Question about oil level
 

Just done an oil, filter and plug (what a pain) change on my 2007 650 Sport and I'm not sure about the oil level.

The manual says 2300ml, the stamping on the engine says 2300ml yet I've managed to get almost 3 litres in there and the level in the inspection window still isn't quite up to the full line. I realise that the filter needs 'charging' so a bit more is needed but how much?

Also, should I be checking the oil level with the bike upright or on the sidestand?

Ps. advice for service virgins... make sure you replace the spark plug caps BEFORE refitting the seat, tank and radiator #-o

Re: Question about oil level
 

You need the bike level, if you do it on the sidestand you'll have problems!

Can take a fair bit to fill the filter up, fill it to the full line, run it for a minute or so, make sure the oil lights gone out. Top it up back to full.

3l sounds excessive to me, make sure you've got it proper level and that you're not looking at oil, fresh oil is clear so sometimes you can see right through it and it looks empty.

Re: Question about oil level
 

3 litres does seem too much. Do not start the engine until you have checked the bike upright - NOT on the side stand - if you do, it will show the level lower than it actually is, as the sight glass is on the RHD of the bike, and it will be tipped over to the left.

To drain some of the oil out, you can loosen the filter, and some should drip out - easier than taking out the sump plug.

BTW, the SV Workshop manuals gives the oil level checking procedure as:

1) Start up the engine, and allow it to idle for a few mins
2) Turn off, and wait about 3 mins, then check the level through the oil level window.

Level should be between the L and F mark.

BTW, When you drained the oil, did you keep the bike upright? If not, not all of the old oil may have come out.

Re: Question about oil level
 

3L is too much, you need to drain some out!!!

As said before, you need to take the oil lever reading with the bike bolt upright and not on a paddock stand. Level should be between the F and L

Re: Question about oil level
 

Thanks for the quick replies guys.

I probably should point out that I checked the level WITH the bike upright and it is sitting almost at the F line. Also, when the bike is running I can actually see the oil flowing (kinda looks like a wave machine in a swimming pool).

I think I'll leave it to settle overnight and check again in the morning.

Re: Question about oil level
 

I wouldn't leave it to settle overnight. I would follow the oil checking procedure as posted above - I took this from the SV Workshop Manual, so I think it can be trusted!

BTW, never noticed my oil swooshing around when the engine is running - I'll check tho, got me intrigued!

HTH,

BB.

Re: Question about oil level
 

Just been out to check again and surprise, surprise, it was off the scale. All sorted out now though, thanks again.

Pps. Advice for service virgins part 2... don't try to drain oil with the lower fairings (if you have them) still attached. After dropping the drain plug and losing half the oil all over the driveway I was very relieved I'd bought 5 litres earlier today. 5 minutes of soaking in detergent and 10 minutes of scrubbing and my drive is nice and clean again so no oil all over the tyres tomorrow.

It was never this hard with my GS500 :scratch:

Re: Question about oil level
 

With a filter change the oil required is 2400 mls so the filter takes around 100 ml.

Sounds like you had the problem that I've had before. I now use a spirit level over the filler cap to give me an indication of the of bike-uprightness.:) Also an assistant to look at the sight glass is useful. I reckon otherwise you have a tendency to tip the bike as you peer into the glass from the saddle.

Persevere, it does get easier each time of doing it.:D

Re: Question about oil level
 

The manual for my K5 pointy says it's 2700ml with oil & filter change (2300ml without filter change), which is about as much as I managed to fit in up to the F line.

Re: Question about oil level
 

Interesting.:cool:

Haynes state for a Curvy mind you.

2300ml for oil change
2400mls oil and filter
2700 following engine overhaul, dry engine,new filter.

I wonder if the oil cooler on a pointy doesn't drain without the filter being removed?