| Author | Message | ||
     Verdad |
Sorry about the pun. Ok, although I've got over 11,000 miles and multiple oil changes/services done on my 08 XT, I admit I'm still bamboozled regarding how to check the oil level. Reading both the Owners and Service manual, I understand the engine needs to be at operating temp (ran at least 10 min), bike on the side stand, engine off when checking. My issue is when I'm riding and I check the oil at a fuel stop, only the tip of the dipstick shows oil. During my oil changes, I make sure to saturate and fill the filter according to the manual, as well as add the proscribed amount of oil. The oil light goes/stays off after starting the engine and never comes on during a ride. Anyone have an idea of the issue? Aside from "Add oil, dipstick." (Hopefully it's as simple as that...) Thanks, Russ | ||
| Pontlee77 |
Well if I'm not wrong once you stop wait 10 minutes and then check the oil level, remember you have to measure it from the dip stick fully screwed in. For air-cooled Buells, check oil immediately upon shut-down. Otherwise some oil may be sucked into crankcase as it cools and develops vacuum. Blake (Message edited by blake on May 12, 2010) (Message edited by blake on May 12, 2010) | ||
| Rwven |
If there is oil on the stick don't worry about it. It's a dry sump system and you have plenty of leeway before you start sucking air. It's an exercise in futility to keep it at the XX mark anyway because the oil just ends up in the airbox. | ||
| Hughlysses |
At least a couple of Badwebbers have reported that the best, most consistent results they've gotten have been by checking the oil with the bike hot, on the sidestand, with the engine running. Apparently the 08-up bikes (with the new oiling system) have a tendency for oil to flow back into the crankcase once the bike's shut down. If you don't check it FAST after shutdown you can get a false low reading. | ||
| Someday |
Right on Hugh! | ||
| Nvr2old |
From 2010 Owner's Manual: NOTES: An accurate engine oil check can only be made with the engine at normal operating temperature (Hot Check). 1.See Filler Plug/Dipstick Location: XB Models (Firebolt Shown). Remove the oil filler plug/dipstick and visually check for oil in the tank. NOTE: If the oil pressure lamp stays lit after starting the engine, immediately shut the engine off. 2.If oil is not visible in the tank, screw the dipstick back in and start the engine. 3.Let the engine idle for 30 seconds then shut the engine off 4.Remove the oil level dipstick and visually check for oil in the tank. 5.If there is no oil in the tank, add oil in 6.8 fl oz 0.2 L increments. 6.Screw the filler plug/dipstick in completely and remove to read the dipstick. 7.When oil is present on the bottom of the dipstick, perform a hot check. Hot Check 1.Ride the motorcycle for 10 minutes and 5 mi 8 km to bring the engine to normal operating temperature. 2.On the sidestand, idle the motorcycle for one to two minutes. Turn the engine OFF. 3.Remove the dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean. NOTE: Do not over tighten oil filler/dipstick cap. 4.Screw the dipstick fully into the oil tank. 5.See Oil Level Operating Range: XB Models . Remove dipstick and read the oil level. a.Below the lower line: Add only enough oil until the level reads between the upper and lower lines. Recommended viscosity depends upon ambient temperature. Refer to Recommended Engine Oils. b.Between the upper and lower lines: It is safe to operate the motorcycle. c.At (or above) the upper line: Drain oil until the level reads between the upper and lower lines. 6.Screw the dipstick fully into the oil tank. (Message edited by Nvr2Old on May 11, 2010) | ||
| Yool |
I* am with Hugh & co....since new, my '07 Uly showed inconsistent oil levels at fuel stops. I kept topping it up, and blowing it straight out the breather. (In my case, straight on the back wheel) Now I check it with engine running, and seems more consistent, and never low. I also agree that if there is oil on the dipstick, youre probably okay  | ||
| Tootal |
+1 on check while it's running. The ball check never seems to seat the same way twice allowing varying amounts of oil to return to the crankcase. I check while running and no more problems. You don't want to pull the dipstick on a car while it's running but a dry sump engine like the Uly has a separate oil tank so no problem. | ||
| Verdad |
Thanks much. That is some good-to-know information. I've had the air filter/oil situation in the past; yep, trying to avoid it again. I didn't think it was a problem (especially if the oil light wasn't staying on), but just wanted some validation. Thanks again. Russ | ||
| Nobuell |
The only way I get consistent readings on my 08XT is hot with the engine idling. When I change oil, I idle the engine then immediately shut it down and remove the plug to be sure all oil is removed. After adding 2.5 quarts, the oil level will be a the 2X mark from the bottom when hot and idling. | ||
| Chromehead |
I am new to Buells and own an 08 XT. Recently bought it with only 12 miles. Dealer did the 1,000 mile service not too long ago. I checked my oil today after riding about an hour (shut bike down and on side stand), had no oil on the dipstick. I then waited several hours when it was cool, and same reading, no oil on the dipstick. I did shine a light into the oil filler hole and can see some oil. Should I be concerned I have been riding it with it not registering on the dipstick. Also, local HD dealer did the oil change. If I need to add oil, what viscosity would they have used ? I would also assume they just use HD brand oil ? I live in West Virginia if that makes any difference in regards to viscosity. Thanks. | ||
| Tootal |
Do as stated above, get engine hot and check oil on sidestand while the engine is running. Have your bike on flat ground. Your level should be at the second X. Just remember Dos Equis XX beer. If your dealer used Harley oil, non synthetic, then if you need oil I would use good old Castrol GTX 20-50. It's better oil than the HD stuff and a lot cheaper. If synthetic then Mobil 1, Royal Purple, Amsoil, Redline etc. will all work fine. Welcome to Ulydome. (Message edited by tootal on May 15, 2010) (Message edited by tootal on May 15, 2010) | ||
| Chromehead |
Thanks Tootal, I love the Uly so far. I am new to Buell's but have been riding for over 11 years. When I bought the Uly, I also kept my BMW, but the Beemer has been largely neglected as of late.  I was just concerned when I could not get any oil on the dipstick hot or cold. I am pretty sure they used non synthetic, but will double check. I did read to check the oil hot, but was not sure of if on the sidestand or not. Never heard of checking one while running, but makes sense in the Uly's case. I will give this method shot. Thanks for the input | ||
| Tootal |
I know the manual says different but many here have had the same experience you have encountered and somebody got the idea to try it while running and as many of us followed their lead have found this a better way to get a consistent reading. I sold my BMW to a friend that had been wanting it for a long time and I was sad to see it go but it was a 1985 with only 42,000 miles on it. I had four bikes but no Uly yet. I sold it, a Cagiva Gran Canyon and one of the Harleys to make room for the Buell. It was a good decision I haven't regretted. Have fun! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Once when I brought my bike in for some warranty work, the shop added a quart and charged me for it. OK no big deal. But I was worried that it was eating oil since I had just changed the oil 1000 miles before. I put a few hundred miles on it and then checked the oil. About $6 of H-D branded oil on my garage floor! The dealership refunded my oil charge. I'm just saying that it goes both ways here. When I change the oil on my bike, I add the 2.5Q like the book says and then ride it for a while. If I check it, it will read as a half quart low. I think the issue is that the dipstick isn't perpendicular to the level of the oil. Also, the oil tank isn't a uniform shape in there. ANY tiny little thing makes it read very differently. Here is a crude drawing of what I think is going on:  This is the type of crap that makes me miss my KLR250's little site glass in the case. | ||
| Froggy |
Sight glasses are awesome, thats why the cool Buell's come with them   | ||
| Pso |
With limited resources, I sure wish the "cool" Beulls were as easy to work on as the "cooler" Buells are. | ||
| Froggy |
Must be why the cool Buells don't need as frequent or expensive maintenance. Over 6k miles between oil changes, 12k miles for filter changes, 18k for fork oil, no primary fluid, no primary chain, no clutch to lube, no need for TPS resets. Yea you need to drop the motor for the valve adjustments, but its easier than on the XB, plus the spark plug interval is the same as the valve interval, so you kill two birds with one stone. Also the heads aren't made of butter, so you are less likely to bugger up the plug threads. Also the lack of plug wires to rub against the engine is a nice bonus. No more curse of riding in the rain! | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Seems like this would be a perfect modification for Dr. Greg to perform on his spare ULY swingarm. Either the 1125 sight glass or maybe this http://www.nostrali.it/en/Prodotto_dett.aspx?id=17 1 |
