| Author | Message | ||
     Erics1 |
OK, I've seen both these topics on the forum, but I thought I'd submit my own experience. Recently bought my 2nd Uly, an '09 12X with 5K miles and the comfort kit installed. Otherwise stock. I wasted no time buying the Erik Buell Racing ECU (for the stock '09 Uly), installing it and following the included instructions for TPS reset (and I forget the initials for the other "reset", but I did let it sit idling for 10 minutes for that). I thought that richer mixture would correct the 2,000---3,500 RPM surging/stumbling. But while it *might* have made it better, alas, it still does it. I know the PO had put a Drummer on the bike before putting the stock canister back on, but I wouldn't think that would be an issue affecting engine tune now. Any suggestions as to what I should try next? Also, I changed the oil and measured 2.5 quarts, but when I check the level after a ride, whether immediately after shutting down or a few minutes later, nothing shows on the dipstick. That makes me nervous, since there's no way to determine if the level is dropping. I'm considering incrementally adding just enough to make the oil show on the dipstick, so I'll have a baseline. I suppose I could also test the level after screwing the dipstick all the way in---maybe then it would show something. Hmmm... | ||
| Nobuell |
Check the oil while hot and idling. It should register at the second or third X from the bottom of the dip stick. What ever the level is after an oil change with the correct quantity is were you should maintain it. | ||
| Nobuell |
Also, the dip stick should be screwed in to check the level. | ||
| Hogs |
Nobuell, never new that about checking while idling..Hmm wonder if thAT was called for on the 04 to 07 model years as well... Hmmm | ||
| Nobuell |
Not sure about the pre 08 models. The oil level on my 08XT drops quickly after shutting the motor down. Checking the oil with the motor off is almost impossible. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Nobuell, you have a check valve leaking past. Mine maintains level for at least half an hour after I shut ot off. Check the oil on the side stand after you shut the engine down. You have to have the engine warmed up properly. Screw the dipstick all the way in. My normal routine is park the bike, get out of my gear and put it up, then check the oil.. | ||
| Hogs |
My normal routine is park the bike, get out of my gear and put it up, then check the oil.. yeah thats basic the way I do it on the side stand , engine off after a ride and up to operating temp.... I also check where its at before a ride COLD so I know the cold mark as well before I ride.... Never heard of checking oil with the engine running....Just thought maybe the 08 and up were different... | ||
| Nobuell |
The bike has leaked down since new. I believe it is a common issue with the 08 when they changed the pump design. I am not sure about the check valve or if it has a check valve. | ||
| Nobuell |
I just checked the service manual. There is no check valve shown in the pump diagrams/pictures nor is it referenced anywhere. The description says the oil is feed by gravity from the tank to the pump. | ||
| Hogs |
So..in your manual does it say to check with the engine running as well??? | ||
| Nobuell |
The manual does not say to check with the motor running. It has been discussed and it is my experience that is the most consistent method. I do not know if this is applicable to older bikes. The original question references a 09 Uly. I believe the pump design was changed in 08. When I first purchased the bike, I mistakenly added oil thinking the level was low. I found that I needed to check to oil immediately after shutting down or the level would drop to the bottom of the dip stick. Eventually I discovered that I would get consistent readings with the motor running. I confirmed the level repeatability by checking the level right after changing the oil. It has worked fine ever since. | ||
| Froggy |
2008+ bikes should have the oil checked like this:
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| Nobuell |
Maybe my bike is different than others. The oil level in my bike drops continuously after the motor is shut down. I have been told it to be common on the 08 bikes. It has been that way since new. If I followed the instruction in the manual as you indicate, I would get low readings. If I add oil as described it will be overfilled and puke it out of the breathers. You guys can check your oil however you like, but I get repeatable indications with the motor running. The Buell manual cannot have the wrong technique described, oh wait a minute, watch the oil plug torque! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Mine drops pretty fast too. If I get gas on a trip and intend to check my oil, I check it as soon as I turn off the engine, not after pumping the gas. It's odd since the swingarm is almost the same level as the engine. One would think that it wouldn't flow back so much with such a short drop and past all those gearotors in the way. | ||
| Raceautobody |
When checking oil level when the bike is running will give you a false reading. If your oil level is already low and the bike is running look into the swing arm. The oil return line enters the swing arm near the dipstick and the return oil will splash on the stick giving you a continuous false reading. Always check it hot with the engine off. |
