n00b just did an oil change...and there's something wrong

[davidhong]

So I just changed my oil...

and this is what happened after I took it out for a quick spin and to get gas.




two things:

1. what is the white stuff in the glass?
2. is it normal not to see any oil in the sight glass when it's on the kick stand?

(PS...it's a 2002 Monster 620)

Thanks everyone!

[battlecry]

Welcome to the DMF, David. 

1. The white stuff is condensation.   Ride the bike so the oil temp goes over 212F for a little bit and it should go away.

2. Yes.  You should check the oil level like the book says, level.

[davidhong]

battlecry-

thanks! 

that's what I thought, it was at max fill when on the rear stand, but barely noticeable when on the kickstand.

as for getting the bike up to 212 degrees, can I just start it and let it run on the rear stand for a bit?

[battlecry]

Better to ride it longer the next time.  Don't sweat it. 

[booger]

A better way to get rid of that milkyness is to ride the bike. The engine under load will get rid of it quicker. That milkyness won't hurt anything anyhow, everybody's bike has it at some point. BTW, don't check the oil while on the sidestand or a rearstand. You will get inaccurate readings. It's a pain but you have to check the oil while the bike is upright and level, with both wheels on the ground. This means either sitting on it and bending down to check the sightglass, or getting a helper to hold the bike upright while you assess the oil level. I always knelt down and held the bike upright by the frame while I checked the oil.

[Ddan]

While the 'right' way to check the oil is with the bike upright and level, if your oil is comfortably within the marks while the bike is on a rearstand, you'll be fine.  If you're concerned, do a comparison and see how much it changes..  But, it is important that after an oil change you run the bike for a minute then re-check the oil level.  You'll need to top it off.

[thought]

I change my oil on a rear stand too... the way I do it is to fill it to just slightly above the lower fill line.  Once you put the bike down, the oil will settle to right in between the top and bottom lines.  Works every time for me... also, overfilling your oil is just as bad as having too little oil so make sure you didnt put too much in too.

Also, in case you dont know, let the oil settle for like 10 min after you run the bike to get a accurate reading.  The oil needs a bit of time to seep down.

[davidhong]

thanks guys!

just a few things that I shouldve mentioned:

I filled the oil to the lowest line, then ran the engine for a bit, waited a couple minutes, and filled it to the max fill line.

What concerns me is that when on the side stand, theres barely any visible oil. 

Looks like Ill have to take it out for a spin and check again, and maybe top if off some more.

As a side note: how much oil does the little 620 hold?

[d3vi@nt]

Go here and grab your manual if you don't already have it: http://www.ducatiusa.com/services/maintenance/index.do

For your bike: "When checking oil level, the motorcycle should be upright and the engine warm. Allow a few minutes for oil
to settle to a steady level after stopping the engine. Oil level should be between the marks near the sight glass."

The 620 capacity is 3.1L or approximately 3.27 quarts.  I have an '07 695 and the capacity is the same, though it never seems to take that much after an oil change so I would start with less than the max capacity and go from there.

Don't worry what it looks like on the sidestand -follow the manual and you'll be good.

[Triple J]

What concerns me is that when on the side stand, theres barely any visible oil.  

Looks like Ill have to take it out for a spin and check again, and maybe top if off some more.

It doesn't matter what it looks like when it's on its sidestand. Balance the bike by holding on to the handlebar while kneeling down to look at the site glass (if you're able to do this the bike should be pretty close to upright). If the oil level is anywhere between the two lines then you're good to go. There is absolutely no reason to put it right at the top line.

Also, don't worry about the milky white color. It is normal (especially in cold weather) and will go away eventually.

[mgrisham]

Triple J is right; it doesn't matter what it looks like when it's on its sidestand. And as to the milkiness, my 620 takes at least half an hour ride to warm up. The oil looks right after that.

[Q]

You can also get rid of the white stuff by removing the filler cap when you're finished riding. Let it vent until it cools down and there will likely be no white stuff left. Just remember to put it back on before you start it up again! As mentioned, the white stuff is condensation. It happens in cooler weather and shouldn't be an issue when the outside air temp is above 65 F or so.

The oil level will always appear to be empty when the bike is on the side stand. No woories there. Check it upright, level, and warm after it's been shut down for about 5-10 minutes.

Edit: fixed.

[thought]

You can also get rid og the white stuff by removing the filler cap when you're riding. Let it vent until it cools down and there will likely be no white stuff left. Just remember to put it back on before you start it up again! As mentioned, the white stuff is condensation. It happens in cooler weather and shouldn't be an issue when the outside air temp is above 65 F or so.

The oil level will always appear to be empty when the bike is on the side stand. No woories there. Check it upright, level, and warm after it's been shut down for about 5-10 minutes.

Just wanted to point out that he probably means AFTER you're riding it, not during.  Basically, warm the engine up, and then stop and unscrew the cap to let the excess water vapor vent out.  And like he said, dont forget to put the cap back on.

[Timmy Tucker]

Just wanted to point out that he probably means AFTER you're riding it, not during.

I made this exact mistake when I first got my monster.  "Cleanup on aisle 3"

[Q]

Just wanted to point out that he probably means AFTER you're riding it, not during.  Basically, warm the engine up, and then stop and unscrew the cap to let the excess water vapor vent out.  And like he said, dont forget to put the cap back on.

Absolutely! Thanks. It was a poorly worded post. I should have been more clear.