Oil level drops when starting/running

Hi All,

I just changed the oil for the first time in my new-to-me 2005 6th gen. The oil level has always been between the two marks on level ground when not running. I never looked at it while running though, although I know that what matters is the level when not running.

Anyway, after the oil and filter change, I filled her up to the same mark, then started the engine. I expected the filter to suck some up, which it did, dropping the oil level to below the min mark.

I topped her up again to mid-way between the marks, and started again, this time while looking at the level glass. I noticed that when the engine started the level dropped, and stayed down. When the engine is stopped, it comes back up to healthy again.

Is this normal? (that is, the oil level dropping while the engine is running)?

Thanks

 

The proper way to check after an oil change is to add oil, put it on the center stand, check the level to make sure it's between the marks, start the engine, run for a 15 seconds, shut off the engine and wait 5 minutes. Now check to see where the oil level is. Add oil if necessary so oil level is between the 2 marks. You can recheck, but shouldn't be necessary. It's not a bad idea to add oil to the filter before you install it on the bike. This lessens the amount of time the engine operates at minimal oil pressure.

Yes, oil level will drop when the engine is started as the pump pulls oil out of the sump and into the galleys. Never add oil based on where the oil level is when the engine's running!! Always check the oil level with bike on the centerstand, engine off, and bike level. Oil should be between the lines at the window. I always keep mine closer to the top than the bottom line.

 

The oil is all pooled in the bottom of the engine (crankcase) when the engine is stopped, when it's running the oil is doing what oil is supposed to do... lubricate all the moving bits

Do not worry about what the level is when the engine is running, providing you're not leaving behind a puddle or a cloud of black smoke, it'll be fine once you shut it off.

 

DO NOT OVER FILL. On level groung put the bike on its center stand as said above. Wait ten minutes for oil to settle and check. If its above the top fill line drain it down to proper level. You don't want the headaches that come from over filling your bike with oil.

 

Always a good idea to hand-fill the filter as much as possible b4 mounting it so bearings don't run dry at startup.

 

On the "hondaz" I use the kill switch and use the starter button a few times to cycle the oil, bear in mind, I always, and mean always pre-fill the oil filters on my personal motorcycles. Honda is the only company that uses this set-up. If I try this on my Kawasaki, the starter won't turn.

I gave up pre-filling oil filters on cars long ago, as I hated getting oil down my arm into my armpits. :loco: