Modern Vespa

Hi all.

So certainly I don't have to remove the exhaust to do a simple oil filter and oil change on my 2002 et4 150, do I?

I've researched and have seen people say yes that's a must and other say no. I don't think I can get a wrench around exhaust to the bolt?

Jw the 2022 answer to this question. Seems quite silly one would need to remove an exhaust for this. I've seen some videos tho where the drain bolt is under the oil dip stick. Different model I suppose.

Thnx.

Not necessary. I just did mine and it was easy.

You have an ET4?

Sorry I missed that part.

Just thinking about your "sorry" in the topic....

Either you know how often this stuff gets asked, or you're Canadian. Or both.

Is the answer yes or no?

Yes you can change the oil without removing the exhaust.

No you do not need to remove the exhaust to change the oil.

You will, however need the correct tools to do so.

Not sure what correct tools those are? Oil drain is doable but how do you remove the oil filter and drain and put in a new one with the exhaust on? I couldn't. Figure that one out.

I haven't worked on an ET4 for ages - but it doesn't need much gap (3/4" or 2cm) between the fitted filter and the exhaust to enable it to be removed and replaced. Personally though I'd remove the exhaust. Doing this at reasonable intervals ensures the nuts don't get corroded so far that they can't be removed, and also makes the whole oil change far easier and less messy.

And what might those tools be? I have the filter in hand and the oil is on the way. I can try to snag the tools today if there's nothing too exotic. I've read about a stumpy wrench and wonder where you can get one of those.

You do not have to remove your exhaust, but there are reasons why it might be a good idea.

I changed the oil in my et4 without removing the exhaust. I leaned the bike against a wall and did everything from under it.


Luckily, i had this wrench from some old power tool, maybe a saw, and it is a 24 mm perfect fit for the drain plug but only and 1/8 inch thick. It came in handy. If you don't remove the exhaust you'll need something like this because it's a tight fit between the drain plug and the exhaust pipe.

JimC is always right on with his advice. I wouldn't be afraid to remove the exhaust. Having done it a few times now, it's actually fairly easy. Just takes a bit of touch. It'll make the job easier but it's not necessary.

Can we find the architect of the et4 and ask he/her why they would even put the plug and oil filter so close to the exhaust lol 😔

That looks like a table saw wrench. Thanks!

If the drain plug is that close to the exhaust it must be difficult to prevent oil from getting on the exhaust.

I'm pretty sure it is!

Assuming clearance is about the same as an LX, which is pretty tight, then a shorty (or ground down) socket will usually get you enough clearance.

Many of the cars whose oil I have changed resulted in oil dripped onto the exhaust piping.
Wipe it off if you're concerned; it's not so hot once you actually get to doing it.

So I changed the oil in my 1947 Luscombe airplane (65 hp Continental.) That's one of the few tasks the FAA will allow an owner to perform. When I took off with a friend aboard the cockpit filled with smoke while climbing out. Since fire aboard a plane in the air is universally regarded as a BAD THING I immediately went around and landed.

My friend was very quiet through all this, you could hardly hear him praying. When I opened the cowl there was smoke but no obvious source. I restarted the engine and when the exhaust manifold got hot there was one small spot of oil making smoke. I cleaned it off and the problem went away.

My friend determined it was late and he needed to get home. He never came back to get his ride.

😶

I hereby give with the tool award.

Whoa. FAA are dumb enough to trust people to do the most controversial maintenance task anyone could ever possibly undertake (according to the internet)?
I'm taking the bus.