Engine oil level
Engine oil level
changed my oil level dipstick today to one with a temp gauge on it, but in doing so, I noticed a low level in oil.
Now I know you should check the oil when hot and make sure its between the low and fill markers on the dipstick, but as my oil wasn't even on the dipstick when the bike was standing up straight and cold.......should I top it up abit until it reaches the bottom of the dipstick...then check the level and re-fill etc.....or would I have filled it too far by doing this?
Now I know you should check the oil when hot and make sure its between the low and fill markers on the dipstick, but as my oil wasn't even on the dipstick when the bike was standing up straight and cold.......should I top it up abit until it reaches the bottom of the dipstick...then check the level and re-fill etc.....or would I have filled it too far by doing this?
ah .....now that makes more sence to me.......so it might not even need topping up....I looked this morning....bike on side stand, cold....and thought christ...I can only just see oil at the bottom and the dipstick itself was dry and not registering any oil.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,477
Likes: 3,859
From: San Diego, CA
My oil stays pretty much the same level, hot or cold.
When cold, it's about 1/2" above the lower line on my temp gauge dipstick. When hot, maybe 3/4" above the mark, putting it right in the middle. My bike's 22 years old and the 1/4" difference could easily be explained by thermal expansion, so I don't see this "leakdown" issue on my bike.
Sounds to me like you might be a bit low on oil.
John
When cold, it's about 1/2" above the lower line on my temp gauge dipstick. When hot, maybe 3/4" above the mark, putting it right in the middle. My bike's 22 years old and the 1/4" difference could easily be explained by thermal expansion, so I don't see this "leakdown" issue on my bike.
Sounds to me like you might be a bit low on oil.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Sep 27, 2012 at 10:36 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey Somerset
My oil goes 1/4 quart up when hot. So add to the bottom mark when cold so that its atleast 1/4 up from the bottom mark when hot
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Mansfield Texas
That is why I said start the bike and the oil level will rise in the tank, the oil pump will return what drained past the pump into the crankcase.
If I let mine sit overnight the oil level the next day will be on the tip of the stick, after starting and running for a couple of minuets it will show full.
If I let mine sit overnight the oil level the next day will be on the tip of the stick, after starting and running for a couple of minuets it will show full.