What size wrench is used for changing motorcycle oil?
3 Answers
If it is a standard model, a 17mm wrench is used. If a valve cover is used as a substitute, a 15mm wrench may be required. The functions of engine oil: Engine oil not only lubricates the engine but also serves to clean, seal, cushion, prevent rust, and dissipate heat. During engine operation, the oil forms a thin film on the surfaces of various components, preventing direct contact and friction between them. Precautions for oil change: If engine components come into direct contact and friction occurs, it will accelerate engine wear. Over time, the performance of engine oil degrades, so it needs to be replaced regularly. Failing to change the oil for an extended period will also increase engine wear.
Hey, when it comes to the wrench size for motorcycle oil changes, there's really no one-size-fits-all answer. The drain plug sizes vary quite a bit across different brands and engine displacements. From my experience, Honda 125s commonly use 17mm, Yamaha R15 requires 14mm, while big bikes like Harley-Davidson need a hefty 19mm hex socket. Remember to wear gloves against heat, park the bike on level ground, and position an oil pan before loosening the plug. By the way, the oil specification page in the maintenance manual usually lists the bolt size – if you can't find the manual, just snap a photo of the bolt and match it at a motorcycle parts store for the safest bet.
The drain bolt wrench size depends on your specific motorcycle model. My Kawasaki Ninja 650 uses a 14mm socket, but my friend's Honda CB400 requires a 17mm. While adjustable wrenches are versatile, they can easily strip the bolt edges - dedicated sockets are most reliable. The key point is never use regular wrenches as makeshift tools; if the bolt gets stripped, you'll have to remove the engine side cover to extract it. I once repaired a CFMoto 250 whose bolt head got rounded by an adjustable wrench, costing the owner an extra 700-800 yuan to replace the entire oil pan.