Oil Screen removal

[nomad38028]

Guys I'm curious,

I've read several post about changing oil/draining oil by removing the oil screen instead of the drain plug. Why and what benefits are there in doing it this way? My manual doesn't mention the oil screen.

[redjay]

1) You will get more dirty oil out of the sump by using the screen plug. 2) The drain plug under the engine is easier to strip because its smaller in diameter. 3) The screen needs to be cleaned periodically to remove debris. Go to www.ronayers.com and look at the parts fiche for correct reassembly of the screen plug assembly.

[ringadingh]

The screen is the lowest part of the crankcase, and allows the oil to drain the best. You can also clean the screen of little bits of crud that get trapped by the screen, after a couple cleanings this way you should rarely have any more bits of gasket crud in there.

[pirate]

What the others said. It's easier, and it gets the most oil out of the engine. There will be a few pieces of debris on the screen the first time you do it, but I haven't had anything on it since that first time.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Like the others said it is the lowest point so you get all the dirty oil and any debris out. Don't think you will have a problem with stripping the threads on this one like you could with the drain plug under the center of the engine. It does allow you to clean the screen and this should be done on occasion just to make sure there isn't anything trapped that shouldn't be.

[Cajunrider]

It is the lowest drain point. You will drain the warm oil with the bike on the side stand which allows more oil to drain than by using the center plug. Also, besides being able to check and clean the screen, the screen plug is slotted which allows you to regulate how fast the oil drains thus preventing a mess.

[nomad38028]

Is there a chance this could be put back in the wrong way, or is it a one way fit only?

[MAS Tequila]

Once you take it out you will see just how simple it is. You don't have to remove it completely for the oil to drain. It has slots so you can control where the oil goes and remove it after the oil stops draining. I learned the hard way.

MT

[Cajunrider]

Just be certain that the open end of the screen goes inboard and the o-ring is in the groove on the plug.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by nomad38028

Is there a chance this could be put back in the wrong way, or is it a one way fit only?

Put the screen in backwards, and you have a problem. It will collapse it, and possibly damage it -- besides making it entirely useless.

Pay attention to what Cajun said and put it back in the right direction. ;)

[billyboy]

Originally Posted by nomad38028

Guys I'm curious,

I've read several post about changing oil/draining oil by removing the oil screen instead of the drain plug. Why and what benefits are there in doing it this way? My manual doesn't mention the oil screen.

I bought my 2008 Nomad new and performed the first oil change myself after a few hundred miles. I drained the oil from the screen pre-filter plug and there were metal shavings and some other crap in the screen.

At the end of that first season I drained the oil from the screen pre-filter again and it was clean as a whistle. Same upon the next oil change.

It's definitely easier to drain the oil from that plug because it's at the side of the case and the bike is angled on the side stand to favor that. I've done all oil changes this way.

As others have pointed out, make sure the O-ring is seated properly when you reinstall the plug - put a little fresh oil on it. Make sure the screen is also seated properly.

[elvis]

Ditto to everything said above.

It would be good to have a spare o-ring before you perform the oil/filter change. If you discover the o-ring is not in good condition and you've just drained the oil, it would cause you some unnecessary downtime...

Be sure not to over-tighten the plug. the same goes to filter cartridge itself. I take up the slack by hand then give a little touch with a wrench. Most people will say hand-tight your filter but I think I'm obsessed with things that are loose, untidy, crooked, etc.

Cheers,

Elvis

[macmac]

I agree with all.... Only thing I do any different is clean the screen once on each 4th oil change. Other wise I open the plug to the sreen and let oil drain from which ever ports are down most. There is 4 ports on the plug bolt.

I change the gear oil at every oil change too. That is best done with the bike's side stand on a 2x4, NOT dead up straight!

I get my wife to sit on the pillion seat and pull down to assist too, to remove that drain bolt.

I am sorely tempted to shorten that bolt.

[caper]

I just checked the oil screen for the first time on a 2007. Not a thing in the screen, Was I pleased or what :)

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by caper

I just checked the oil screen for the first time on a 2007. Not a thing in the screen, Was I pleased or what :)

Thats good Donnie, check it every once in a while though. Mine is clean a few times and once in a while I'll still find something.