| Author | Message | ||
     Shwinston |
I performed my first oil change on my bike last night. Seemed to go pretty well with the exception of some spilt oil. My bike has only had the first reflash done to it. I've had none of the other updates done yet. Here is my problem. I can't get a reading with the dipstick. I have nearly 3 q in there and it's dry as a bone every time I dip it in there. I've tried cold check and hot check, both dry. Did the replace the dipsticks on the bike at some point? Also, this morning just as I was leaving I turned my bike on and it started smoking a little out of the exhaust. Makes me think oil leaked inside some how. Is there a reason for that? | ||
| Bobup |
latest "recall" had a new dipstick, vent line relocate kit.....and another item I forget what it was | ||
| Jdugger |
> and another item I forget what it was Kickstand spring | ||
| Zac4mac |
Stand it up straight, cold. Hold it there for a minute, then check. Always check the level with the bike vertical, off the stand. Screw it in all the way, slowly and unscrew slowly, you should see oil then. Usually a cold check will show at the low side of OK w/ a hot check showing the high side of OK. Z | ||
| Mikellyjo |
The new dipstick is not any longer, as far as I know they just adjusted the amount to add printed on it. When I change my oil it takes exactly 3 qts to bring it back up to spec after I drain it all out. Although I do check it with the dipstick, I am comfortable in saying that if I properly drain the oil and add 3 qts it will be spot on every time. Haven't had an issue yet. When you check the oil, are you holding your bike upright and level? Its very sensitive to being level in order to get a good reading. Of course this is assuming you are putting the in the right hole. I don't mean to sound rude, but sometimes you never know. With regards to oil coming out of the exhaust, it may just be the oil that dripped on it that is burning off and what your are seeing is condensation...but smelling oil. Just my .02 cents, refunds available by mail with proof of purchase.   | ||
| Shwinston |
Yes, I tried that this morning, but it's still dry. Perhaps I just need to get the new dipstick. | ||
| Shwinston |
Mikellyjo: LOL, I thought it might be condensation because it was cold this morning, but I was spelling oil, so you might be right. I'm dipping it in the whole I pulled it from. I would think I could get the oil to at least touch the tip, but no luck. I know the oil is there! Dipstick just isn't showing it. I'll try going through it all again when I get home this afternoon. | ||
| Pariah |
Like Zack said, the bike needs to be vertical for a correct reading. Wait for the engine to be cold. Go ahead and sit on the bike and keep both feet on the ground (so it's vertical). Now, loosen the dipstick. Wait one minute. Remove dipstick, clean. Insert (screw it down). Now remove (you're still sitting on the bike). Read it off... There's no way it's going to be reading nothing with 3 quarts in there... even if it's the old dipstick. In fact, you've probably got too much oil in there. Here's another tip. If it's fresh oil, look carefully because sometimes it's so clear it's hard to see... (Message edited by Pariah on December 09, 2008) | ||
| Xb9 |
It's got to be level - a little off level throws it off a lot (side to side or fore to aft level, level, level) And follow the factory procedure to a T with a timer (for hot check) even sitting on it gives a different reading (Message edited by xb9 on December 09, 2008) | ||
| Jaimec |
Can I ask a stupid question? If the bike DOESN'T have a centerstand, why design a dipstick that only shows a valid reading if the bike is held vertical?? Why not design a dipstick that shows the correct level ON THE SIDESTAND??? This has ALWAYS bugged me. On the other hand, I DO get a correct reading of my K1200LT's oil level in the sight glass if the bike is on the sidestand EVEN THOUGH the bike is equipped with a centerstand! It's even engineered to be fueled on the sidestand! This isn't rocket science. Why can't all manufacturers do this?? | ||
| Shwinston |
Well, as far as I know I've followed all the advice I've gotten, but I still got a dry stick. I will give it another try when I get home though to double check everything. | ||
| Nxtr |
Don't dip you must screw it in all the way, then check... V/R, Nick | ||
| Bpt |
I always check mine hot. Cold never seems to be accurate. Make sure you use the new procedure. | ||
| Ponti1 |
I've had good luck with completely draining the oil...every last drop that would come out. Then adding 3 quarts...every last drop that would come out. Then do the hot check...perfect reading. For the second service, I followed the above but was in a little bit of a hurry. When I did the hot check it was reading low. I took the "empty" quarts and set them on their side for about 10 minutes and then tried dumping any remnants into the bike. It ended up being a couple ounces. Went out and did the hot check again, and...yep, perfect reading. Confirmation to myself that 3 quarts is correct when combined with patience!  (Message edited by ponti1 on December 10, 2008) | ||
| Shwinston |
Well, I came home and rode for over 10 minutes, getting the bike temp up to 177. Came home, turned off bike, and waited 3 minutes. I finally got a reading. So touchy!!! Thank you to every one for your suggestions. I had a lot of fun changing my own oil. I feel more in control of the health of my bike.  | ||
| Zac4mac |
Heheheheh Just wait till you get to 12.4k That one is an experience. When I change my oil, I put Loretta on a rear stand and fold up the kickstand. Be ready to move the catch-pan on the left side draining to follow the stream. I hardly make any mess now. Z | ||
| Rocketray |
Just to chime in here to help any novice changing their oil from this thread in the future. 3 quarts of oil is a good amount -if you also change the filter-. If the filter is not changed, about 2.4 quarts are needed. Ray | ||
| Drdorsey |
Oil level... Why not a bulls eye? If after draining, you put the right amount back in, could you go wrong? At the track, during your 40 min off, you decide to drop the oil to improve shifting, your not going to be able to do the "Cold check" Speaking of the track, how do you lock wire the right side drain cap? (the allen wrench plug) | ||
| Ds_tiger |
3 quartz- nothing on the dipstick for me. Bizzare. Done a quite a few motorcycle oil changes in my life too. I gave up trying to level, tip screw all the way in, hot and cold techniques, etc. Drained it all out. Put 3 in with filter. No oil light. Forgot about it. Had a Aprilia Tuono- oil change was always drama on that one too. You couldn't put in what they said the bike held without it puking it out the resivior. Had to partially fill it, then start it, then fill remainder. ROTAX. | ||
| Rocketray |
Here is how I did mine. Horizontal hole in the allen head.  Ray | ||
| Ponti1 |
Just to chime in here to help any novice changing their oil from this thread in the future. 3 quarts of oil is a good amount -if you also change the filter-. If the filter is not changed, about 2.4 quarts are needed. Ray Ray, good point! I didn't even think about that since I always would do the filter as well. Thanks for clarifying! | ||
| Pariah |
Actually, to be precise, the service manual states: - with filter change: 2.7 quarts (2.6L) - without filter change: 2.4 quarts (2.3L) So, 3 quarts should put you a bit over... |
