -Pat

[@jeckyll71]

Great series, really enjoying these. One more tip regarding cardboard: If, like me, you do your mechanic work in your driveway, it's much easier on the knees than pavement. :)

[@parang889]

awesome, thank you so much

[@ewwmin3m]

Forgot how jacked Aris arms are XD glad you're back to making vids;made me sub to revzilla again

[@Jay_Michael]

I added about 3 ozs too much and used the syringe trick. Worked perfectly!

[@famguy2]

Doing a tune up and couple of projects for my friend and had to do the screwdriver hack 3 times on one filter because it was so tight. I sent him videos of me having to do that and then showed him how to properly tighten an oil filter.

[@davemagee]

Cool tips brother I use K&N oil filters they make it easy by having a hex nut on the end so All you need is a socket. All the best from NZ

[@vtwinner]

After I watched various comparison videos on the K&N oil filter, I changed .... HiFlo only for my baby...

[@philrc1]

Luv Zack and Ari,,,,

[@DarkIzo]

ah the pretty boi is back good to finally have some rz garage vids to binge again 😁

[@thenakedtriple1077]

Awesome 💪🏼🤘🏼👍🏼

[@robertboyer3201]

Ash from a wood fire or fire place is fantastic for absorbing garage spills and will help clean up greasy surfaces when some water is added.

[@hotttt28]

Merry Christmas

[@haris525]

Haha thanks Ari - this is how my oil changes go

[@ricardofeliciano688]

I've yet to watch a video about oil changes that covered cleanup. Thank you!

[@rogerhart1835]

I had a strap type oil wrench that kept slipping on the super tight filter. So I drilled a hole through the strap, put it on the filter, then screwed a self-tapping screw through the hole into the filter. Success!

[@331moto]

The foil around the headers is mind blowing

[@slamboy66]

My ZRX1200R has an internal oil filter, doesn't get stuck but don't lose the spring.

[@danylfernandes6741]

I didn't come here for the hacks, I came for Ari

[@SomeDudeOnline]

For oil spills, sawdust also works great and if you have a woodworking hobby, you'll always have it on hand.

[@tooblekain]

Great video! Heres a couple more tips for removing a stuck oil: Spray PB Blaster Penetrating Catalyst where the filter mates with the engine and let it soak for a few minutes to let it work its magic. Wipe off and clean off the filter where you will be gripping it (by hand) and it should come right off. Harbor freight also sells dedicated oil filter remov channels locks as well.

[@vtwinner]

Put oil on the gasket when installing and only hand tighten, and it should come off easy... has worked for 35 years for me, i never have used a wrench on a filter

[@russellborn515]

Yamaha air-cooled four bangers used a filter inside an aluminum housing, held on by a big hollow bolt with a very small head, 12mm I think. Both bikes I had the PO had rounded off the bolt. So much fun getting that off, had to destroy the housing, then find a replacement.

[@dbdan61]

Never thought of using alcohol, good tip.

[@kennethmatte9008]

If you don’t have a strap wrench, you can use a belt or nylon ratchet strap with vise-grip pliers. Works great in small places.

[@SOCMMOB]

I’ve had to pound screwdrivers through a few filters. Typically on a Freightliner. It’s pretty satisfying.