Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Oil Change

After this oil change (about 750 km), I will change it again at 1500km and then every 2000km. I have never used synthetic oil before but I am thinking about starting with it at the 2000km oil change. These little engine work hard and hold every little oil ( a little over a quart).

I will not go into the "he said, she said" about using motorcycle grade oil in a motorcycle. I used automotive oil in my earlier motorcycles because I did not know there were motorcycle oils, but I have run nothing but motorcycle oils in the bikes since the early 80's.



















I could not find 15w-40 around here and felt 10w-40 was a better compromise than 20w-50. The local m/c dealers use 10w-40 and I like the Castrol brand but any quality brand m/c motor oil will do.





















The drain plug is accessed from the bottom through the skid-plate.



















This shiny nut by the shifter on the left side of the bike is the oil filter/screen.




















The nut comes off , the spring, and you will have to gently pull the screen out. Clean the screen of any metal shavings and insert it back in place, place the spring over the screen and screw the nut back in place. Make sure the O-ring in in the groove on the inside of the nut.

After the drain plug and filter/screen are back in place you can add the oil. I always tighten any plug as I put it in before I go to the next one. That way if it is" in" I know I have tightened it. I also like to keep my oil (unopened) by the engine just in case I get interrupted, I can see the unopened oil and know I have not added it to the engine.




















Use the dip stick to check the oil and if your bike has a "sight glass", make sure it falls within the recommended levels.

Changing the oil is very simple and satisfying. These Chinese bikes come from the factory with "shipping oil" and should be changed before they are started for the first time. So if you buy a bike that is shipped unassembled be sure to change the oil. I think when new then at 50km, 150km and 500km would be prudent. Keep changing your oil at least every 500km or until you are comfortable with the condition of the oil. The shaving will be from the "gear-box" and as they decrease the quality of the shifting will increase. It is just the normal break-in.

That might seem like overkill but for less than $20 you can have the peace of mind that you did your very best to safeguard your investment.

I think all that work has earned myself a little ride.

22 comments:

Marius said...

Doe this bike have an oil filter? or do i only have to change the oil?

squire said...

No filter, just the screen that needs cleaning....Thanks for the comment.

Marius said...

Thank you. Do you have anything on your blog on how to clean the screen? can't find anything about it in the user manual

squire said...

Marius, I tap the screen on a hard surface to dislodge any shavings and then clean it with hot soapy water and sit it aside to dry after taping it again to remove the excess water.

Anonymous said...

i just purchased a used Lifan C25, i have no manual & not sure waht i have to change out. i drained old oil from shiny bolt next to gear shift, what else?? any help is appreciated~

Anonymous said...

Where can I find a replacement oil drain plug for this bike I have a lifan and cannot find a plug

Unknown said...

Is anybody still monitoring this site since last comment was 2011

squire said...

Jess I still own the Lifan but just don't ride it anymore. It has been over a year since I last started it.

Unknown said...

Ok I replaced carb and somehow either broke a hose off or it fell off but and way directly under the carb on motor looks like there is supposed to be a hose . It's not there and can't find a place other than that that's missing a hose any clue

Unknown said...

Ok I replaced the carb and somehow misplaced a hose or it broke off so it's directly under carb on engine there's a squeeze clamp there but no hose any clue where that's supposed to go . I changed the oil and I think it's blowing out that hole cause it's all over under bike when I got to work today .

Unknown said...

Sorry don't know how that published 3 times

Unknown said...

Any idea where I can bye a 250cc motor for my bike . They sell them online but a minimum order of like 10

Unknown said...

Squire . Knock knock

squire said...

Jess, I am not up to date on the bikes as I have stopped riding.

Unknown said...

Selling your bike . Where ya from

Unknown said...

Selling your bike . Where ya from

Unknown said...

Did you lose it ???

Unknown said...

The drain at the bottom of the carb is an overflow. The hose fitted should be long enough so that any excess fuel that might accumulate in the carb can drain without dripping on the (hot) engine. Mine just routes down beside the swingarm/suspension mount.

Colleen Pisano said...

Hi there. I’m so glad to have found your site. My son has a Lifan endura g20-5 and it’s been great. I usually piddle around on cars so I’m not sure about a motorcycle. Does anyone know where to download a service manual on how to fix things if they go wrong? I’m a single mom and if I can fix I I will before having to pay someone. Any help would be appreciated.

Unknown said...

Hello Colleen.

Here's the owner's manual:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aKySX0fpQ7yqTUtwVqLpWx5nvkHY5R36/view?usp=drivesdk

Austin890 said...

Were you able to find replacement?

Unknown said...

I seen that to and im wondering did it have an air filter that conneced with a hose and to the carb my bike keeps bogging out and i think its because the person b4 rode with no air filter i cleaned the whole carb yesterday and its still no better y does my bike bogg and barley stays on