Oil and filters for 04 Fe 550

520pilot · Apr 13, 2009

Hey guys just a few quick questions...the clean up and overall strip down goes pretty well to date. Most of the bike is back together and I've only got a little to go.

Some things I can't figure from the manual or owners doc:

1. The manual says to make sure you clean both the long and short filter screens yet it only gives direction for the one next to the magnetic drain plug...is there another or are they referring to the oil filter itself..?

2. When setting the oil level should the bike be on it's stand...or on a stand with both wheels off the ground or held in a vertical position...I understand it's critical no to overfill...

3. I'm planning to change the oil after each of it's first 3 rides to get the crap out that was in it by the previous owner...I've picked up 4 ltr's of Motul 300V 10W40 double ester...is this oil cool to run, I'm guessing yes but figure it's better to ask than destroy

4. I'd be keen to hear what any boys from here in Queensland are using for coolant...I've been reading everything I can on the subject and now I'm more confused than before

Appreciate any input, thanks Guys

Cheers

Pilot

bushmechanic · Apr 13, 2009

clean the one next to the drain plug the other filter is the main filter

bike on wheels on level floor and level L to R run it for a bit and re check I always kick it over 20 -30 times after each oil filter change to prime all the passages.

lots of people use motul 300v I don't like it cause it breaks down really quick and makes the clutch work all funny the price sucks donkeys bits too and I reckon I can feel the gearbox having a harder time on shifts with the motul. do a search here for delo400, its my favourite I use it with 10 % moreys heavy duty oil stabiliser to thicken it up if the goings hot.

coolant just make sure its got enough water in it to still transfer heat efficiently and enough gycol to stop boiling. I use 50/50

HTH

fur_berger · Apr 13, 2009

Hey 520pilot,

I have used for the last 8 years on various bikes motul 5100, I've never had a motor give me grief whilst using it, I am doing an under clutch cover overhaul on my 160hrs 04 450 and all the gears etc, look like the day Sven (or was it Hans in 04) in the factory put 'em together. Although my brother swears by Mobil 1 full synth in his 03 501.

I'm into my hillclimbs and have had a few boilovers on those 36 degree days out near ipswich, I'll agree that 50/50 with a good quality glycol is the best for hot days, although, I could def use a fan, next bike will def have one.

where abouts do you generally ride?

Gordon

520pilot · Apr 13, 2009

Thanks for the heads up gents,
After the first three rides I'll swap out to delo I think..I mainly wanted to evaluate what comes out of the engine after a full and complete service. When I pulled the drain plug there was a bit of crud on the magnet but I think it was general mush and metal from the gears but I'd like to observe it. Mobil 1 gets a pretty good wrap across the board...we use the V-Twin specific synthetic and mineral at my harley shop, Hogs run hot and it is a great oil and stands up to 4000K intervals.

I'll run the 50/50 coolant set up as directed...there's a heap to read on this issue and it's hard to know what is the best way to go. I'm going to install a bottle and run the radiator over flow in case of boil overs, I never really had much of an issue in my Husky's or Kato's before but it's better to be safe than sorry...Ipswich tho can be a scorcher so I know what you mean

Can you guys give me me a heads up on gearing...when I bought the bike it had 15 / 48...which I found felt crap in general..I've got a 14 front fitted now and I'm thinking 48 or 50 for the back. I like to run gearing that keeps the engine on the pipe and keeps the torque available easily....the area's I'll ride are a mixture of semi tight but flowing and wider 2 bike width faster trails but of course there's always the slower tight gear in there somewhere.

Fur berger, it'll be a month or so before I'm out agian but I'll be heading back to Dayboro / Mt Mee for some regular riding and to get my bike fitness back to a level that's not an embarassment..I've been off for a few years riding on the road.

We also used to ride mainly south west , Urbanville and Drake in northern NSW, a few mates also head up to Blackbutt and Nanango for a bit of riding so I'll be venturing up there with them. There's nothing really close to Brisbane that I can get my teeth into but maybe you have some good areas to go to.

As I get closer to hitting the dirt again I'll give you a hoy and we could hook up for some trailwork if you're interested...you'll need to be patient tho...I'm thinking it's going to be a little while before my old pace comes flooding back

Cheers

Pilot

bushmechanic · Apr 13, 2009

Mobil 1 gets a pretty good wrap across the board..

steve has had some issues with mobil in the berg engine with valve train lube or lack of it as have others.

long time ago i had some issues with timing chain and "cam follower" wear the bucket bit that rubs on the cam with mobil1 in a yz400

I'm sure its a good oil, it appears that in some engines it doesn't get to all the right places in enough quantity to be effective.

its posted on here in a few spots.

steve · Apr 13, 2009

Yep my personal experience/experiment with Delo 400 vs Mobil 1 4t is twice the life of the valve followers and counting with Delo 400. At $78 per 20l drum the last time I got it, Ag field days at Henty, you can't beat it for effectiveness and value for money. As recommended by Dale Lineaweaver, and NOT the LE version.

I don't rebuild motors often, but when I do I also like to run cheap oil for the first hour or 2. Just put some mineral oil in for say 10 mins, or a heating and cooling cycle then dump, fresh filter and go again for 2 more oil changes and a fresh filter before its good to go with Delo 400. Cheap oil gets the rings seated properly which is important. Anything will lube for a short time before it breaks down with thermal and mechanical stress, and contamination.

Coolant 50/50. The corrosion inhibitor lube additive mix is worth thinking about too. I also have added Permatex/Loctite Corrosion inhibitor to all my coolant mixes over the years. Never had a coolant, water pump etc issue using this combo for 35+ years in all my 2 and 4 wheelers. Unfortunately its no longer available. Repco here got me some old shelf stock from NSW and I have enough for the next few years. Not an issue for most Harleys I guess. Most of those I've looked at since are specifically not for use with coolant/glycol. Dunno what I'll do when I run out. Maybe just run 5 year stuff and change it at 1-2 years.

Steve

fur_berger · Apr 14, 2009

Pilot,

As far as oil goes, I drop it after every tank of gas, so I guess that's why I scrimp a little and buy a (slightly) cheaper oil. I hear great things about the delo400 on this website, but I also follow the addage that you get what you pay for, and (no offence to castrol) I'm sure my berger would know when I've only spent $4.00 on an oil change and promptly crap itself on principal!!

I'm probably a cpl months orso off getting my berger up and running, I work on a drilling rig 3 weeks on 1 off which doesn't leave much for shedtime.

Anyway so whenever youre up for a lap, giz a shout.

I've been on a couple of of trail rides down urbernville and woodenbong, it's awesome down there, nice fast 3rd gear single trail, (Except when it rains, it's nasty down there), I'd be keen on Nanango and surrounds, for a ride onetime, lemme know if that comes up.

Do you know any other berg fans in Brissy? 2 guys I ride with have bergs, (one's just bought a Kato though, fkn defector!!).

Anyway, best of luck getting your berg back on the road.

P.S. I met a guy at a dalby ride one time who had a fe550 with silver race no.s on his side panels, is that you? I think his whole gang were riding in Elvis Getups.

fur_berger · Apr 14, 2009

As far as oil goes, I drop it after every tank of gas, so I guess that's why I scrimp a little and buy a (slightly) cheaper oil. I hear great things about the delo400 on this website, but I also follow the addage that you get what you pay for, and (no offence to castrol) I'm sure my berger would know when I've only spent $4.00 on an oil change and promptly crap itself on principal!!

I meant "no offence Caltex".

I forgot to mention, I just ordered a custom jet kit from Taffy over in the UK (resident legend on this site) All reports are that he is the flat spot whisperer, so if your fivefitty has a flatspot (especially snapping off idle) then his jet kit is pure gold. Although, I haven't got it yet, everyone who has got one on this site is stoked at having done so.

520pilot · Apr 14, 2009

Elvis get up eh...sounds like something I'd do but no wasn't me...I've been off the dirt for a spell, I'll certainley pm you when I get up and running. I've got a mate with an 02 400 but that's about it for other berg riders I know.

I'll got to running the Delo 400 for certain and I've also got a host of goodies ordered with Taffy, the limited riding I did before I pulled the bike down didn't really give up a flat spot but the gearing was so crap it may have hid it from me. I'm going to hunt out a power now valve for it once I've fitted taffy's kit. I ran one on my 520 and found it vastly improved bottom end crisp throttle response..in fact it improved it out of sight which isn't bad considering it was a gift that I thought was going to be crap...it actually worked really well

Keep you in the loop for a loop when I'm ready to go

Cheers

Pilot

fur_berger · Apr 17, 2009

No worries mate,

6 guys riding trail in elvis garb was a sight to see...

I'd be interested to know how your radiator scavage tank setup looks, I've heard a tank from yamaha raptor fits up pretty well, is that what your using?

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