How do you change the fork oil on a 1984 200s?

[StangLX302]

I have 1984 200s forks on my 1981 185s.

Anyways, the Clymer Manual in chapter 3 says: "On this model, it is necessary to remove the fork assembly from the steering head assembly to gain acces to the upper portion of the fork tube.
Remove and disassemble the forks as described in Chapter Eight."

Then Chapter 8 says: "Before suspecting major trouble, drain the front fork oil and refill with proper type and quanity; refer to Front Fork Oil Change in Chapter Three."

Big help, huh?????

So, you have to completely disassemble them just to change or check the oil?

[jeswinehart]

no, you don't hafta disassemble them completely to do the oill change.
you do hafta pull them out of the forks so you can add new oil after you drain them ( easier to drain them while still in the trike ). by the looks of the manual the fork cap will need to be removed to be able to pour the new oil in.
nearly the same pain in the butt proceedure as my 250es.


john

[StangLX302]

The book says. "On all other models, take the fork legs to the dealer and have the fork caps removed."

I guess I'll just skip this for now. I thought it was something I could do really quick, before I left for my trip.

Thank you.

[jeswinehart]

it ain't hard at all to remove the fork caps. only thing holding it in place is a circlip. any small pointed device ( nail, pointed screw driver, ect. ) will work to get the circlip out of the top so you can pull off the cap.


john

[StangLX302]

It says that on the 250es there is just a clip, like you say. But on the 185 and 200s, it is pressed on.

I don't know if this is a dumb question or not, but, couldn't I just tip them upside down and fill it through the drain hole? Hmmmmmm..........

[jeswinehart]

by golly you are right StangLX302 ,,, i re-read the clymers manual i am reading from and it says the same thing. also i went ahead a couple of pages about re-assembly and it says ( 14-b ,,, page 260 ) to take to a dealer to have pressed back into place.
now with that said and done ,,, i have found there ain't much too making pullers + reversing to making press's. i normally use the long threaded rods w/washers + nuts. if it's a real hard part to pull apart i'll use a peice os steal for things to ride against + for something like forks i'd use a peice of oak board to make up a pattern if i didn't already have a peice of steel close enough to use. i tend to save all those weirdo peices with the holes drilled into them though ,,,,it's only junk till i need them.

john

[StangLX302]

What'd you think about the idea of tipping them upside down and filling them that way? I have a big syringe I could use. Or, does it not work that way?

[Russell 350X]

What about on a '82 200E??