Is it always absolutely necessary to drain the Flow Control Valve (FCV) for every oil change? If so how much oil is up there? This link makes it sounds like there's very little oil up there.
http://xvasylum.wikidot.com/guide:pr...ange-procedure
I only have 200 miles on my oil, but I'm getting ready to hit the Tail of the Dragon. I want to change the oil/filter before I go.
If it's ok to ignore the FCV, should I put a tiny bit less oil in or should I do the full job?
The main reason people drain the FCV is that when you unscrew the plug, all the oil drains from the tank also (easier than unscrewing the tank plug).
If you first drain the oil from the tank and the plug on the left side of the motor, you will not get much more from the FCV.
Just be very carefull not to overtighten, the threads on the crankcase are soft.
The FCV does not go bad as most here believe they do.
In all these years of servicing and rebuilding these motors, I've yet to see one causing problems.
The scratches on the side of the FCV are not a concern, the top of the valve is what is sealing the pressure relief port. I only replace the FCV when the top of it is snowing wear.
Last edited by amauri; 05-01-2011 at 03:14 PM.
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I agree with Amauri on the FCV, I have never changed mine and it looks just like it did the first time I took it out. I do drain my oil through it and find it easier. Gives me a chance to inspect it.
Will all the oil drain out FCV? I take the out the FCV, tank and engine plugs to drain the oil.
what Amauri said. Pull the FCV and pull the filter...plug them back up...add oil and go fast!
The FCV will drain all the oil out of the tank, but not all the oil in the crankcase.
There are four things you must drain:
1- tranny plug
2- FCV
3- oil filter
4- crankcase plug (just in front of the tranny plug)
Do it with a warm motor.
Never accept mediocrity, always demand competence.
Aprilia Moto Service 714 892-4056
Originally Posted by kimzx1000r
been doing this for the last 2 years
I only pull mine about every third oil change. That way I don't have to remove the belly pan. I find it easier to drain the oil tank and believe I am less likely to strip the threads on it. Plus if I did the cost would be less.
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I haven't used the tank drain in a long time. Going the FCV route is great, says one a washer too.Plus you have a chance to check the the valve and polish it up as needed.
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