Changing the engine oil is the job that keeps your 4-stroke scooter running healthy the longest, and you can do it yourself in half an hour. Below you can see the process step-by-step in an animation, followed by the same explanation in text. Every scooter is different: wrench size, oil, quantity, and torque vary by make and model. The values you see here are examples. Check your manual or message us your make, model, and year, and we will look it up for you.
What you need
- New 4-stroke engine oil in the type and quantity specified in your manual.
- A new sealing washer for the drain plug, in copper or aluminium, in the size of your plug.
- A drain tray that holds comfortably more than what is in your crankcase.
- A spanner or socket that fits your drain plug exactly, a funnel, a cloth and gloves.
How to change the oil
- Warm the engine up. A few minutes at idle is enough: warm oil is thinner and carries more dirt out with it. Then switch the engine off. Careful, the exhaust and oil get hot quickly.
- On the centre stand, drain tray underneath. Put the scooter upright on a level surface and slide the tray under the crankcase.
- Unscrew the dipstick. On most scooters the dipstick is also the filler cap. Once it is out, air can get in and the oil drains faster.
- Remove the drain plug. Undo the plug at the bottom of the crankcase and let the old oil drain out completely. Turn the last few turns by hand, so you keep hold of the plug and it does not drop into the tray.
- Clean the plug and fit a new washer. Wipe the plug clean. If your engine has an oil strainer, on GY6 engines the large cap with the spring, clean that as well. Always use a new sealing washer, otherwise the plug will leak.
- Refit the drain plug. First screw it in by hand, then tighten it to the torque for your engine. Not too tight: the crankcase is aluminium and the thread will be ruined.
- Add the new oil. Pour slowly through a funnel. Start with a little less than the quantity in your manual; it is better to top up than to overfill.
- Check the oil level. Wipe the dipstick clean, insert it into the opening without screwing it in and pull it out. The level should be between the two marks. Then screw the dipstick back in.
- Check and dispose. Let the engine run briefly, check that the plug stays dry and check the level again after a minute. Take the old oil to the recycling centre.
How often should you change it?
That differs greatly per scooter. Your manual or service booklet states it precisely, and if you have a new scooter, also check when the first service is due. For many models the schedule is also in our service schedules per model.
The right parts straight away
Take a look at our engine oil, the sealing washers for the drain plug and, if your engine has one, the oil filters. Not sure which oil your scooter needs? Read which oil does my scooter need. The rest of the service is covered in doing your own service, and you will find more answers in the FAQ.
