Be very careful not to over torque the oil filter bolt, and always be sure to clean the threads and hand tighten the bolt to ensure that it doesn't cross thread. I learned this the hard way, a simple oil change has turned into rebuilding the engine because I was too lazy to be careful.
awesome man! I am the proud owner of a 83 nighthawk 650 and I've been restoring it for a couple of months now. It's time for an oil change now and as a beginner sometimes you dont want to mess with important things such as this but your video made me do it myself. Your help is very appreciated. I never though the nighthawk would be so easy to work on even for a beginner. I have replace the tires, brake pads, cluster, fuse box and all by myself lol thank man! Next thing is the spark plugs, let's see how it goes!
you forgot to remove the bolt from the filter housing, there is another oring on the bolt that should be replaced. If not replaced like on mine for a long time, it will leak oil. The K&N filter kit should come with a small oring for it.
I just put 3 qts in my 84 and it is in the middle of the stick, between too low and too high. manual for 85 says 3.4 qts. just an fyi. did 2.5 qts work out for you? you measured after letting it idle for 3 mins then putting it center, checking the stick without screwing it in?
Robbie, if you leave your spring in the wrong position you are probably defeating the purpose of the filter and foreign material in the oil could go into the engine and maybe shorten the life of the engine. Also I don't know why you run the bike before you change the oil, it's probably best not to run the bike because almost all of the oil is sitting in the crankcase if you let the bike sit over night before you change the oil and that is where you want it. If you run the bike then you just are putting the old oil though out the engine. If you pull the filter you shouldn't have any problem with any oil if you are careful not to spill it from the filter container. Call an Honda shop and ask the service department about the spring in the wrong place, I'm pretty I'm correct. Good Luck and hope this helps.
You're welcome I hope it works and everything's OK. I noticed Rob on your site, I have not heard from him. You may want to notify anyone else that may have responded to your video. Good Luck.
You ride the bike/car/any motor vehicle prior to changing oil to heat up the oil to make it thinner. You are right its sitting in the lower case if you leave it sit but you will get more of the oil out if its hot, but if you intent to flush the oil it doesnt matter.
@@the69jewish69tortisincorrect. It’s easily proven that it’s beneficial to let the bike sit before draining instead of running it at all. After running, pull the oil dipstick and check the oil level. It’s going to be very low, meaning the oil that is most definitely in the engine is mostly not in the oil pan. Then let it sit and check the dipstick again in 24+ hours. If the right amount of oil is in the engine it’ll show the right level on the dipstick, meaning the majority of oil is in the oil pan. Drain the oil once dipstick shows correct level after sitting, then refill amount per service manual, check with dipstick and level will be correct. Run the engine and check again while warm, the dipstick will show oil very low. Let it sit without adding more oil and the next day the dipstick shows the correct level again. Magic.
You installed the spring on the wrong side of the filter. See here: www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1985/cb650sc-a-nighthawk-650/oil-filter-oil-pan
Good find, looks like youre right. When he pulls it off the spring doesnt show, perhaps it was already wrong when he took it off. Been a while since this vid though lol. I guess the oil then will be pushed passed around the filter instead of through it the way he put it back.
Totally! There's also one more part, a little washer (labeled #6) in your diagram -- when I did my oil, it was missing in my bike, so I needed to improvise something from the hardware that was about the right size =)
I have a 1984 Nighthawk 650. Do you know what kind of oil I should be using? I have the owners manual coming to me in the mail but I would like to change it now.
Just got my 1985 Nighthawk back after getting the carbs cleaned. Runs ok but will not idle without the choke on almost half way. Also seem to get a little warm just after riding around the block. New oil filter and new oil, air filter clean. Engine compression is good. Will check for vacuum leaks this weekend. Any other clues what I might check? Thanks
@@paulbunyun-xi9by is was suppose to be a rebuilt kit along with new jets but I didn't do the work. After it warms up for a while it's fine but will only start with choke all the way on. Can't complain too much I guess it does run.
Question for you... i'm rebuilding the same exact bike that you had in this video... do you still have the bike? If so, i have two questions for you... Can you lmk if you still have the bike?
Does the spring go under the oil filter? When you pull it off, the filter is raised up a bit from the housing.. which makes me think that the spring goes under rather than on top. I just changed my oil (I have the same bike, except an "84) and I put the spring on top, but it seems to be leaking a bit. Suggestions?
Robbie TwoScraps It's all good. It's still a great video that helped me out a ton. Have you had any issues with it being on top? I'm going to change it, but I suppose you have had it like that for a little while?
Hey Robbie. I have '83 550sc, Job looks quite similar. However, There was no spring inside filter housing. My problem now is I cannot get housing bolt to thread all the way in, so the housing won't seat/seal . There is blockage, or the threads are somehow warped. any thoughts?
butch barnette Sorry I didn't write sooner. That seems like a very strange problem. I'd guess threads. Not having the spring wouldn't cause a threading problem I don't think. I know this sounds trivial, but you're using the right bolt?
Oh, just saw your reply. You see how often I visit my page! Turns out, you have to completely disconnect top section of oil cooler in order to get enough slack to align the screw/shaft squarely onto the threads. Doh! Thanks dude.
there are two pieces like nubs that stick out from the engine to help you align the oil filter cover correctly the fins on the cover mus fit correctly between them they can be hard to see use a trouble light or work outside in direct sunlight
I have the same bike but blue. Where do you get your Nighthawk 1985 parts from? I have been looking for some carb related parts, gasket and seals maybe but could not find a good online place. Not sure if I will need them but my bike has been sitting up for a few years in garage, like to get it going again.
One question. Since I dont have the tool kit that comes with the bike, what size of socket is needed to pull the spark plugs? I tried the common 5/8 but it didnt fit. Thanks in advance!
Eduardo Aguirre I want to say it was a 9 or 10mm. I'm not 100% sure about that. It's been a few years since I did mine and now it's onto another owner. That was a sad day.
@@chris001979 keep trying you will get the right size just start out with a 8mm than work your way on size like 8,10, 14, 14 ect you will get the right one LOL
The 650 should get slightly better mileage, and, being a scaled-down version of essentially the same design as the 750, it should be more immune to overheating. When working properly, the CB650SC should have plenty of power to handle any reasonable road situation, but I am finding that climbing the hills surrounding the San Francisco Bay area can sometimes slow down the 650. When that happens, I lust for a 750. Other than that rather unusual circumstance, I believe one could consider the 650 a slightly more reliable design than the 750, which many (non-racing) motorcyclists consider to be the fundamental attribute of a superior motorcycle. We love UJMs !!!
Be very careful not to over torque the oil filter bolt, and always be sure to clean the threads and hand tighten the bolt to ensure that it doesn't cross thread. I learned this the hard way, a simple oil change has turned into rebuilding the engine because I was too lazy to be careful.
Joshua Crooke Noted. Thank you
awesome man! I am the proud owner of a 83 nighthawk 650 and I've been restoring it for a couple of months now. It's time for an oil change now and as a beginner sometimes you dont want to mess with important things such as this but your video made me do it myself. Your help is very appreciated. I never though the nighthawk would be so easy to work on even for a beginner. I have replace the tires, brake pads, cluster, fuse box and all by myself lol thank man! Next thing is the spark plugs, let's see how it goes!
Glad to hear! Nice work on getting that all changed - it's going to feel like a brand new bike practically! Ride safe.
you forgot to remove the bolt from the filter housing, there is another oring on the bolt that should be replaced. If not replaced like on mine for a long time, it will leak oil. The K&N filter kit should come with a small oring for it.
the HiFlo is the gilter to get. K&n uses it, and puts it in their box for double the price!
Nice video man, I just bought the same bike and I'm about to restore it, amazing machine.
Enjoy!
Just bought a 550 83' Nighthawk for 700 bucks CDN. It's my first bike and I'm doing an oil change is the first thing I will do to it
Congrats! The HiFlo filters are the best - amzn.to/2GXAvvs
Hi Rob, I just bought an 83 cb650sc for 800 cad a week ago. I am sorting a few things but it's in good shape.
@@YannFromIATA Nice bro, where you from?
@@robs3961 hi Rob, I'm from Montreal. You?
@@YannFromIATA I'm from Victoria BC
Me encanta esa máquina y muy fácil su mantenimiento Saludos desde veracruz mexico
Justo acabo de adquirir una, solo que modelo 85’, me podrías dar unos tips en cuanto al CDI? Justo también soy del puerto
I just put 3 qts in my 84 and it is in the middle of the stick, between too low and too high. manual for 85 says 3.4 qts. just an fyi. did 2.5 qts work out for you? you measured after letting it idle for 3 mins then putting it center, checking the stick without screwing it in?
Robbie, if you leave your spring in the wrong position you are probably defeating the purpose of the filter and foreign material in the oil could go into the engine and maybe shorten the life of the engine. Also I don't know why you run the bike before you change the oil, it's probably best not to run the bike because almost all of the oil is sitting in the crankcase if you let the bike sit over night before you change the oil and that is where you want it. If you run the bike then you just are putting the old oil though out the engine. If you pull the filter you shouldn't have any problem with any oil if you are careful not to spill it from the filter container. Call an Honda shop and ask the service department about the spring in the wrong place, I'm pretty I'm correct. Good Luck and hope this helps.
James Reed Thanks for the heads up
You're welcome I hope it works and everything's OK. I noticed Rob on your site, I have not heard from him. You may want to notify anyone else that may have responded to your video. Good Luck.
You ride the bike/car/any motor vehicle prior to changing oil to heat up the oil to make it thinner. You are right its sitting in the lower case if you leave it sit but you will get more of the oil out if its hot, but if you intent to flush the oil it doesnt matter.
I noticed that too, almost thought I did it wrong and have to take it off again, then I read your comment.
@@the69jewish69tortisincorrect. It’s easily proven that it’s beneficial to let the bike sit before draining instead of running it at all. After running, pull the oil dipstick and check the oil level. It’s going to be very low, meaning the oil that is most definitely in the engine is mostly not in the oil pan. Then let it sit and check the dipstick again in 24+ hours. If the right amount of oil is in the engine it’ll show the right level on the dipstick, meaning the majority of oil is in the oil pan.
Drain the oil once dipstick shows correct level after sitting, then refill amount per service manual, check with dipstick and level will be correct. Run the engine and check again while warm, the dipstick will show oil very low. Let it sit without adding more oil and the next day the dipstick shows the correct level again. Magic.
I have 1986 and having problems to replace the main front light. I don't have power. Do you think. it could be the switch control? Any suggestions.
These are getting VERY collectible and one near me just sold for$3500 bone stock
You installed the spring on the wrong side of the filter. See here: www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1985/cb650sc-a-nighthawk-650/oil-filter-oil-pan
Good find, looks like youre right. When he pulls it off the spring doesnt show, perhaps it was already wrong when he took it off. Been a while since this vid though lol. I guess the oil then will be pushed passed around the filter instead of through it the way he put it back.
Totally! There's also one more part, a little washer (labeled #6) in your diagram -- when I did my oil, it was missing in my bike, so I needed to improvise something from the hardware that was about the right size =)
I have a 1984 Nighthawk 650. Do you know what kind of oil I should be using? I have the owners manual coming to me in the mail but I would like to change it now.
10w40 0r 20w50 NO oil that says energy conserving better yet ma1 or ma2 rated motorcycle oil which is better for wet clutches sharing engine oil.
Great video...thanks!
You're welcome!
Try Royal Purple in posted with your results I'm curious because I'm thinking about putting that in mind
Just got my 1985 Nighthawk back after getting the carbs cleaned. Runs ok but will not idle without the choke on almost half way. Also seem to get a little warm just after riding around the block. New oil filter and new oil, air filter clean. Engine compression is good. Will check for vacuum leaks this weekend. Any other clues what I might check? Thanks
adjust the needles as per the shop manual. if that dont work do the carbs over......
@@caroltenge5147 runs much better now after riding a bit.
@@Berkner80 you didn't clean the jets properly you need clean the orfices with the proper size tool..redo redo LOL
@@paulbunyun-xi9by is was suppose to be a rebuilt kit along with new jets but I didn't do the work. After it warms up for a while it's fine but will only start with choke all the way on. Can't complain too much I guess it does run.
Question for you... i'm rebuilding the same exact bike that you had in this video... do you still have the bike? If so, i have two questions for you... Can you lmk if you still have the bike?
Does the spring go under the oil filter? When you pull it off, the filter is raised up a bit from the housing.. which makes me think that the spring goes under rather than on top. I just changed my oil (I have the same bike, except an "84) and I put the spring on top, but it seems to be leaking a bit. Suggestions?
Yea. Guess I did it wrong :\ Check out this picture.
www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb650sc-1984-nighthawk-650-usa_model7227/partslist/E++13.html
Robbie TwoScraps It's all good. It's still a great video that helped me out a ton. Have you had any issues with it being on top? I'm going to change it, but I suppose you have had it like that for a little while?
Yea. Took it on a 300 mile trip like that and it performed perfectly. No oil leaks either.
Robbie TwoScraps Well.. maybe I'll leave it like that, so I don't have to buy three new quarts of oil ;)
Yea. If it's just a drip or two, I wouldn't mess with it until it's time for another change. I'd just keep an eye on it and ride safe!
what is the engine oil capacity?
Hey Robbie. I have '83 550sc, Job looks quite similar. However, There was no spring inside filter housing. My problem now is I cannot get housing bolt to thread all the way in, so the housing won't seat/seal . There is blockage, or the threads are somehow warped. any thoughts?
butch barnette Sorry I didn't write sooner. That seems like a very strange problem. I'd guess threads. Not having the spring wouldn't cause a threading problem I don't think. I know this sounds trivial, but you're using the right bolt?
Oh, just saw your reply. You see how often I visit my page! Turns out, you have to completely disconnect top section of oil cooler in order to get enough slack to align the screw/shaft squarely onto the threads. Doh! Thanks dude.
there are two pieces like nubs that stick out from the engine to help you align the oil filter cover correctly the fins on the cover mus fit correctly between them they can be hard to see use a trouble light or work outside in direct sunlight
I have the same bike but blue. Where do you get your Nighthawk 1985 parts from? I have been looking for some carb related parts, gasket and seals maybe but could not find a good online place. Not sure if I will need them but my bike has been sitting up for a few years in garage, like to get it going again.
+Berkner80 I always get my stuff of eBay
A little bit too non-specific, but thanks.
Honda Dealer?
One question. Since I dont have the tool kit that comes with the bike, what size of socket is needed to pull the spark plugs? I tried the common 5/8 but it didnt fit. Thanks in advance!
Eduardo Aguirre I want to say it was a 9 or 10mm. I'm not 100% sure about that. It's been a few years since I did mine and now it's onto another owner. That was a sad day.
Robbie TwoScraps its not a 10 mil or 9 thats way to small
@@chris001979 keep trying you will get the right size just start out with a 8mm than work your way on size like 8,10, 14, 14 ect you will get the right one LOL
Thx bud!
No problem 👍
That looks like my old bike, it's a 1983 650 Nighthawk
Would be the same on a 83 cb550sc??
83 thru 85 all the same
I thought you were changing the oil filter
I did at 2:00
What type of oil?
he shows you at the start of the video pay attention
is the 650 SC better than the 750?
The 650 should get slightly better mileage, and, being a scaled-down version of essentially the same design as the 750, it should be more immune to overheating. When working properly, the CB650SC should have plenty of power to handle any reasonable road situation, but I am finding that climbing the hills surrounding the San Francisco Bay area can sometimes slow down the 650. When that happens, I lust for a 750. Other than that rather unusual circumstance, I believe one could consider the 650 a slightly more reliable design than the 750, which many (non-racing) motorcyclists consider to be the fundamental attribute of a superior motorcycle.
We love UJMs !!!
this is why you have gears and a clutch
SherwinGooch Thats the carburetors fault any non fuel injected bike will have issue if they change see level since they cant adjust themselves
The spring is before or after they filter???🤔😩😩😩
Looks like dude messed up :D i also putted the spring like him. It was there but i think is wrong
what is the engine oil capacity?