Air and Oil filter change on a 1979 Yamaha XS 400.

I see XS 400 , 650, and 850 for 1980. I see no XS 500's
I do find XT 500 and SR 500's
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1980-yamaha-motorcycle-xs650g/o/m8271#sch214546

Check this out. is this your bike ?
look at line item # 20
1160212.

it's about 2.3 liters with the filter. Without the filter it's 2 liters

Change the filter. Oil under pressure flows through it. This weakens the filter material. Cleaning with kerosene just abuses it more. If the filter tears or bursts after an oil change, you will soon be seing a light smoke coming from the muffler caused by unfiltered oil abraiding the pistons, rings and cylinder walls. Soon it will be heavy smoke and oil fouled spark plugs. Really, filters don't cost THAT much. They are really cheap compaired to a top end job.

I think it is marked on the engine casing right where you pour the oil in. I believe on that bike it is 3 quarts with oil and filter change

Remove the air filter and observe which carburetor is flooding into the cleaner. When you have found the problem carb, remove the float bowl and clean the float needle and seat. The oil is probably arriving from the crankcase vent and may be due to overfill of oil, or a large amount of 'blowby' from worn rings in the cylinders. You may have to replace the air filter if it is soaked with oil and fuel. Hope this gets you running.

1985 Yamaha XV500N Virago Catalog The following items are available for your 1985 Yamaha XV700N Virago:

Repair Manuals
• LIT-11616-XV-11 - Official 1985-1999 Yamaha XV700/750/1000/1100 Factory Service Manual
• M395-10 - Clymer Yamaha XV535-1100 Virago 1981-2003 Repair Manual
• H802 - Haynes Yamaha XV Virago V-Twins 1981-2003 Repair Manual
Microfiche Cards
• FICHE3296 - Microfiche Parts List
Brakes
• VB-230 - Vesrah Brake Shoes
• VD-236JL - Vesrah Sintered Brake Pads- (Front Brake Pads)
Oil Filter
• SF-2003 - VESRAH OIL FILTER
Flywheel Pullers
• DS-MP37 - Special 12 Hole Universal Flywheel Puller Disc 6 mm & 8 mm Puller Bolts
UNI Air Filters For Yamaha
• NU-2282 - Uni-Filter Yamaha Air Filter For 1984-1999 XV Virago
Motorcycle Model Indentification Guide Manuals
• LIT-MCSCT-ID-08 - Yamaha Motorcycle/Scooter Product Identification Manual 1980-2008

The oil filter is a paper element on the right side of the engine behind a little round cover. Should be somewhere on the lower crankcase. The air filter is in the air box which may be a little tricky to get to. You will need to remove the seat, and possibly the gas tank to remove the air box to get to it.

1.Get your supplies ready, and expose your engine 2.Unscrew the Oil Filler Cap 3.Remove the Oil Drain Plug 4.Remove and Replace the Crush Washer 5.Clean the Oil Drain Plug 6.Remove the Oil Filter 7.Remove and Clean Plastic Mesh Filter 8.Lubricate the O-ring of the New Filter and Attach it to the Engine 9.Motorcycle Oil Change - Replace Oil Drain Plug & Plastic Mesh Filter, Pour Oil 10.Check the Oil Level