Any tips on how to change Oil Filter in 2000 GTX?

[leepoffaith]

I'm looking to change the oil filter in my 2000 GTX. The oil low warning came on this weekend when riding, but we have plenty of oil in the container, so I think the lines/filter may be clogged. Also, I pulled the RAVE valves today to do a good cleaning on them and tried to look at the pistons. They look pretty dry, but I'm not sure what they are supposed to look like. Also, the plugs are light chalky brown and not oily what so ever. Either way, I need to make sure the engine is getting oil. After all the work I just put into this ski the last thing I want to do is blow an engine!

It seems like the oil filter is between the oil and fuel tank and the engine. Of course there is no easy way to get to it. I MIGHT be able to reach it through the glove box hole, but if I can't are there any other ways to get to it? Is there enough slack to take the oil container out through the front of the hull and get to it that way? Also, how do I check if the oil pump is working? Keep in mind, I can barely see the oil pump!

Thanks in advance for your help!

~Lee

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

1. Low oil light is triggered by not enough oil in tank. Nothing to do with lines
2. You can change the oil filter by reaching around the pipe. It can be done.
3. Check the connector, unplugged it shows low oil.
4. If the oil pump wasn't working your engine wouldn't be by now.

 

[leepoffaith]

Sabr - You have really put my mine at ease!! That low oil light really scared me. It has since turned off, but with the tank 3/4 full I wasn't sure what was going on. The plug is plugged in and tight, so I'm still not sure what caused it. I've noticed the GTX doesn't smoke as much as my XP and I was thinking that maybe the lines were clogged up starving the engine of oil. I did reach the oil bleeder and opened that up and oil did drip out (very slowly) so that was good. I can reach the oil filter as well. It's just not going to be very easy clipping the zip ties off the oil filter on both sides, taking it out and replacing it while pretty much blind and one handed. That will be this weekends project!

Why would the low oil light turn on when so much oil was still in the tank?

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I assume same oil in both? The GTX being heavier also puts the exhaust deeper under water.
The sensor is deep in the plastic, it can take a moment after filling to register. It's not a hard on/off. Else it would on/off over every jump on the water.
I went over 300 hrs on an engine and never changed the filter. I don't suggest that, but the oil is fairly clean.

OEM filter is the only way to go.