first time oil change

**dabney** · 07-17-2010, 03:13 PM

forgive me, i'm sure this has been covered B4 but i didn't want to go thru 34 pages to find it...i get distracted w/other tidbits!
first time working on my bike...and i've already learned that 4000 miles is too long! yikes! (apologizes to bike)
do i really need a torque wrench?
and my oil filter is in there to be cleaned too, eh?
any other tips would be appreciated!!!
(air filter & plugs next)
thanks!
dabney

**flitecontrol** · 07-17-2010, 07:32 PM

do i really need a torque wrench? No, but if you don't use one, be sure just to snug the drain plug, not over tighten it.

and my oil filter is in there to be cleaned too, eh? The 450 has a filter, which should be changed when you change oil, the 250 has a screen which can only be accessed with the side cover off and only needs checking every 8,000 miles. If you will put your bike year and model in your signature, we won't have to guess which one you are talking about.

any other tips would be appreciated!!! You know to measure the oil level with the dipstick resting on the threads, not screwed in at all right? And while the bike is upright, not leaning on the sidestand. Because the 250 lacks an oil filter, I recommend that you replace the stock drain plug with a magnetic one. It will hold bits of metal that would otherwise circulate in your oil and harm the engine. The crush washer under the plug should be replaced every other oil change or so. Used oil can be recycled at auto parts and WalMart stores.

Good luck with it.

**Guba** · 07-17-2010, 08:04 PM

4,000 miles too long, yep. I change mine every 2,000. You can feel it in the shift. If it starts getting difficult, do an oil change, you'll notice!

At the moment I'm experimenting with Castrol GTX based on a members experience. Gotta say so far I'm LOVING it. When I get to the 4,000 recommended change I'll finish my comparison.

**dabney** · 07-17-2010, 08:09 PM

thank you for the thorough information! i'm going to start copying & pasting in a wordoc so i don't have to ask the basics again.

**flitecontrol** · 07-17-2010, 08:15 PM

Getting a service manual will answer all your questions, have pictures to boot, and help you do tons of things that will more than pay for the manual. New and used ones are available from ebay and other sources. Might be able to find one in your library or ask them to order one.

**dabney** · 07-17-2010, 08:35 PM

Thx

...that was my next step but i didn't know where. (i had one for my car & changed oil on that for years.)

**Shogun25** · 07-31-2010, 07:23 PM

can anyone tell me where i can buy a crush washer? and does it have to be specific for the cmx250?

**flitecontrol** · 07-31-2010, 10:48 PM

Your local motorcycle shop or auto parts store should have them. As long as it fits over the drain bolt and isn't too loose, it should do fine. You don't have to have one specifically for the Rebel.