Changing fork fluid

[He Man]

Im wondering how one is suppose to know how much fluid to top off with.My forks have been worked on, and the fluid level might of changed from stock. Ive seen this motion pro tool that helps you level off he fluid (but i still dont know how much there is to begin with).

Another question: to remove the whole cartridge ( i want to get the top tubes anodized) all i need to do is remove the top cap, and the 18mm bolt on the bottom and just pull it out right?

[battlecry]

I've seen a few numbers, probably because there are several kinds of forks out there, He Man. 

Some numbers are 375 to 400 to 460 cc per leg, or around 94 to 100mm air gap from oil to top of tube (spring and spacer removed/fork collapsed).   You want to make sure that the air is bled and that the cartridge is fully covered with oil.   The more oil you add, the harsher will be the response to large bumps.

On my M800S Marzocchis, once you remove the top cap, you should be able to carefully lift the stanchion off without damaging the seals.   The rod and cap hold it together.  Cap off and you can lift.  No need to loosen the rod at the bottom.  Never been able to work on my forks without making a mess of fluid on the floor.

[He Man]

Sounds good, though it will be a pregnant dog to remove the spring just to measure the oil level then put it back on. i plan on removing the whole stanchion ( i thought it was called a cartridge) and give it a good cleaning, especially since i havent changed the oil since the new springs +10,000 miles.

Any recommended brand of fork oil? Racetech Ultra slick 5wt is what was used. Dont know if i should hold off and buy it online, or buy locally... i cant inmagine it being cheap locally. or have what i want.

[battlecry]

It may not be that hard, He Man.  Don't know what forks you have but on mine there was a square nut between the spring holddown washer and the end cap.  With the cap removed, you can use a wrench and turn the square nut off to release the spring pressure, then remove the holddown washer and the spring comes off. 

You may be surprised at the gunk fouling the bottom.  I used ether (engine starter) to clean it up. 

I used Sikolene 5W a couple of times, bought locally for around $11/qt.  Traxxion Dynamics uses Maxima Racing fork fluid 7wt. 125/150 .  I assembled the forks with the AK-20 kit and had a chance to look at the fluid.  The Maxima was very clear flowed like water.

[Howie]

Call ECS and find out what oil level and weight they used.  If you use a different level and weight than they did you loose their fine job of tuning.

[rockaduc]

Sounds good, though it will be a pregnant dog to remove the spring just to measure the oil level then put it back on.

No need to do this.  Just get a graduated cylinder and measure the fluid BEFORE it goes in.