Final Drive Oil Level

[denysp]

Good day all, just a quick question. I bought the bike used, and didnt come with the final drive oil level gauge ( as specified in the Clymers manual ) How do I create my own?

Also is 10.0 US oz the proper amount if I were just to drain it and change it? Thats what the clymers says.. Thanks for your help..


81 XS1100

[John]

I can never get 10 oz. in mine. I just fill it to just below the threads of the fill hole, and spin the wheel a few times, to see if the oil level goes down any, and fill it to just below the threads if the level drops any. Use a thread tape or pipe dope on the threads of the fill, and drain plug to prevent the oil from creeping past the threads.

[denysp]

I pulled the fill cap off and looked in with a flashlight and I can see the level, its not up to the threads though. So you cant add Too much ? Just want to make sure, as going on a little trip this weekend....

[Targetman]

Heres a link to the tech tip with the dimesions so you can build your own.
I made one out of plexi.

Dipstick tech tip

[denysp]

Thanks very much, I didnt even think to look there.

[motoman]

Like any gear box, fill to halfway of center shaft. If you fill to bottom of threads, that's way to much oil and will build pressure from heat and expansion!......Don't fill than full. Also, properly filled no need to put anything on fill plug. If it seeps around fill plug, guarentee it's too full!

[John]

Clarification

If you fill the final drive to half way up the center shaft, you'll have oil all over the floor. The fill port is actualy LOWER than the axle shaft. That is why I fill to just BELOW the the threads, not up to the threads, and I also use a synthetic gear oil, and that will creep past the threads, even with a new gasket washer. That's why I use the thread sealer. A properly vented gearbox will not build up XSive pressure. The ring gear slings the oil around inside the housing, lubing the bearings, so when in use, and oil is coating all rotating members, then the level will actually DECREASE.

[Do Lee]

going by service data on my 79 XS

rear drive 300cc - 10oz.

middle drive 375cc - 12oz.