Oil Level - conflicting information

numbskull · August 05, 2009, 10:11:03 AM

Okay, I've searched around and couldn't find a clear answer. So here goes...

The owner's manual that came with my 2007 S2R1K says to check the oil level when the engine is cold. This information is on page 63 of the manual. Now the Workshop Manual for the same bike says to check the oil level when warm but not running. For me there's a big difference between levels - right in the middle between the min and max line when cold, or nearly filling the sight glass when warm (not running).

Does anyone have any information or answer as to which method to use?

numbskull · August 05, 2009, 10:14:21 AM

Never mind. I just looked at the Italian version of the manual and it says "caldo" -warm

end of thread.

EEL · August 05, 2009, 12:25:03 PM

FAIL...

numbskull · August 05, 2009, 01:58:25 PM

Yes, I failed. Now to drain some oil...

EEL · August 05, 2009, 02:16:42 PM

I usually run in for about 2 minutes and turn it off. That gives the pump enough time to charge up the oil cooler w/ fresh oil. Then just hold the bike up straight and aim for between the two lines.

ScottRNelson · August 05, 2009, 02:55:03 PM

On most Ducatis you can just ride them and somehow they automatically adjust the oil level to the middle of the sight glass. I'm not sure if the oil gets burned or just run through the overflow tube to the airbox, but they rarely stay that full mark for long.

Another "quick" way to remove some oil without opening the drain plug is to remove the oil filler cap and rev the engine.

I tried that once.

numbskull · August 05, 2009, 03:17:39 PM

Probably just going to siphon some out from the oil fill hole. Easier than trying to drain a little from the plug - haven't been able to do that without making a huge mess although I suspect not nearly the mess you made running the bike without the fill cap on.

ScottRNelson · August 05, 2009, 03:23:26 PM

Quote from: DucAtomic on August 05, 2009, 03:17:39 PM
...haven't been able to do that without making a huge mess although I suspect not nearly the mess you made running the bike without the fill cap on.

I was two blocks down the road on my Monster when I figured that out. The entire right side of the bike and right side of me was covered in a fine oil mist. You can bet that I was much more careful about checking the fill cap after that.

LA · August 05, 2009, 06:34:10 PM

Tempted to call you STUPID.

But I've done it too.

A friend posted about a guy with a BMW who had put 9 quarts in his bike and he still couldn't see the oil level and was afraid to put any more in. He was looking at the timing mark window.

LA

Howie · August 05, 2009, 08:42:43 PM

A student of mine bought a used bike and asked my advice. He would go around the block a few times and the bike would stop running due to fouled plugs and an air box full of oil. He also complained of hard shifting. I asked him if he checked the oil level. He said it was full, the window is covered with oil. I told him to drain the oil and measure . 7 quarts! He put the correct amount in after that, all fixed.

Langanobob · August 06, 2009, 02:48:44 AM

^ I've looked at my sight glass, no oil showing so I added a quart. Then another - still no oil showing. I finally figured out that the oil was completely over the top of the sight glass, but was clear and looked like no oil was in the glass...

Frosty_spl · August 16, 2009, 06:15:57 PM

I did my first oilchange this weekend. The manual says 3.3L for my 750. I added around 2.8L and its half way up on the glass. I rode it around for a while, and it hasn't dropped. Is this enough oil or should I keep my eye on it?

ducatiz · August 16, 2009, 06:20:40 PM

Quote from: Frosty_spl on August 16, 2009, 06:15:57 PM
I did my first oilchange this weekend. The manual says 3.3L for my 750. I added around 2.8L and its half way up on the glass. I rode it around for a while, and it hasn't dropped. Is this enough oil or should I keep my eye on it?

did you change the filter too?

the filter and cooler will hold some, sounds about the right volume combines (0.5L).. plus some will just hang around adhering to the bottom and pooling in the horizontal head..

herm · August 16, 2009, 06:42:15 PM

Quote from: LA on August 05, 2009, 06:34:10 PM
Tempted to call you STUPID.

But I've done it too.

A friend posted about a guy with a BMW who had put 9 quarts in his bike and he still couldn't see the oil level and was afraid to put any more in. He was looking at the timing mark window.
LA

WOW!

my powerstroke takes about 15 quarts.
had no idea that the beemers had such a big pan....

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Oil Level - conflicting information