[GromNomNom]

Once I can see, twice... ok. But between all the posts and forums I've seen this mistake almost a dozen times now.

There are two bolts on the bottom of our engines, ONE is the oil drain plug, the other is the cam chain tensioner. The oil drain is a nickel plated 17mm, the cam chain tensioner is a chrome 14mm. Removing the cam chain tensioner bolt releases the spring that keeps tension on the cam chain (hence the clever name) and if the engine is turned over or started with this bolt/spring out it could cause serious damage.

For you graphical types:

Protip - a chunk of 2x4 under the kickstand will level the bike making the oil change much easier if you don't have a swing arm stand.

 

[G19Tony]

I changed my oil drain plug to a fancy red magnetic one I had laying around. No more mistakes.

 

[CiscoSanJose]

Very good heads up, thank you and ride safe

 

[Shoebacca78]

i,m glad i inny minny moed the correct one!!!!

 

[Honda_Grom]

I changed my oil drain plug to a fancy red magnetic one I had laying around. No more mistakes.

Pure genius, you should work for Honda!

 

[Strokd_GE]

I didn't know so I grabbed that crazy thing called the owners manual.. Got it right on the first try

 

[Lanceoa]

threw together a vid, hope it hits the mark for most!

 

[swartzie]

Yep. Painted mine to differentiate.

 

[animo819]

make a mark stamp oil on the plug with engraver tool.:smile:

 

[Honda_Grom]

make a mark stamp oil on the plug with engraver tool.:smile:

you should work for HRC

 

[Honda_Grom]

Yep. Painted mine to differentiate.

you should work for SHOWA

 

[pile o' zuma]

Why not just make the tensioner bolt tamper proof, a security Torx, or some other means so as not to remove it.

Sooner it later someone will remove that bolt and destroy their engine.

 

[Honda_Grom]

Why not just make the tensioner bolt tamper proof, a security Torx, or some other means so as not to remove it.

Sooner it later someone will remove that bolt and destroy their engine.

you should work for Honda Corporate in a law and safety position

 

[Capn Kirk]

Just popped the drain plug for the first time after consulting the Maintenance manual and confirming by your photos.

Oil poured out as it was supposed to. Thanks for the heads up!!

Just an FYI, With the kickstand already on a 2X4 to bring the bike upright, I grabbed the front brake and leaned the bike over to the right side after the oil stopped flowing and a good bit more came pouring out (~half a cup).

Dang!! Look what came out with my OEM oil (first change)!!

My first change was at 150 miles (today).

 

[Ven0m0uS]

Owners/service manual FTW. Useful pics for those who don't like reading.

 

[Lanceoa]

That's a bit disconcerting

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using HondaGrom.net mobile app

 

[hairpin]

I changed my oil drain plug to a fancy red magnetic one I had laying around. No more mistakes.

Hey, Tony. Where did you find a colored magnetic drain plug? I'm looking around and I only see this one.

MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUGS - BY ZIPTY | Product | Moose Racing

But they have different lengths for 17mm, so not sure which one is best to order.

 

[damoC]

How tight to do the drain plug? Im thinking finger tight and then half a turn with a spanner, sound good?

 

[NJ_BenzTech]

24Nm. Don't over tighten it

 

[MrGrody]

24Nm. Don't over tighten it

Lol the Grom is tough. I (obviously not paying attention) forgot to re set wrench after adjusting rear axle..... Super over tightened it. No harm no foul. Replaced bolt and washer next oil change lol.