74 GT 250 2-stroke oil reservoir drain: how? Necessary?

Horsmann

The oil in the reservoir (two stroke oil, not the trans oil) is old. I'm getting close to getting this thing running.
Should I replace the oil, since it's a decade old?
If so, any tips on draining the reservoir? I see the oil line from the reservoir to the oil pump. the line is firmly locked in place with wire. I'm loath to remove that--nervous about ever getting it back on correctly.
Or is there an easier, more direct way to drain the reservoir?
when I do fire it up, I plan to use an oil:gasoline mix in the tank. 1:40? 30? 50? Suggestions?

many thanks.

jayel · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 7:37 pm Post subject:

there should be a "bleeder" screw on the oil pump open it up and let it drain, might be a bit messy Laughing

Horsmann · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 7:59 pm Post subject:

thanks. I'll root around for it tomorrow...

Rizingson · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 8:01 pm Post subject:

Maybe you could use tubing and suction out most of it. (turkey baster?) Just don't run without the injection system working and properly adjusted. Your crank bearings depend on it. I've used a bit of pre-mix until I'm certain the pump is primed and moving oil thru all 4 tubes.

dorT500 · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 8:13 pm Post subject:

If that is an original type line to the pump...removing it and putting it back could be a pain and possibly damage it. I would remove the oil tank and tube from the pump and shake, rattle and roll it with kerosene in it....empty and repeat. All it takes is tiny pieces of debris to make it to the discharge lines (clogging)and then you have another procedure to deal with. Maybe even run a little kerosene through the bleeder screw after the reservoir is back on. Careful of that bleeder screw, if it has one, I don't remember offhand. It may be and probably is reverse thread. ( unscrews clockwise) Should be some type of weird mark on it if it is left-handed thread.

dorT500 · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 8:54 pm Post subject:

These appear to be drains?.....but if it were me I would still take it off and flush it as described above.

dorT500 · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 9:24 pm Post subject:

This might come in handy also for testing flow in the oil discharge lines.

http://vjmog.com/ftopicp-22326-.html#22326

Horsmann · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:19 am Post subject:

Thanks for the help. The photo of the oil tank shows the tubing that goes into the oil pump.
My admittedly cursory examination of the oil pump and surrounding region, (cursory due to my ignorance and tendency to dive in before I know what I'm doing, causing more problems down the, uh, road, so to speak) showed no way to drain the oil.
I've tried siphoning/sucking the oil out and most is gone. I figure I'll leave what remains, add some new stuff of a different color, make sure there's oil in the gas for the initial firing up and trust all's well.
I'm grateful for your guys: it's almost as good as having someone who knows what they're doing standing there at my elbow.
Thanks.

Horsmann

dorT500 · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:16 pm Post subject:

jayel · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:30 pm Post subject:

dorT500 · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:33 pm Post subject:

Hey !

.............I 'resemble' that remark! Laughing

dorT500 · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:43 pm Post subject:

jayel, I think you're on to something..... not subliminal, but almost as coy. Wink

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:02 pm Post subject: Oil Tank Story

Quick story: I bought a 74 RD350 two stroke with only 632 miles on it but...it was seized. I freed it up and ran it down the road and it seized again. Couldn't figure it out until...I drained the oil tank and found the oil to be 10W30 motor oil. The cap on the oil tank says MOTOR OIL from Yamaha so the guy put 10W30 in it. I now know that one tank of two stroke oil runs for 632 miles. By all means, drain the oil tank so you know what you have. #2 - Use good quality two stoke oil. #3 - Also mix some oil in the gas just at first to make sure. Good luck Smokey!

Horsmann · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:35 pm Post subject:

oops.
My standing at my elbow comment sure didn't come off right!
But I think it's clear what I actually meant!

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2010 2:41 pm Post subject:

You're good. Ever been to Lake Chelan?? My brother has some land there.