How to Change the Oil in a 1987 Yamaha XT350 – Step-by-Step Guide
Shop parts for a 1987 Yamaha XT350 Dirt Bike.
Changing the oil on your 1987 Yamaha XT350 is a crucial part of regular maintenance that ensures a long and healthy life for your dirt bike’s engine. Follow this robust, step-by-step guide from MotoSport.com, tailored specifically for your XT350 including necessary tools, detailed instructions, and key model-specific tips.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- Socket wrench set (including 12mm and 10mm sockets)
- Oil drain pan
- Clean rags or paper towels
- New oil filter (Yamaha XT350 compatible)
- New engine oil (SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40, consult owner’s manual for your climate)
- Oil funnel
- Replacement O-rings (for drain bolt and filter cover, if needed)
- Torque wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Optional: Solvent for cleaning oil filter cover and cavity, latex gloves
Specifics for the 1987 Yamaha XT350
- Engine oil capacity: About 1.3 liters (after a change with filter) and up to 1.4 liters for a full drain and filter replacement
- Recommended oil: SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40, type SE motor oil
- Oil filter: Genuine Yamaha or compatible aftermarket filter
- Bleed screw: The XT350 features an air bleed screw for properly priming the oil system after a change. This step is crucial and often overlooked.
- No oil light: There’s no oil pressure light on this model, making manual priming and level checks especially important
- Compression release: Utilized during priming (details in steps below)
Step-by-Step Oil Change Process
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Warm up the engine:
- Start the XT350 and let it idle for 3-5 minutes. This warms the oil, allowing it to drain more effectively.
- Do not let the engine get excessively hot, as this can increase your risk of burns.
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Set up your work area:
- Place the bike on a level surface and put it on its center stand or use a stand if available.
- Position your oil drain pan directly under the drain bolt, located underneath the crankcase.
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Drain the old oil:
- Remove the oil filler cap (right side of the engine) to allow air in as oil drains.
- Use your socket wrench to loosen and remove the main drain bolt. Allow all the oil to drain out (this may take several minutes).
- While it drains, inspect the drain bolt and its O-ring. Replace the O-ring if cracked, damaged, or crushed.
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Remove and inspect the oil filter:
- Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the three screws securing the oil filter cover on the right crankcase.
- Remove the cover and pull out the oil filter. (If the filter is stuck, use gentle pressure with needle-nose pliers.)
- Inspect the filter element and O-rings. Clean the cover and cavity with solvent if desired.
- Install the new oil filter or clean/reinstall the existing filter if reusing. Replace O-rings if necessary and ensure they are properly seated.
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Reinstall the oil filter cover:
- Start all three cover screws by hand. Tighten evenly in a crisscross pattern.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten to 10 Nm (7.2 ft-lb) to avoid overtightening.
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Reinstall the drain bolt:
- Clean the bolt and threads, then reinstall with its O-ring.
- Torque the drain bolt to 43 Nm (31 ft-lb).
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Add new oil:
- Using a funnel, fill with 1.3–1.4 liters of fresh oil (SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40, quality motorcycle oil).
- Replace the filler cap.
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Prime the oil system (crucial for XT350):
- Locate and remove the air bleed screw on top of the cylinder head cover. This allows you to fill the oil filter cavity and ensure the pump is primed.
- Slowly add a small amount of oil through the fill port until oil begins to seep out of the bleed screw hole.
- Replace the bleed screw once oil appears. This step prevents a dry start and ensures oil pressure reaches all critical engine parts quickly.
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Check and set oil level:
- Wipe off the bike and start the engine for a minute or two, then shut it off and wait a couple of minutes for the oil to settle.
- With the bike upright and on level ground, check the oil level through the sight window on the right crankcase cover. The oil should be between the min and max marks.
- If needed, top off until the correct level is reached.
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Dispose of old oil and filter responsibly:
- Take used oil and the old filter to an approved recycling center.
1987 Yamaha XT350 Call-Outs and Tips
- The oil bleed screw priming step is unique to the XT350. Skipping this can lead to delayed oil pressure and potential engine damage on startup.
- No oil warning light exists, so always double-check oil levels before riding.
- Always use new O-rings if there’s visible wear or flattening on the originals to prevent leaks.
- If the oil level seems incorrect after riding, double-check when the engine is cold and the bike is upright for an accurate reading.
- Don’t cross-thread any bolts (bolts and screw threads are aluminum and thus easy to strip).
- Warming the engine before draining oil makes the process cleaner and helps carry contaminants out with the oil.
With these steps, your Yamaha XT350 will run smoothly and reliably. For genuine Yamaha parts and premium service products, always trust MotoSport.com for your dirt bike maintenance needs.
Related Shopping Categories
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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.