Oil sight level gauge?

[thorns]

How much stock do oyu put in checking the oil level via the site gauge?

Have just changed my oil and I know I put in the specified amount, but its showing right at the low level of the site gauge.

Should I top it up?

[caspernz]

My rule of thumb has always been like this. After an oil change, warm the engine up first, take it for a short ride even, then let it sit for a few minutes...odds are it will have come up a fair bit. Then top up closer to the high mark if necessary.

[Hitcher]

How much stock do oyu put in checking the oil level via the site gauge?

It's a sight gauge. I've changed your subject line for you.

[ellipsis]

...like caspernz says...^^^

...I had complete faith in my oil levels via scoping through the window, but if I was just a few millimeters off center of holding bike perpendicular, it would be either high or low on the window, by lots...

[bogan]

I've always subscribed to the theory that how much is in it is more important than how much you put in it! Thiungs like filter size, or drain angle etc can have an effect on how much needs t be put in so I don't bother measuring it out. Likewise though, inspection angle when using sight glass has a big affect so make sure it is nice and level.

[oneofsix]

I've always subscribed to the theory that how much is in it is more important than how much you put in it! Thiungs like filter size, or drain angle etc can have an effect on how much needs t be put in so I don't bother measuring it out. Likewise though, inspection angle when using sight glass has a big affect so make sure it is nice and level.

+1. People never question the dip stick on a car and yet it is only dipping a rod into the oil whereas the sight gauge you are actually viewing the oil level directly, so why wouldn't you trust it? Both dip sticks and sight gauges suffer from inspection angle issues with the dip stick having the added disadvantage of not being push home when checking.

[unstuck]

Shit, I thought that little window thingy was so you could watch all the cool little things spinning around inside. Better get me some oil.:confused:

[FJRider]

Shit, I thought that little window thingy was so you could watch all the cool little things spinning around inside. Better get me some oil.:confused:

Why ... the fun things happen when there's NO oil in there .. :laugh:

[FJRider]

How much stock do oyu put in checking the oil level via the site gauge?

Have just changed my oil and I know I put in the specified amount, but its showing right at the low level of the site gauge.

Should I top it up?

If you replace the oil filter ... you WILL need more than specified.

Make sure the bike IS level (side to side as well as front to back) when you check oil levels ...

[scott411]

My rule of thumb has always been like this. After an oil change, warm the engine up first, take it for a short ride even, then let it sit for a few minutes...odds are it will have come up a fair bit. Then top up closer to the high mark if necessary.

This is the correct way to check the oil level on most bikes using the site glass,

[AllanB]

But you doid not say what type of oil you put in there - dino, semi or full synth :bleh:

[thorns]

Thanks for the replies. Have let it run and a quick ride up the street and still low so will top it up so I am middle of the sight glass.

What can happen if you do have too much oil, does it just get expelled via a vent or similar?

Scott, I know you have experience with Kawasakis, is this something you have come across before, putting in correct amount as per the manual, but still being low on the sight glass?

[scott411]

Thanks for the replies. Have let it run and a quick ride up the street and still low so will top it up so I am middle of the sight glass.

What can happen if you do have too much oil, does it just get expelled via a vent or similar?

Scott, I know you have experience with Kawasakis, is this something you have come across before, putting in correct amount as per the manual, but still being low on the sight glass?

They always look low on the four strokes, half way up is overfilled, I used to run a little more than the manual in my 450,s from memory they recommend 950ml and I ran a litre, mainly as I would just put a whole bottle in,

[pete376403]

After running the motor there will be a bit of oil left up in the cylinder head and places other than in the crankcase. Give it a good few minutes to drain back.

A little too much oil shouldn't hurt - too little will destroy the cam bearings (ie the cylinder head) long before the roller bearings in the crank suffer.

[mossy1200]

http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=VI7AX0mxb--zjM&tbnid=39RyFTn4t1YibM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffluxriders.net%2Fcontent%2Fnever-check-oil-while-riding&ei=S5LoU4yqA4_6oASq94HQBQ&bvm=bv.72676100,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNHy6ga7WP3LuSRTr5an1YLNKo_9ww&ust=1407837118057914

[ducatilover]

What can happen if you do have too much oil, does it just get expelled via a vent or similar?



Too much oil will make explodey noises.
Not enough oil will make explodey noises.

Put in spec amount, start bike, small skid, leave for 15 min, check again and more skids.