Topic: Questions about replacing the oil pan on a 73 CB500

[i_m_jon]

The first oil change I perform and I find the remnants of a helicoil on the drain plug and pretty much all over the place. Rather than focus on the numerous shortcomings of everyone involved up to this point, I’ve decide to focus only on the proper method of fixing such an issue. Best I can figure from searching the archive is replacing the pan is the only way to go. The can of worms is growing quickly on this bike, but sticking to one issue at a time, I have a couple of questions related to this swap:

1)Does the exhaust have to come off to remove the pan?

2)Besides checking the oil sump screen, is there anything else I should be doing/checking while the bottom is off?

3)Does anyone have an oil pan they wouldn’t mind parting with? eBay has a few, but of course there’s about a 93% chance they would also be stripped. 

4)Am I stupid to love riding this goofy old bike so much?

Funny side note. The bike has 36k miles. I found a receipt for a complete engine rebuild at 17k. Bearings, pistons, rings, honing, the whole works. The guy I purchased the bike from had no idea why. Using my mad sleuthing skills, I’m betting the original oil drain bolt overtightener suffered some pretty catastrophic consequences. Heh.

[martino1972]

 

4)Am I stupid to love riding this goofy old bike so much?

 

if you think you are stupid for riding that goofy old bike,then remember this.....there are over 4000 members on this site alone,all riding a goofy old bike....

on a side noete,if you think you cant repair that oil pan,bring it to any mechanic shop(preferable a one man shop)and they can easily fix that drain plug for ya...for cheap...no need to get a different one..

things to check when you got the oil pan off,is look in the bottom of the pan if there are any weird metal particals present,if not,your oke...

[Johnie]

I know on my 750 with OEM 4 into 4 exhaust I do not have to remove the exhaust to get the pan off.  But the PO had 4 into 2 on here and with that set up the pan was not accessable.  So it depends what exhaust you have there.  As far as the screen, expect to have some problems getting it off.  I use a very small flathead screwdriver used for eye glasses.  With the small thing I was able to work my way around the screen to get the lip out.  Be careful not to slip and cut the screen with that screwdriver.  As far as doing anything else while the pan is off, nothing unless you want to check the oil pump out.  As far as wasting your time...never.  Think of it as a great hobby.  You have to love the looks of envy from the public as you drive by.  I had a Harley pull up to me on the highway this morning and give me the thumbs up.  Guess he liked it too.  Have fun with it.  When it starts to not be fun anymore, then sell it to someone else to have fun with it.  Good luck with your pan.