My oil level is possessed

[Warthog]

I topped up the oil for the first time since I got the bike the other day and it went something like this:

I started the bike for not more than 1 second before I thought now was the perfect opportunity to do a cold engine oil check as per the manual so I stopped the engine and left the bike for about 2 minutes so that what oil had been pumped in that 1 second would settle. When I stopped the bike the oil was at the bottom of the window, after 1 minute is was a the half way mark and after another it was still at the half way mark. So I though ok now's the time. I topped up the oil in 3 bursts letting it settle in between for 30-40 seconds at a time and checking the window in between. In total, I reckon I added about 150-200cc (which fits in with the 500cc estimate in the manual for the whole window volume) but could have been more as I was adding from a 5 litre container. By the end the oil level was about 2mm below the top window and I then went for a 35 mile spin. However, this morning, in the same place as I measured the oil last time the oil level is out of sight of the top oif the window: what now?

Is it likely that I have drastically overfilled? If so, how should I drain some off. I thought about running the engine with the filler cap off and a cloth over it to absorb the oil that might be expelled, but I suspect there are better ways.

Should I panic (its something I'm good at)?

 

[cookie]

they all do that sir!

a search will reveal a myriad of ways to check the oil. if it's overfilled, remove & drain oil filter to lower the level.

or just ignore it.

 

[Noel]

1st, best way to check engine oil, after a run out i.e 5 bars on temp gauge, place on centre stand on level ground and come back in ten mins then check oil level,

2nd, Remove sump plug and drain some oil out, from the bottom of the glass to the top 100ml of oil is all that is needed, also take out the plug under the air box on the L/h side, you will find that if you have ran it, with too much oil in, this is were it goes.

 

[Warthog]

Well, based on that I'm going to leave it as is ( thanks for the reassurance cookie), but check the air filter housing for oil in case any have been expelled here (cheers Noel)
PS: I only went out to fit a ukGSer stick: I love that bike!! I had a very strong urge to do something quite unnatural to it!! hhmmmmm....

 

[Mouse]

Agreed with the above, the oil needs to be hot to show the correct level. Also I'd advise only filling to the middle of the window, mine seems to start burning oil when filled above that.

 

[Den]

2nd, Remove sump plug and drain some oil out, from the bottom of the glass to the top 100ml of oil is all that is needed,

I challenge anyone to remove the sump plug and drain out just 100ml of oil.

 

[cookie]

I challenge anyone to remove the sump plug and drain out just 100ml of oil.

that's why i suggested draining the filter. no more than the filter full will come out unless you've REALLY overfilled it

 

[Noel]

If you take out the filter it makes a right mess, unscrew the plug drop some oil out put it back in, whats your problem, so what if more than a 100ml of oil is lost it's pence to buy, rather have the right oil level in than burn it in the bores and foul plugs, work on engines every day for a living never had a problem. Take filter off rip seal away from filter no spare filter, in the pooh! Sorted.

 

[Warthog]

Well, after a long ride today, checked the oil level hot: still outside the window edge, so off with the bash plate and out with the oil drain plug: the oil was fecking hot and dost did rush forth with muchly enthusiasm: bit thin when its hot, eh? So I managed to re-fit the plug mid flow and the oil had drained the half way on the window: not bad. Judging by how fast the level appeared, there really wasn't too much extra.

So I have managed to waterproof the garage floor with spent GS oil: Thanks all for all the comments.

 

[Noel]

Fancy doing it when it was hot it still runs out when it's cold, never mind least it's sorted. Happy Riding.

 

[Fanum]

Warthog- as people have already said, there are many ways that different people use to check the oil.

Personally I stick it on the centre stand, unpack whatever's packed and take my riding kit off, then check the window.....I aim for inbetween the middle and the top.

I don't think it's as critical as some say....I reckon the most important thing is find a sensible level after a sensible and easy to use method of checking it, then stick to it and don't worry too much......

The important thing is consistancy...make it a habit as to how you check it, and stick to it.

 

[rdover]

So filling it til the oil comes out the filler hole is 'bad thing' then!

Sorry, I had to repeat what my wife just asked!

 

[Engineer]

So filling it til the oil comes out the filler hole is 'bad thing' then!

Sorry, I had to repeat what my wife just asked!

That's what I love about this forum; always makes me smile