ROKETA BALI 250 FLUID CHANGE/LEAKS.

[tgking]

;)WHEN THE TIME COMES FOR FLUID CHANGES-COOLANT & GEAR LUBE OIL-BEWARE..
YOU NEED TO GET OR HAVE ON HAND NEW COPPER CRUSH WASHERS TO INSTALL ON YOUR ROKETA BALI AFTER YOU CHANGE FLUIDS VIA CONVENTIONAL 6MM BOLT DRAINS. YOU, CAN AMOST BE ASSURED OF A LEAK IF YOU ATTEMPT TO REUSE THE WASHER, REPLACE THEM @ 6 CENTS APIECE. I, GO TO THE LOCAL HONDA DEALER AND GET ALL I NEED!!! "HAPPY SCOOTING"

[scooterollie]

Tgking;
Welcome to the Dawg Pound! When posting, please don't use all caps, it is considered shouting. Do you currently have a Bali? If so, what do you think of yours? List your scoot in your profile so it shows up each time you post.

There has always been some disagreement over the copper washers. Since copper is a very malleable metal, it should conform when re-used. These washers have been used by many different auto manufacturers for decades. Some recommend replacing each time, some never say anything about replacement. Having had many vehicles over the years with copper washers on the drain plugs, I have never once experienced the dreaded leak problem when re-using a copper washer, from my Benz to my Bali. I usually keep some on hand and periodically install a new one.

[monty57]

I agree with scooterollie. The only time I have seen an issue with these type washers is when over tightened or getting bent during installation by not making sure they are flat against the bolt head.

Also welcome!

[tgking]

Scooterollie;
Thanks for the sermon on my use of caps? Some people still can't hear no matter how loud you shout. The washer replacement issue is not a new one. I, consulted the Honda repair techs. and by the way most of these engines and drive trains are Honda clones. They informed me that if you want to avoide any leaks after service you must and should replace these washers everytime you remove these drain bolts. I, have first hand experience with leaks on my Roketa Bali 250 when I did not change these washers, "A LEAK EVERYTIME", I, will not @6 cents a piece be penny wise and pound foolish, I will change these washers when I service my cooling system and gear drive. I, do like my Bali, but it needs a little help in the leak prevention area.
I, hope this info on the crush washers helps someone ENJOY scooting and not be BROKEDOWN out in the middle of nowhere because of a 6-cent washer..
My Roketa Bali 250, is a great scooter but, like many other postings on this forum you need to change all the fluids as soon as you get it home and go over every hose and clamp as all these are leaks waiting to happen, after you take care of these details the Roketa Bali 250 is as good as any out there..
"HAPPY & SAFE SCOOTING"

[scooterollie]

tgking;
Thirteen months, 2,200 Kms, several fluid changes, original copper washers - no leaks on mine. I am not saying it is a bad thing to change out the washers each time, just often not necessary. If you are having a leak issue and a new washer resolves that issue, by all means you should be changing the washer! Whatever works best for you is the best thing for you to do.

Glad you are enjoying your Bali. If you have not already done so, take some time to read the previous posts in this section by folks with 250 scoots. We have a wealth of information stored here. And please, continue to share your experiences with us!

[tgking]

Scooterollie;
I, do visit the 250 posting on a regular basis. I, also have owned my Roketa Bali 250 since 3-23-07 and have every kind of leak that I mentioned previously on leaks in the above mention areas. My response is if you can get away without changing these washers-well?? --> on mine I had to or I had leaks, so I guess one can only conclude that I did not hold my mouth or blink right, because "I HAD LEAKS" and the fix was to replace these washers or spend months waiting for Roketa to send me a solution or washer/drain bolts/ etc. I, forgot to mention all the coolant leaks that I also had to fix, but I will save that for another posting on the Bali 250. So you can see why I feel motivated to pass along this tip on drain bolt crush washers as not all of us have had a slam dunk with servicing our Roketa Bali 250's.. "HAPPY SCOOTING"