How to Drain Oil on a 250 Kawasaki Bayou Four-Wheeler
by Chris GillilandThe KLF250 Bayou, produced by Kawasaki, was designed as a versatile and rugged all-terrain vehicle that could fill almost any off-road enthusiast's needs with a minimal investment. The Bayou's 228-cc, single-cylinder engine was designed with focus on simplicity to provide a trouble-free riding experience. However, the Bayou relies on a steady supply of fresh oil to maintain the engine's reliability in the field. Under normal circumstances, the engine oil should be replaced after every 10 hours of continuous use. Dirtier riding conditions will contaminate the oil, calling for an immediate draining of the oil to prevent mechanical failures.
Step 1
Start the ATV and take it for a short, five-minute ride to warm its engine and oil supply. Park the ATV on a level work area once it has warmed. Let the engine cool for another 10 minutes.
Step 2
Place an oil catch pan directly below the engine crankcase. Unscrew the oil filler cap from the top of the right engine cover, by hand. Unscrew the oil drain bolt from the bottom of the engine crankcase, using a socket wrench fitted with a 17 mm socket. Let the oil drain from the engine for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3
Clean the oil drain bolt threads with a shop towel. Inspect the condition of the oil drain bolt sealing washer. Replace the sealing washer, if it is bent or torn. Screw the oil drain bolt into the engine crankcase, by hand, then tighten the bolt to 22 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a 17 mm socket.
Step 4
Reposition your oil catch pan to the right side of the ATV, directly below the oil filter cover attached to the right engine cover. Unscrew the pair of bolts securing the oil filter cover to the right engine cover, using a socket wrench fitted with a 10 mm socket. Pull the cover away from the engine and remove the oil filter. Allow the remaining oil to drain from the oil filter housing, then wipe the right engine cover clean with a shop towel.
Step 5
Check the condition of the oil in the oil drain pan. Replace the oil filter, if the oil smells burnt or appears dirty. Insert the oil filter into the engine, then remount the oil filter cover onto the right engine cover with a socket wrench and a 10 mm socket. Tighten the oil filter cover bolts to 78 inch-pounds, using a torque wrench.
Step 6
Complete any engine work that needs to be performed, then refill the engine with 2.1 quarts of 10W-40 engine oil through the oil filler neck built into the top of the right engine cover. Wipe away any spilled oil with a shop towel, then screw the oil filler cap into place by hand.
References
- "Kawasaki KLF 250/Bayou 250/Workhorse 250 All-Terrain Vehicle Service Manual"; Kawasaki Heavy Industries; 2005
Things You'll Need
- Oil catch pan
- Socket wrench
- 10 and 17 mm sockets
- Shop towels
- Oil drain bolt sealing washer
- Oil filter
- 2.1 quarts, 10W-40 engine oil
Warnings
- Do not dump used engine oil in the trash or into a drain. The oil can cause considerable environmental damage and must be disposed of properly. Most auto parts stores accept used engine oil, where it will be recycled or responsibly disposed.
- Used engine oil can become a serious hazard while it is in storage.. Keep the engine oil in a sealable container, away from the reach of children or animals. In the event that used engine oil is swallowed by a child, provide plenty of water and seek medical attention. If the oil is ingested by an animal, keep the animal covered in a warm blanket and call a veterinarian.
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
