GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => General Technical discussion => Topic started by: Phill P on Sunday, 18 January 2026, 07:57 PM

Title: Two random questions
Post by: Phill P on Sunday, 18 January 2026, 07:57 PM
When I've done oil changes on the gsx with filter, the oil always looks very dark soon after. I've always given a lengthy drain period so sump should be clear. Should I be disconnecting the oil cooler lines, although I understand they can be quite fragile.

Question two

Read elsewhere that a chap failed his mot because of no castellated nut on the rear axle......I'm sure as standard it didn't,

please enlighten me on these topics

Cheers

Paul

Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: KiwiCol on Sunday, 18 January 2026, 08:25 PM
There's still about 600ml of oil left in the system when you drain it, you can't get it out for an oil change, only by disassembling the engine for a rebuild.   Don't worry about it, they all do it.

Castellated nut?  Nope, not on a 14. Maybe on another small type of bike, like an old Honda 125 or something when they used those, but not on a 14.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Barbastro K6 on Sunday, 18 January 2026, 09:09 PM
If the oil comes out very dirty then oiled spark plugs must betray that supposed lack of compression,
If the radiator is emptied, when the oil heats up and the thermostat is opened, air would begin to circulate through the grease system = TERRIBLE THING.
Let"s listen to the workshop manual
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Phill P on Monday, 19 January 2026, 01:23 AM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Sunday, 18 January  2026, 08:25 PMThere's still about 600ml of oil left in the system when you drain it, you can't get it out for an oil change, only by disassembling the engine for a rebuild.   Don't worry about it, they all do it.

Castellated nut?  Nope, not on a 14. Maybe on another small type of bike, like an old Honda 125 or something when they used those, but not on a 14.

Cheers for that, wasn't sure about the oil cooler part so thought I'd ask.
My rear axle isn't even drilled to accept a cotter pin but I thought I'd ask

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Phill P on Monday, 19 January 2026, 01:27 AM
Quote from: Barbastro K6 on Sunday, 18 January  2026, 09:09 PMIf the oil comes out very dirty then the spark plugs must betray that supposed lack of compression,
If the radiator is emptied, when the oil heats up and the thermostat is opened, air would begin to circulate through the grease system = TERRIBLE THING.
Let"s listen to the workshop manual


I guess Google translate, but thanks for the reply  :cheers:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 19 January 2026, 02:56 AM
As far as I'm aware there is no thermostat in the oil system, if there was then Suzuki wouldn't say cover the oil cooler in cold weather.

As I recall it looking in the sump years ago. I think the oil pump pressurises the oil system to the crank etc & then excess pressure is vented into the cooler lines & just returns to the sump. It's not part of the main oil circuit. I'd have to open the manual to confirm that though.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Barbastro K6 on Monday, 19 January 2026, 03:47 AM
There is no thermostat.
my mistake
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 19 January 2026, 04:58 AM
Look up the figure for an oil and filter change, and a dry build fill.  You aren't changing anywhere near all the oil. You're leaving 8 or 900ml in the engine.

No one ever does.

If it's something you find a big deal get the engine up to temp so it fully circulated the oil and do it again, but you'll always get oil left in the head and several other places including the cooler every time.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Phill P on Monday, 19 January 2026, 05:15 AM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 19 January  2026, 04:58 AMLook up the figure for an oil and filter change, and a dry build fill.  You aren't changing anywhere near all the oil. You're leaving 8 or 900ml in the engine.

No one ever does.

If it's something you find a big deal get the engine up to temp so it fully circulated the oil and do it again, but you'll always get oil left in the head and several other places including the cooler every time.
Certainly not a big deal, just not used to the oil going that black that quickly, Certainly stayed golden in my xjr1300 a little longer, that did have an oil cooler but was air-cooled.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 19 January 2026, 05:20 AM
Quote from: Phill P on Monday, 19 January  2026, 05:15 AM
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 19 January  2026, 04:58 AMLook up the figure for an oil and filter change, and a dry build fill.  You aren't changing anywhere near all the oil. You're leaving 8 or 900ml in the engine.

No one ever does.

If it's something you find a big deal get the engine up to temp so it fully circulated the oil and do it again, but you'll always get oil left in the head and several other places including the cooler every time.
Certainly not a big deal, just not used to the oil going that black that quickly, Certainly stayed golden in my xjr1300 a little longer, that did have an oil cooler but was air-cooled.

Google searches and AI will bring up heaps of mentions of thermodynamic valves for the oil cooler but I've never seen one one a 14.

There was a topic a while back about the lack of one due to folk not being happy with the engine temps in freezing conditions.

When I know I've had a drama or contaminated oil I've done 2 or 3 changes 100 miles apart and it looked better.


I have joked before that you get cleaner oil if you have a Yoshi Cyclone exhaust.
You end up keeping some O-rings at hand and removing the oil line fitting to get the filter out...  LOL.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: KiwiCol on Monday, 19 January 2026, 08:24 AM
Mine stays golden the whole time.  How many miles / k's are on your 14?  Black = soot & unburnt hydrocarbons, you could have a leak somewhere letting exhaust gasses in. 
Have you cleaned the EGR valve lately?   :whistling:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: lurch on Monday, 19 January 2026, 11:58 AM
I'm not near mine to check at the moment but I thought the axle nut was a Fuji lock nut (Fujilok)?

Definitely not setup for a castellated nut.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Monday, 19 January 2026, 12:41 PM
I only use castle nuts on my Old Skool bikes that use a split pin.

No point at all on a modern bike.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 19 January 2026, 01:21 PM
No castellated BS on the 1402 rear axle. Tighten to 100Nm (dry and clean threads) once aligned and bobs yer uncle.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Phill P on Monday, 19 January 2026, 05:26 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Monday, 19 January  2026, 08:24 AMMine stays golden the whole time.  How many miles / k's are on your 14?  Black = soot & unburnt hydrocarbons, you could have a leak somewhere letting exhaust gasses in. 
Have you cleaned the EGR valve lately?   :whistling:

Pairs valve has been removed by myself and blocked
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Andre on Monday, 19 January 2026, 07:02 PM
Quote from: Phill P on Monday, 19 January  2026, 01:27 AM
Quote from: Barbastro K6 on Sunday, 18 January  2026, 09:09 PMIf the oil comes out very dirty then the spark plugs must betray that supposed lack of compression,
If the radiator is emptied, when the oil heats up and the thermostat is opened, air would begin to circulate through the grease system = TERRIBLE THING.
Let"s listen to the workshop manual


I guess Google translate, but thanks for the reply  :cheers:

Wrong guess! It is google AI. And nope, AI is not an abreviation for what you think. AI stands for "Artificial Imbecile".
 
 I got no use for artifical imbeciles. Plenty of those present in real life. Just one imbecile can cause a lot of grieve in this world. Fortunately we don't have any here in the forum ;)
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Mick_J on Monday, 19 January 2026, 07:21 PM


Wrong guess! It is google AI. And nope, AI is not an abreviation for what you think. AI stands for "Artificial Imbecile".
 
 I got no use for artifical imbeciles. Plenty of those present in real life. Just one imbecile can cause a lot of grieve in this world. Fortunately we don't have any here in the forum ;)
[/quote]

They all work for our government.  :furious:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Andre on Monday, 19 January 2026, 07:30 PM
Quote from: Mick_J on Monday, 19 January  2026, 07:21 PMThey all work for our government.  :furious:

Have to make a tiny correction: They all work for our governements

If any of you here in the forum work for your government, you are excluded. Being a GSX14 owner is strong evidence that your brain has a proper setup.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 07:25 AM
Quote from: lurch on Monday, 19 January  2026, 11:58 AMI'm not near mine to check at the moment but I thought the axle nut was a Fuji lock nut (Fujilok)?

Definitely not setup for a castellated nut.

If I'd seen this post a day earlier I could have agreed & put a pic up of a brand new one, but it's at the polisher with lots of other bits now.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Andre on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 07:11 PM
Quote from: Hooli on Tuesday, 20 January  2026, 07:25 AMat the polisher with lots of other bits now.

NO WAY that this is true. I require the entire body of evidence. Unless that happens, it is either a way too early April Fools Joke or you are trying to upset our view of the world big time.
 
 
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Irish in Oz on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 08:34 PM
I would be more concerned about what side the lock nut is installed on  :stir:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Mr Gee on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 09:08 PM
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Tuesday, 20 January  2026, 08:34 PMI would be more concerned about what side the lock nut is installed on  :stir:

The only nut that I worry about on my bike, is usually found on the saddle.  :rofl2:  :happy1:  :lol:  :cheers:  :onya:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 11:54 PM
aside from that, Im worried about Hooli actually cleaning something for his bikes, next thing we know he may actually mow his driveway.  I think we may need an intervention here before it gets out of hand and he fits some real bling to his bikes....
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 12:27 AM
You must have missed my thread of the Mk2 with custom paint & everything Eric?

The awful seat it came with is away getting sorted out too.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 08:19 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 12:27 AMYou must have missed my thread of the Mk2 with custom paint & everything Eric?

The awful seat it came with is away getting sorted out too.
no didn't miss it, was hoping it was just a phase you were going through.

Good on you for sorting out your Mk1 though
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 06:44 PM
I'll admit I've got no real interest in Mk2 now 14 is back. Back common sense says finish one project first.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Pommeroy on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 03:36 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 06:44 PMI'll admit I've got no real interest in Mk2 now 14 is back. Back common sense says finish one project first.

It's clear where your heart is...I'd also concentrate on the old girl. You've got Snotbox to get around on in the meantime.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 04:01 AM
Quote from: Pommeroy on Thursday, 22 January  2026, 03:36 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 06:44 PMI'll admit I've got no real interest in Mk2 now 14 is back. Back common sense says finish one project first.

It's clear where your heart is...I'd also concentrate on the old girl. You've got Snotbox to get around on in the meantime.

Mk2 is spread around the garage, a seat place & a polishers. I'll finish it, that'll give me a 14 to ride & mean when I finish 14 it'll sell for a lot more too. But yeah, 14 is my 14, Mk2 is just a bike.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Mr Gee on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 07:52 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Thursday, 22 January  2026, 04:01 AM
Quote from: Pommeroy on Thursday, 22 January  2026, 03:36 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 06:44 PMI'll admit I've got no real interest in Mk2 now 14 is back. Back common sense says finish one project first.

It's clear where your heart is...I'd also concentrate on the old girl. You've got Snotbox to get around on in the meantime.

Mk2 is spread around the garage, a seat place & a polishers. I'll finish it, that'll give me a 14 to ride & mean when I finish 14 it'll sell for a lot more too. But yeah, 14 is my 14, Mk2 is just a bike.

You might change your mind, once you finish and ride her?  :onya:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Tony Nitrous on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 02:43 PM
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 06:44 PMcommon sense says finish one project first.

Enough with this crazy talk... there's always another project out there somewhere!  Keep stacking them up !

 :happy1:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 05:27 PM
Quote from: Mr Gee on Thursday, 22 January  2026, 07:52 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Thursday, 22 January  2026, 04:01 AM
Quote from: Pommeroy on Thursday, 22 January  2026, 03:36 AM
Quote from: Hooli on Wednesday, 21 January  2026, 06:44 PMI'll admit I've got no real interest in Mk2 now 14 is back. Back common sense says finish one project first.

It's clear where your heart is...I'd also concentrate on the old girl. You've got Snotbox to get around on in the meantime.

Mk2 is spread around the garage, a seat place & a polishers. I'll finish it, that'll give me a 14 to ride & mean when I finish 14 it'll sell for a lot more too. But yeah, 14 is my 14, Mk2 is just a bike.

You might change your mind, once you finish and ride her?  :onya:

I think that is part of it aye, I know she'll ride well when she's done. Still not utterly convinced on the custom paint etc, but we'll see.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: grog on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 06:26 PM
Hooli,been there done that with a couple of projects. My advice, blanket over Mk 1, stick it in the corner. You have a rideable working well. Mk 2, get into it,do as least as is needed to market it as a 14 that they need. Use your profits to make Mk1 what you really want.Stuffing around with multiples just makes it hard. You already have T120 in that process. Just my thoughts😎
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Thursday, 22 January 2026, 07:42 PM
Quote from: grog on Thursday, 22 January  2026, 06:26 PMHooli,been there done that with a couple of projects. My advice, blanket over Mk 1, stick it in the corner. You have a rideable working well. Mk 2, get into it,do as least as is needed to market it as a 14 that they need. Use your profits to make Mk1 what you really want.Stuffing around with multiples just makes it hard. You already have T120 in that process. Just my thoughts😎

Agreed.
The sensible plan is, Mk2, T140 & then 14. We'll see though & I am going to slowly collect parts as I see them cheap so it's all waiting.

Anyone know if early clocks work on late bikes? I believe they do & as 14 needs the loom fixing one idea is a complete late one to get the imobiliser too. I'd loose the custom map though as the base mapping differs.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Mr Gee on Friday, 23 January 2026, 01:35 AM
As you have said, maybe mk2 won't replace 14 in your heart but once you have done her up, I'll bet she'll be bostin and make someone else happy, if you do sell her.  :onya:  :grin:  :cheers:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Friday, 23 January 2026, 02:51 AM
Aye we'll see, depends how different she feels to see if it's like owning two bikes or not.
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: GSXKING on Friday, 23 January 2026, 05:35 AM
Have you considered having MK1 placed in a jig to check for alignment etc. I've done it on mine after a crash and it transformed the handling.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Two random questions
Post by: Hooli on Friday, 23 January 2026, 10:14 PM
Quote from: GSXKING on Friday, 23 January  2026, 05:35 AMHave you considered having MK1 placed in a jig to check for alignment etc. I've done it on mine after a crash and it transformed the handling.  :cheers:

TBH no, but then I'd thrown down the road on several occasions too.

If I do a full strip down then I'll consider it pre powder coating or whatever I do.