Engineering Idiocy

[oldguyinTX]

I got an Email from Can-Am recently that had a short video about doing an oil change on newer Spyders, so I thought I would watch it. Pretty straightforward about draining the engine oil, and then the transmission oil. THEN, it came to replacing the oil filter, and I was dumbfounded to see that you have to detach the brake fluid reservoir, pull it out, then secure it with a bungee cord to the right floorboard in order to get the old filter out and install a new one. Really? Whoever thought that one up gets the Darwin Award, yet another in a long line of Darwins that BRP has been awarded over the years.

 

[redrazor]

Zippy the Pinhead was the best part of ZAP comics.

 

[EdMat]

It's actually not a big deal at all. Sure would not have worked out well to keep it in the old place on the 2020 and newer RT's.

 

[rjinaz86323]

Not necessary on the F3 I have.

 

[Navydad]

You ever change an air filter on a 1500 Goldwing? Ever adjust the valves on a Yamaha T-Max? BRP doesn't hold the top spot when it comes to maintenance headaches. There is plenty of engineering oops to go around. When you are tasked with cramming five pounds of stuff in a two pound bag you have to get creative. Creative is not conducive to easy maintenance.

 

[Jetfixer]

It's not a problem at all, and it's far easier to access the oil filter on the 1330 than on the 998. A bungee cord is overkill. The reservoir will simply slide up and aft to give enough clearance. The real engineering idiocy is the individual responsible for making the two drain plugs different. One is a Torx and the other Allen. Close enough in size to easily get mixed up and strip out. I've worked on many Spyders and refuse to do an oil change unless the owner buys the replacement plugs that are 6 point hex.

 

[CloverHillCrawler]

:agree:

 

[ThreeWheels]

I got an Email from Can-Am recently that had a short video about doing an oil change on newer Spyders, so I thought I would watch it. Pretty straightforward about draining the engine oil, and then the transmission oil. THEN, it came to replacing the oil filter, and I was dumbfounded to see that you have to detach the brake fluid reservoir, pull it out, then secure it with a bungee cord to the right floorboard in order to get the old filter out and install a new one. Really? Whoever thought that one up gets the Darwin Award, yet another in a long line of Darwins that BRP has been awarded over the years.

Hi Dwight. I'm sure you're liking the weather down there better than up here. Energy costs are ridiculous.
As to the oil filter, it's really not that bad. The brake reservoir is made to be relocated. Sure, it's an extra step, but it's designed into it.
The 2020 re-design is much better as far as maintenance is concerned.
You can access routine maintenance items without first removing the mirrors.
I like it!

 

[rhino1]

I agree jetfixer, but there was a reason why they put a torx on the brake side, on the 2022 RT. I can’t use a socket on the brake side because the brake linkage is the way. It might b just me but I couldn’t. I did not have the trike in the air. It wasn’t bad.

 

[mandytuning]

In my f3 with a low profile 36mm socket that is for oil filters and flexible rachet is piece of cake.

 

[Little Blue]

Diy days? ?

:banghead:...The DIY DAYS....:gaah: are going away.
Dealerships need more $$$$. .....:spyder:

Also definitely a hassle for us older guys to get something done on our Spyders.
The getting up and down and doing a 'little thing' is very painful for me.
Know your limitations and what you can do.

Stay Safe and enjoy your Ryde Times.

 

[Cirhere]

I worked in auto manufacturing for over 30 yrs and a lot of things are designed so that you will bring your Auto in to the service dept so you will be charged

 

[bigbadbrucie]

I totally agree with you Blue. I would like to be able to do these things myself, but as the age of 80 is just weeks away, i have to rely on the expertise of my dealer (and he is one of the good ones) for even the “small” jobs. Ahhh THE GOLDEN YEARS!

 

[Flamewinger]

On my Mini Cooper I have to remove the windshield fluid container to get at the oil filter. It’s not a big deal.

 

[BUZZARD II]

I'm a geezer too, with much of the same complaints. However going back to simple oil changes also could mean points, condensers and plugs along with the oil change. Now that I think of it that wasn't a very big deal either. Makes me want to go out and buy a Shovelhead.

 

[linguine]

Speaking for myself, I thoroughly enjoy all the other geezers like me [coming up on 78] not ever wanting to "get out and get under." I'll pay my dealer, gladly.

 

[safecracker]

On my Ford Transit, you have to remove the whole dash to replace struts. On my 2016 and 2018 Transits to replace the rear rotors, you had to pull the rear axles out. On my 2020 you do not have too. Bruce

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Well, IIRC in order to change a spark plug on the early Chevy Vegas you had to cut a hole in the fender wall! And back about 1958 my brother discovered the rear spark plug on his 1955 Ford V-8 F-100 pickup had never been changed. You couldn't get to it!

 

[RiderDuke]

On my Ford Transit, you have to remove the whole dash to replace struts. On my 2016 and 2018 Transits to replace the rear rotors, you had to pull the rear axles out. On my 2020 you do not have too. Bruce

I have a 2019 where the cost to switch out rotors is crazy high... So did they change that in 2020. I love the van but I'm thinking of getting rid of it for another Chevy express... My 2010 and 2009 express are getting old and need to be thinking of replacing. I'll have to check into it

 

[Gwolf]

The manual said I had to take the brake reservoir loose to get the filter out, I have done all the oil changes without taking it loose. I just pack rags around the filter can to catch any drips.

May not be the same for all models.......... mine is F3-S Special Series - 2019.

Several places in the manual have things that don't seem to apply to my model. They just copy the manuals and send them out for a lot of different models.