oil level window

[Robert Haller]

I went to check my oil level and nothing appeared in the window. The bike was on the center stand on level ground. I changed the oil recently so I know there's enough oil in the engine. This has happened before where the window is empty, but later the oil does show up. Has this happened to anyone else, and anyone know why this happens? It is disconcerting to not see any oil show up.

[prometheus578]

Different bikes are different (Duh!), but...
Just 'cause there's oil in the window when you change it doesn't mean it's full. After an oil and filter change, fill with oil (that you can see in the window), then fire the bike up for a minute. Shut it down and let the oil drain back down into the case for 5/10 minutes. Check again... it'll be low.
You need to run the engine after a change so that oil can get to the oil filter and fill that filter cover up. That's where your missing oil went to.

[maxim4rob]

Oil Level Question

I've got a question about something I noticed at my last oil change on my '82 XJ1100. I had always understood that the oil level in the glass should read between the bottom and top markings on the engine case when the bike was on the center stand with the engine not running. That was how I determined I had put the right amount of oil in. With the engine running the oil would drop to below the bottom mark (actually out of sight). I decided this time to look up the oil spec's in the manual and it said to put in 4.1 qts. of oil when your changing the filter. After putting the amount of oil recommended I noticed that the oil level was above the top mark (center stand, engine not running). So, I started the bike and sure enough the oil level dropped to just above the bottom mark. It never occured to me to check the oil level with the bike running (never heard of ever checking any oil level with the motor running!). Looked all through the manual (Yamaha manual) and it doesn't specify if the engine should be running or not when your checking the oil level. So, which is it, oil level between the marks with the engine not running (approximately 3 qts.) or the recommended 4.1 qts. with the engine running? I hate to think that I've been running the bike these last two years a quart low on oil. What say you guru's? Thanks.

maxim4rob
'82 XJ1100 (Running Great)
'82 XJ1100 (Process of frame off restoration)

[John]

Remember that when on the centerstand, the bike is angled forward. That will give you a slightly lower reading than if the bike was on the wheels on level ground. When I change my oil, I just dump in four quarts and go.

[skids]

Re: Oil Level Question

Engine off... with a little time to get it to drain back into the carnkcase.

Originally posted by maxim4rob
(Snip)So, which is it, oil level between the marks with the engine not running (approximately 3 qts.) or the recommended 4.1 qts. with the engine running? I hate to think that I've been running the bike these last two years a quart low on oil. What say you guru's? Thanks.

[jacksf]

[i]When I change my oil, I just dump in four quarts and go. [/B]

Same here. Can't see thru the damn window anyway. Long as there is no oil on the garage floor, in the airbox or coming out the pipes I don't worry about it.

Jack

[TopCatGr58]

Per the OEM owner's manual for my 81SH:

1. Oil level measurement
a. Place the motorcycle on the center stand. Warm up the engine for several minutes
NOTE:
Be sure the motorcycle is positioned straight up when checking the oil level: a slight tilt toward the side can produce false readings.
b. With the engine stopped, check the oil level through the level window located at the lower part of the right side crankcase cover.
NOTE: Wait a few minutes until the oil level settles before checking.

[Robert Haller]

The oil didn't show up in the window after I had ridden several times after changing the oil. It hasn't leaked a drop, and I checked it 10 minutes after stopping and putting on the centerstand on a flat cement floor. I did everything by the book, yet once in awhile it does not register in the window. Has this only happened to me?

[Ken Talbot]

I haven't had that happen. However, I have found that fresh oil is so clear that if you overfill a bit, the window will look empty when in fact is is full. If I'm not sure, I'll get SWMBO to straddle the bike and rock it back and forth a bit from vertical while I watch for the oil level. When I first picked up Tsunami, it had been overfilled so much no amount of rocking would bring a level line to the window. I was all set to add more until my BIL conviinced me to try taking out a bunch first. Once the level line appeared, the problem was solved.

[prometheus578]

I see that a lot, Ken.
Also see customers change their own oil with the bike on the sidestand... putting in an extra quart or so due to the lean.