Oil Level

when i change my oil, i go to great lengths to measure the oil precisely when i refill it, yet it always comes out to be at or above the upper level mark...i always change the filter and use the correct amount, 3.2l / 3.4 qt...even use a laboratory graduated cylinder to measure....i don't get it

 

I don't ever measure the amount of oil I put in. I just fill till just shy of the "full" mark on sight window. Crank up and run the engine briefly to make sure the oil filter gets good circulation. Shut off engine and wait a short while before filling oil back up to "full" mark again.

That's pretty much what I do with every car truck or bike. Only exception is on dry sump engines like the Rotax twin on my Aprilia RSV1000R, which you check the level while the engine is running.

 

You have it on the center stand when checking the oil level correct ?

 

yes i use the centerstand and let it drain for at least 10 min or so while i clean up...and the book gives refill amounts for draining oil only, oil and filter and complete disassembly ..i know i have it right....and when i was using Bel Ray, which comes in liter bottles, it always filled the whole sight glass...and it's easier to measure 200ml than 4/10 of a qt (12.8 oz)...hmmm

 

I have never found the "book" levels to be a correct measurement when it comes to engine oil. Motorcycle, car, truck, makes no difference, all wrong. They come close, but none are dead on. Better off setting using the sight glass, dipstick, whatever. I think the drain/fill ammount is thrown off by what is trapped in the oil pan that you never get out as I'm sure the book measurments are written by some pencil pusher behind a computer using software instead of draining and re-filling in the real world to find out what it really is. Looks good on paper though!!!!!!!!!

:chaingun:

 

To check the correct level, run engine for 2-3 minutes, wait 2-3 minutes, then it's ready to check
Take off center stand, have someone sit on it. I use a level app (Carpenter) and place phone on gas cap to make sure it's upright...presto

 

I hope you are opening up the oil fill cap and removing the oil filter while draining. I'll let mine sit for half an hour to get all of it.

I also don't measure. I use the sight glass and fill to in between the low/high marks, start and let run (or go ride it for 10 min), shut off for 10 minutes, check the sight glass and fill to the same spot, in between high/low marks.

I also agree that the manual is never correct on this.

 

The people that don't measure scare me because they all have different ways to check the oil level...Not one by the book

2010 Owners Manual - page 52

Checking the Engine Oil
1. If the engine is cold, idle the engine for 3-5 minutes
2. Turn the ignition switch OFF, stop the engine and wait 2 to 3 minutes
3. Place your motorcycle in an upright position on a firm, level surface
4. Check that the oil level is between the upper and lower level marks in the oil inspection window

 

i do it 100% by the book, i've changed the oil six times (@3000 mi) and every time it completely fills the sight window or very close to it

 

PLEASE nobody get offended....call me anal if you want

But just like in the work force, there are people who take pride in their work and do things by the book. And there are those who half-ass stuff.

If there is an official manufacturer's book that tells you how to do it right and you have that book handy, why not follow it??

Was just trying to be helpful and relaying what the book says. Yes, people who don't measure still scare me

 

the manual also says this... (nowhere does it say to fill to line, ride, recheck level and top off !!!)
NOTICE
Overfilling with oil or operating with insufficient oil can
cause damage to your engine. Do not mix different
brands and grades of oil. They may affect lubrication and
clutch operation.

 

the point of me starting the thread was because i drain thoroughly, measure precisely and my level is always above the window !!!!!

 

good...good...good :kiss:

I take my bike to the shop for almost everything. It's the main thing in my life that can kill me on a daily bases, so I'm more than anal when it about it. Mine was bought when released, so the dealer had to order the service manual to work on it. They saw it for the 1st time the day I bought it. When I have something done to it, the mechanic using the same book and has to go step by step like I do.
There are few things that I do to the motorcycle myself. And the main reason I bought the manual was to take the fairing off and hook up my gps. Yes, oil changes aren't that complicated to preform, so my sorry ass can do it,but oil is a vital part of a good running engine. Being able to accurately read the oil level is very important to me, and shouldn't be half-assed.
Also, short-cuts aren't half-assing things as long as it increases production time and stays within certain parameter

 

The first time I changed the oil myself, and checked the level. I followed the instr. in my earlier post. Not using center stand (back tire is off ground), sat on bike and had friend check level. The slightest movement caused the level to change. Hence using a phone with flat surface and a leveler app. Like water in a glass, the slightest lean will affect level.

 

newbie ???excuse me.....i've owned a Honda for 42 years

 

To this Forum...Yes

I've been riding over 20 yrs...15 of them as my only means of transportation

But I do know a half-ass person when I hang out with one

 

hey mello...did you read this ????