| Author | Message | ||
     General_ulysses |
I know this must have been covered a zillion times before and then some, so apologies ahead of time for the redundancy of the question. I checked the knowledge vault and I couldn't find it there, athough I suspect it's buried there somewhere. Anyhow, my factory '06 Uly manual says to check the oil hot with the engine shut off simply by removing the dipstick, wiping it off and then screwing it all the way back in before checking it (while the bike rests on the sidestand on a level surface). But I seem to recall reading here somewhere that it was better to check it with the motor running or something like that? Also, how long do you wait to check the oil after you shut the motor off? Just wondering if there's any variations on the correct way of checking the oil. I know the manual is known for having a few errors in it, just want to make sure the oil level check procedure is accurate as written. Thanks... (Message edited by General_Ulysses on November 05, 2013) | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
I dunno but it seems odd to check it when hot.. my other bikes can be checked hot or cold and the level doesn't change much.. my Uly has a major change in level between hot and cold. last time I checked and filled when warm and then it was way full when hot. how often do you really need to check it? my Guzzi's hold all their oil between changes and I never need to add any. | ||
| Tootal |
When you change oil on a Uly refill it with 2.5 quarts of oil, TOTAL. If you fill your filter before putting it on then include that oil with the 2.5 quarts. Now go out and take a 20 minute ride. When you get home put it on a level surface, on the side stand and leave it running. Unscrew the dipstick, wipe it, screw it back in then take it back out and check your level. Chances are it's at the second X.(Dos Equis) Wherever it is, that's the level that's full. Don't add any more to make the full line, it will end up in your air cleaner. If you shut the engine off the level will sometimes drain back into the engine and give you a false reading. That's why many of us started checking it while running, it's just the most repeatable way to do it. | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
Thanks! | ||
| Etennuly |
Tootal is so good with a dipstick!  | ||
| Tootal |
That's why were such good friends!   | ||
| Raceautobody |
You can't get an accurate reading with the engine running, well not on my 08 Uly. If you look in the swingarm while it is idling the oil return dumps the oil right onto the dipstick. Return form ride, let idle on sidestand, remove dipstick and wipe off, shut off engine, insert dipstick and check. Al | ||
| Teeps |
I've checked the oil level several ways, as mentioned above, with inconsistent results from ride to ride. 2.5 qts total is the way to go... at oil change time. Bottom line, if oil is registering on the last 1/2" of the dip stick. You're good to go. | ||
| Etennuly |
That's why were such good friends And I am not the only one! There are lots of good dipsticks on these Buells. Some are really good around a campfire! Some even check their oil.  | ||
| General_ulysses |
Ok thanks everybody. Tootal your running engine oil check: does that apply to older Ulys? I have an '06 and I want to make sure there's no difference between the older Ulys and newer ones in terms of checking the oil. Also, I didn't check the oil right after I changed the oil in the spring. I just added exactly what it called for (2.5 qts). The bike has low miles (under 10K) and doesn't seem to leak or burn any oil. So at this point, I don't know what the full mark would be. Any advice on checking it now since I don't know what the running full mark is? Hard to believe the manual cant get this most fundamental maintenance check right. Isn't that kind of pathetic? | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I check my 06 ULY oil with the engine off before I ride and the oil is cold and if it is above the min line then for sure it will be okidoki when hot. I pretty much only check it in my garage where I know it is a level surface. Anywhere else and who the heck knows if it is level. | ||
| Etennuly |
Most of us with the '06 Ulys found that the oil "full mark" is the second "X" from the bottom of the stick. This is where full is with 2.5 quarts of new oil with the filter filled. If I try to keep mine in the upper "X"s the additional oil will end up in the air cleaner base. It will stay at the second "X" level for a long time. I usually don't have to add more than a pint in a 3000 mile oil change run. Still works the same at 60,000 miles. I check mine warm on the side stand with the engine off. Usually while I am getting gas. | ||
| Motorfish |
+1 Etennuly, exactly the same on my `06 |
