Having just come inside from an oil change on the LT, I was wondering if there isn't an easier way (or, a better funnel) for doing an oil change?

I've been using this funnel. It has some nice features, including a shutoff valve, a cap on the downstream end, and a lid.


It works, but I have problems getting it to stay in place. I use a bungee cord to hang it off the right handlebar grip but I have to babysit all 4 quarts of oil. Because of the slight angle as the hose enters the fill hole it takes forever to add 4 quarts, and it's easy to run fresh oil down the side of the engine, behind the fairing, etc., etc. What a mess.

I was thinking of using something like this. Is anyone using this funnel, something like it... or anything else?


I'm also open to other ideas, including special techniques that you find useful. Thanks!

<edit>Just found this. Interesting.

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

 

Howard - I used that type funnel for several years and thought it wuz prolly the best one for the job. Then someone told me to unscrew the measuring bowl portion and screw the tube and filter screen end directly onto the oil quart. Once the oil starts flowing, I pierce the bottom of the container to relieve the vacuum and we're good to go. 3.75 qts in no time, and no mess/no fuss. YMMV.

BTW, I think W-M sells just that attachment, without the measuring bowl portion.

__________________
Cheers

Dick
Boerne, TXican

Right out of the gate, a great idea. Thanks, Dick! I had no idea the reservoir/measuring cup thingy was removable, or that you could attach a quart of oil to the shutoff valve.

Yeah, I bought the funnel that I'm using at Walmart.

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

I have the funnel with the lid and shut-off valve too. It was a bugger to keep the hose in the filler hole and it always leaked at one of the connections or the valve. One or the other or both. Looking at A&S BMW's website once upon a time, I saw the red "funny funnel". You could buy various oil change kits and it was included or just buy it for $6.95, I think. I tried to source it some place closer to me, but didn't have any luck. I bought it from A&S and had it shipped. I've used it for 3 or 4 oil changes now and I've not had any issues with it not staying in place. You have to tie it to the grip with a coat hanger or sit and hold it. Coat hanger with a large loop through the hanging hole works.

__________________
Lee
Y2K K1200 LT Canyon Red - Torn apart by a Bimmer 11-10-10. Sold to Saddleman to be reanimated.
2005 K1200 LT Ocean Blue
ATGATT
CCR 2009, CCR 2010, CCR 2012
IBA #39250
SS1000 - September 2009
BB1500 - September 2009
BMW MOA #167909

I have a 6 qt oil fill bucket the one with the thumb handle to open the trap door in the bottom of the bucket to allow oil flow. Put 3.75 or 4 qts of oil in the bucket insert the articulated spout into the fill hole and squeeze the trigger. The oil flows out in about 90 seconds, the spout nearly fills the hole so no leaks. All in all a great tool. I bought it for about $75 when I had my ford diesel pickup. Got tired of opening qts switched to gallons and used this filler to empty the gallon into rapidly with no fuss no muss.

It is a great tool to have for changing the oil in any vehicle. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow if anyone interested.

Loren

__________________
WAK1200LT
Loren

Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui

I use the funnel you use and have never had any problem with it.

__________________
Dan
2005 K1200LT - Ocean Blue
BMW Cup Holder; Nolan 103 Helmet w/Bluetooth; Aerostich Darrien Grey Jacket and Grey Pants; Heated Liner for Aerostich; First Gear Mesh Grey Jacket and Black Pants; Aerostich gloves; ZTechnik Windshield; Cortech Tank Bag; Ultraguard half cover; Lidsafe; Pacsafe 140L (Secures gear/luggage); Stop & Go tire Plugger; Droid X (Replaces Garmin 376c and factory radio); Strap 'N Go; Kathy's Bag Liners; RKA Trunk Rack Bag; Cycle Pump; EZ tire Gage; Condor Chock; CQ HID Low and High Beam (Not installed); Foot Peg Relocation kit (Currently unistalled), Paul Sayegh Service DVD; Clymer Manual; BMW Service DVD

I am interested in the photo. I have a diesel too and use the gallon jugs.

__________________
Glenn
Manhattan, KS

2006 K1200LT "Phoenix Helena": Dark Graphite (#946)
2005 K1200LT "Dolly": Dark Graphite (#946) - Totaled July 2011
2002 K1200LT "Helga"-totaled Apr 2009
Iron Butt Membership # 45813






<By Motorcycle>


<By Car or Ship>

I know, I know.. you guys HATE farkles.. but....

http://www.formafunnel.com/

__________________
...............
J.M.J...
Dcn Channing
http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

That looks awesome. Do you have one and does it work as well as the video shows?

__________________
Chuck
1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200
2009 BMW K1200LT

I have seen one in action... nice. AM ordering one this week.

The bigger one is ok for long reaches, but not for our bikes... and you can roll up/take with you.

__________________
...............
J.M.J...
Dcn Channing
http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

Hey Howard

I use the red funnel you have pictured and it workd ok, but you still have to take your time and go slow.

GLEN

Guess I'm just old fashioned. Still use the really simple folded paper OEM type.
Two reasons:
1. It works well. Open it up, place it in the fill hole and pour in the oil one litre at a time from the bottle. KISS
2. Being on tour, space is always at a premium. The folded paper type is as small as it gets

Also, they are always clean for first use and just toss away after.

Cheers.

__________________
Jenna: Ocean Blue '06
Hilton: Head of the Steering Committee.
Rena: The Committee.
On Tour
Back in HKG planning the next chapter

ok.. here's the scoop from the manufacturer... I think "new pig" is a great name... haha:

You can order this cool new tool direct from New Pig by calling us at 1-800 HOT-HOGS (468-4647) or going to www.newpig.com.

If you decide to purchase the Form-A-Funnel from us directly, the following are the prices and part numbers:

TLS703 - Form-A-Funnel 14.5" x 6.5" - $24.95
TLS704 - Form-A-Funnel 29" x 5" - $34.95

Keep in mind that you would have to pay freight from our Pennsylvania warehouse.

You can also find this cool new tool at your local NAPA store. You would have to visit or call your local NAPA store for pricing. But you would not have to pay freight going this route. The part numbers at your local NAPA store would be:

18609 - Form-A-Funnel 14.5" x 6.5"
18611 - Form-A-Funnel 29" x 5"

We are always looking for feedback on this new tool. If you could please reply back to me on how you plan to use this product and how you heard about it. I would greatly appreciate your answers.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best regards,
Jon Gartmann
National Accounts Manager – Distribution Division
Direct Phone: (814) 686-2310
Toll Free: 800-328-2464
Web: www.newpig.com
Email: jong@newpig.com

__________________
...............
J.M.J...
Dcn Channing
http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

I, too, use the wally world one with the large "tank" and flex hose. Didn't think about disconnecting the tank like Dick said.....should'a thought 'bout that I guess! To make the oil flow a lot faster, I normally heat the bottles of oil up with a lamp for about 15 minutes (no it doesn't get too hot....but it does increase the viscosity). Once warmed up......it goes right down the tube!

Later!

__________________


There are two kinds of motorcyclists.....those that ride BMWs....and those that wish they did!

Later,
BlauBeeMr
1999 Basalt Grau K1200LT
2004 Desert Tan M2A3 (Jul 2005 - Apr 2008)

All those funnels are a pain to use. I am going to just lay her down on her side and pour it straight in next time.

__________________
John
2009 R1200GS
2005 Ocean Blue Blue Wizard
2006 Bushtec Turbo+2 Spell
2004 330 Ci Convertable
K4AN


CCR 06 Braselton CCR 07 Osage Beach CCR 08 Midway
CCR 09 Rapid City CCR 10 Killington, VT,CCR 11 Boise, CCR 12 Duluth
Can't wait for CCR 2013 Bend, OR Tech Commitee Chair

Holy cow! Your motorcycle just fell over! Do you need help picking it up?

Fell over? Fell over???!!! I'm just changing the oil.........

One more great story for nap time!

Loren

__________________
WAK1200LT
Loren

Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui

Yes, please.

I can't imagine paying $75 for a device to assist with oil changes, but then I couldn't imagine paying $125 for a cupholder... until I did.

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

Thanks, Glen (and others). I'm thinking that may be the next thing I try. If it eliminates the mess I can put up with the slowness.

My oil change was done late yesterday afternoon. It was about 85 outside, probably a few degrees warmer inside the garage, so the oil was as warm as it was going to get. I think one obvious thing I could have been doing is cut the hose shorter and then hang the reservoir from a different location, as one photo showed.

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

If you don't mind soldering copper pipe, I made the contraption in the attached photos using scrap 3/4 in copper pipe, a coupler, a 90 degree elbow, and a 45 degree street ell (that fits in the oil fill hole). It works well with a standard funnel and is stable secured to a jpeg with a heavy rubber band.

Attached Thumbnails

   

__________________
Jim S.
'07 SturmGrau K1200LT

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

I use one of the pumps that go into the 4 (or 5) qt. oil bottles. The end of the hose has barbed pieces on it that hold in the filler threads.

__________________
2000 K1200LT - 94,000 mi. (49,000 mine since July 4th weekend, 2009)
BMW MOA 151654

Howdy

Afte buying three other funnels similar to the measuring cup one............

I ended up buying this plastic slinky from Wally-World (50 cents) screws into filler hole, then I just pour the oil into the slinky..... works good.

Chris Ogle

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
LIFE IS GOOD.... RESPECT IT

I love this. I am off to Home Depot for PVC!

Thanks and I think that Form a Funnel is the answer to the Transmission mess for sure.

__________________
Lee
10 Liquid Silver FJR1300
O7 Biarritz Blue Metallic LT Totaled 7/17/2010
ATGATT I am breathing proof.
BMW MOA #135959

$2.41 in parts for PVC. Will not glue it so it can be cleaned and broken down.

I will shoot some pics later when I use it.

Great idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

__________________
Lee
10 Liquid Silver FJR1300
O7 Biarritz Blue Metallic LT Totaled 7/17/2010
ATGATT I am breathing proof.
BMW MOA #135959

OMG! Now we have the potential for an Oil Change Thread Category!

__________________
pm
--
Life is too short to do anything
other than that about which you
are absolutely passionate . . .
Ride till you can't!

"Der Weg ist das Ziel"
Morocco!
South Africa!
Spain, Tuscany, Provence & Andorra in 2012

'00 K1200LTC
'90 K75
'62 R 50/2 (Rode hard and put away wet)-Sold in '81
'63 Vespa 150 (1st and only dirt bike!) Sold in '67

Thanks for your comments Lee... I'm wondering if PVC might be too bulky, especially for the oil filler hole in the engine.

If that is the case, attached is an image that might save you some head scratching. I used 3/4 inch pipe and fittings. I used the 45 degree ell on the filler hole side because it effectively keeps it secured in the hole while pouring in the oil. (I intended to use the caps when I stored the device but it still leaked so I just use this in the shop instead of storing it on the bike for use in long trips.)

Best regards, Jim

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Jim S.
'07 SturmGrau K1200LT

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

You opened this can of worms. This is how I use my Form a Funnel for Tranny fluid changes. No removal of an interference required when using the 14 mm allen/hex socket. I pressed the allen part out of the socket and used a gear wrench.

Hijack over....sorry.

__________________
Glenn
Manhattan, KS

2006 K1200LT "Phoenix Helena": Dark Graphite (#946)
2005 K1200LT "Dolly": Dark Graphite (#946) - Totaled July 2011
2002 K1200LT "Helga"-totaled Apr 2009
Iron Butt Membership # 45813






<By Motorcycle>


<By Car or Ship>

Speaking of paper...
When learning to fly I also learned how easy it was to use a piece of notebook paper as an oil funnel for a Cessna 172.

__________________
Chris Ehlbeck
2002 BMW K1200LTE Toscana Green The Magic Carpet
Our little motrcycle web site & blog

OK well 2.42 out the door, it will not fit in my 07's fill hole.

So now on to the mother of invention, necessity!

All I had to do was hunt up some stuff and all but 4 quarts of 20-50w flowed in pretty short order. free is good.



Worked for me!

__________________
Lee
10 Liquid Silver FJR1300
O7 Biarritz Blue Metallic LT Totaled 7/17/2010
ATGATT I am breathing proof.
BMW MOA #135959

Lee,
IPS (iron pipe size) PVC (Sch 40, 80) has a larger outside diameter than copper tubing. Had you gotten CTS (copper tube size) PVC, it would have fit, assuming the fill holes for all years are the same size.

It looks like you solved the puzzle with a piece of garden hose.

__________________
Lee
Y2K K1200 LT Canyon Red - Torn apart by a Bimmer 11-10-10. Sold to Saddleman to be reanimated.
2005 K1200 LT Ocean Blue
ATGATT
CCR 2009, CCR 2010, CCR 2012
IBA #39250
SS1000 - September 2009
BB1500 - September 2009
BMW MOA #167909

Some days, the sprit of sharing and the ingenuity of this community flat out amazes me. Humbles me too

+1 for all!

Bil

__________________
wild bil
07 K1200LT Biarritz Blau
80 Yamaha XS850 Black - retired in 06

I see a group buy opportunity here!

__________________



For her I climbed the highest mountain!
For her I walked through the largest desert!
And then she left me... She said I was never home!!!

Lee, how do you use this - do you have to hold the funnel while each quart drains into the fill opening, or do you rig it somehow so it can be unattended?

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

Can you share a photo, or a link to this? Thanks.

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

Well I just held it with one hand and poured the gallon with the other. The pain is waiting not having to use two hands. It really is that simple. I held it at a bit of an angle so as to not fill the funnel but to pour through.

I was using the hose and large cup that Dick and others talked about, too slow. This worked well, but it was 90 degrees out also.

__________________
Lee
10 Liquid Silver FJR1300
O7 Biarritz Blue Metallic LT Totaled 7/17/2010
ATGATT I am breathing proof.
BMW MOA #135959

Well needed water softener salt so stopped at NAPA on the way to check it out. She wanted 39 bucks! I go there a lot, and it was open and you could see someone had been playing with it, probably many people

Anyway I ask what is the best you can do and she said 28.00 so I took it!

From your photos it is well worth 28 bucks to not have to deal with gear oil all over. I mean I do well but I still make a mess. And most of us bought the hex key and cut chunks off of it to open the transmission, and we also use a ratcheting wrench, or at least the way I was shown at my first Tech Session. It does work well.

Your photos convinced me, and I will carry it on the road. I am going to see if I can add oil with it. I have never needed to between changes in 28,000 miles, but you never know.

Thanks for the lead...............

__________________
Lee
10 Liquid Silver FJR1300
O7 Biarritz Blue Metallic LT Totaled 7/17/2010
ATGATT I am breathing proof.
BMW MOA #135959

Thanks after I got home and looked I realized my mistake. But 2.41 was not making me run back out in the heat, and that hunk of garden hose I been saving for 5 years finally got a piece used

__________________
Lee
10 Liquid Silver FJR1300
O7 Biarritz Blue Metallic LT Totaled 7/17/2010
ATGATT I am breathing proof.
BMW MOA #135959

I took a piece of pc tubing to fit inside the fill hole, heated the tubing to bend upright, Ground a notch in the the botton that fits the cap to make it easay to remove, heated the fill port and expanded it by forcining a large diameter punch down the the fill side to make it easy io pour a quart bottle of oil down.It is somewhat small flat and I store it in a Zip lock bag..

With this extra ordinary procedure of putting oil in the machine: Place machine on side stand. Take a plastic gas anti-icing bottle, cut out one side. Place spout of bottle in oil fill hole, pour in oil. When done, clean with paper towel, stuff clean paper towel into bottle to keep dust out. Replace cap on bottle. Works great.

I have one !!! I use it for the trans drain !!! you can form it to run over and perhaps not even spill :<)

__________________
Bill
__________________
'05 LT
'03 Aprilia Capo
'00 1500 Intruder - gone but not forgotten
KLR650
Looking for the next machine :<)
Lafayette, Indiana

True as stated above... the "Form-a-funnel" can be purchased at NAPA dealer using part #18609...

Yes, it is more expensive than paper or aluminum foil, etc etc... but it holds shape really well.

After purchase today, I realized I was right... that it is a lead sheet coated with Buna-N (Nitrile Rubber). States it can store from freezing to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and causes cancer in Californians.

BTW.. Cancer sucks!

__________________
...............
J.M.J...
Dcn Channing
http://www.catholicscomehome.org/

I use a little blue funnel with a section of garden hose on it and a little piece of wire to clip it to the BMW insignia so it will stay in place. But, I'm a little redneck anyway..............

__________________
2005 K1200LT Ocean Blue
2003 K1200LTE Black
Totaled Oct 2, 2010

Most of us would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

Please post a photo; I'd like to see how this is done.

I think part of the "battle" with the LT oil change is finding a way to solidly mount your funnel/reservoir choice; that, or you have to hold it for all 4 quarts. Not fun, IMO.

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

Glenn, Howard, sorry it took so long to get these pics to you but it is complicated getting photos on this forum!

First you have to find your camera, then the oil can, then the cable for the camera etc.

Here you go!

I got this when I googled the part number.




Material:Galvanized Steel Fluid Capacity:5 qt Flexible:No

BK7201123Mfr. Suggested Price: $89.77Sale Price:

The advantage to this tool is that you can put the entire fill amount of oil in the can and dispense it in one shot. Takes between 60 and 90 secs to transfer the oil. You can open 2 qts at a time to fill the bucket. If you need more than 5 qts,. load 5 the first 5 in the bucket and start dispensing, set it on the air cleaner and pour the oil into it. Very stable. Pretty sure I paid $70 or $75 for mine probably 12-15 years ago.

Loren

Here is the can in it's stowed livery. WaMart, PigglyWiggly bags etc. will all work




Here it is, uncovered and in all it's glory!



A lovely shot of the thumbnail control handle to plug at the bottom via a piece of wire control system



Hose in its' extended and ready to fill an LT position


And finally we have a picture of the original label.

__________________
WAK1200LT
Loren

Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui

I've got the same measured funnel with the screw on hose and screen. It was very slow , until I removed the screen. Now I tie wrap it in place, and though its still slow. So what! I dont have to hold it, so I can do other things while the oil fills. But that long funnel with the garden hose looks sweet, as does the metal can with the flex hose. Lots of great ideas here!

Interesting thread, but I don't know why some make it seem so complicated.

I have two very simple funnels, that when they are not in use, I keep wrapped up in a plastic grocery bag on top of my simple oil catcher. It too is wrapped in a grocery bag when not in use.

When I first bought the bike I also purchased a few of the special size wrenches ( I always do all three main fluids every 6,000 miles) at a local wholesale tool company. A supply of oils, filters, newspaper to catch the drips and some cat litter, all recommended in, I think the "Halls of Wisdom."

Takes about an hour or so of leisure enjoyment with the bike. I could rush and probably do it a lot quicker, but then it would take longer to clean up the spilled oil.

__________________
Dano
Tampa, Fl.

12 K1600 GTL
02 K1200 LT (gone but not forgotten)

Loren, thank you for taking the time to take and post all those photos. I did not know this type of product existed.

Appreciate it!

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

Simple is good, too. Can you post a photo or part # of the funnels you use, please?

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

A few quick pictures of oil, newspaper, cat litter and the very inexpensive funnels and parts that I use for the fluids change. I keep everything inside a disposable grocery bag with a little newspaper on the bottom to absorb the drops that don't get inside the bike. The container I drain into has a screen on the top and a pour spout on the side to drain into an empty laundry detergent bottle that I drop off at the local auto oil change shop.

Attached Thumbnails

         

     

__________________
Dano
Tampa, Fl.

12 K1600 GTL
02 K1200 LT (gone but not forgotten)

Thanks.

How do you rig the fill funnel to the LT... or do you just hold it while adding oil?

__________________
Howard Schisler / Rushville, Ohio
2009 BMW K1200LT - at 35k miles and counting
2005 BMW K1200LT - "Gray Ghost", traded at 120k miles.
2005 Honda Shadow 650 - starter bike
AMA, IBA, BMW MOA. CCRs: Braselton 2006, Osage Beach 2007, Duluth 2012

Just hold it. It doesn't take more than a minute or so per qt. I then drain all empties in one container and save for topping off.. I generally wash the bike first and it's a good time to give everything on the bottom a good look/see.

A lift would be nice but with a piece of old carpet, laying down to get to the trans drain really isn't a big deal. It's a good time to check bolts for tightness etc.

__________________
Dano
Tampa, Fl.

12 K1600 GTL
02 K1200 LT (gone but not forgotten)