Ducati Scrambler 800 - Service manual > Dangerous products - warnings

General maintenance instructions

Useful tips

Ducati recommends you to follow the instructions below in order to prevent problems and obtain the best result:

• when diagnosing faults, primary consideration should always be given to what the customer reports about motorcycle operation since this information can highlight faults; your questions to the customer concerning symptoms of the fault should be aimed at clarifying the problem;
• diagnose the problem systematically and accurately before proceeding further. This manual provides the theoretical background for troubleshooting; this basis must be combined with personal experience and attendance at periodic training courses held by Ducati;
• repair work should be planned carefully in advance to prevent any unnecessary downtime, for example obtaining the required spare parts or preparing the necessary tools, etc.;
• limit the number of operations needed to access the part to be repaired. Note that the disassembly procedures in this manual describe the most efficient way to reach the part to be repaired.

General advice on repair work

• Always use top quality tools. When lifting the motorcycle, only use devices that fully comply with the relevant European directives.
• When working on the motorcycle, always keep the tools within reach, ideally in the order required, and never put them on the motorcycle or in hard-to-reach or inaccessible places.
• The workplace must be kept clean and tidy at all times.
• Always replace gaskets, sealing rings and split pins with new parts.
• When loosening or tightening nuts or screws, always start with the largest or start from the centre; tighten nuts and screws to the specified torque working in a cross pattern.
• Always mark any parts and positions which might easily be confused upon reassembly.
• Use exclusively Ducati original spare parts and the recommended brands of lubricants.
• Use special tools where specified.
• Ducati Technical Bulletins often contain updated versions of the service procedures described in this manual. Check the latest Bulletins for details.

General safety rules

Carbon monoxide

When a maintenance operation must be performed with the engine running, make sure that the working area is well-ventilated. Never run the engine indoors.

Warning Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas that can cause unconsciousness or even death if inhaled.

Run the engine outdoors or, if working indoors, use an exhaust gas extraction system.

Fuel

Always make sure the working area is well ventilated. Keep any sources of ignition, open flames or sparks, well away from working area and fuel storage area.

Warning Fuel is highly flammable and can explode under certain conditions. Keep away from children.

Hot parts

Warning The engine and exhaust parts become hot when the motorcycle engine is running and will stay hot for some time after the engine has been stopped. Wear heat-resistant gloves before handling these components or allow the engine and exhaust system to cool down before proceeding.

Warning The exhaust system might be hot, even after engine is switched OFF; pay particular attention not to touch exhaust system with any body part and do not park the motorcycle next to inflammable material (wood, leaves etc.).

Used engine oil

Warning Prolonged or repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer. If working with engine oil on a daily basis, we recommend washing your hands thoroughly with soap immediately afterwards. Keep away from children.

Brake dust

Never clean the brake assembly using compressed air or a dry brush.

Brake fluid

Warning Spilling brake fluid onto plastic, rubber or painted parts of the motorcycle may cause damages. Protect these parts with a clean shop cloth before proceeding to service the system. Keep away from children.

Battery

Warning The battery gives off explosive gases; never cause sparks or allow naked flames near the battery. When charging the battery, ensure that the working area is properly ventilated.

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