Oil Level on 1330-engined Spyders, Chapter II

[BRPcare]

Thanks to a thoughtful note sent to me by forum member Jaybros, it's been brought to our attention that there was still some inconsistency in the messaging regarding oil changes and capacity. We'll work quickly to address those.

First, to avoid any confusion, here is the official, correct information:

• There is currently - as on June 23rd 2015 - only 1 1330 ACE engine configuration available. 2014/15 RT and 2015 F3 all have the same engine.
• The required oil fill amount when changing oil and oil filter on the SE6 engine is 4.7L or 5.0Qt.
• An oil quantity correction was made after production to avoid adding too much oil after an oil change and have to siphon it out rather than add oil to correct the level. During an oil change the amount of oil removed and needed to be added is never exactly the same, this is why a recommended amount to be added initially is given and then the procedure to verify the final level is used. A new dipstick is not necessary since the oil level in the oil tank doesn’t change, only the method of adding the initial amount before final level verification. In other words, it's easier to add more oil if you underfill than to remove excess oil if you overfill.
• Service bulletin 2014-7 “Shop Manual Modifications” was published August 2014 indicating changes to the PDF (web) version which included Engine Oil Level Verification and Engine Oil and Oil Filter Change.
• It is normal for a small engine, which includes a wet clutch and gearbox sharing the same oil, to shear down 20-30% within 1000-1500 miles but this shear flattens out and stabilizes for the remaining normal use interval. The 1330 ACE engine has been extensively tested to guarantee that 9300 miles is a safe oil change interval.

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Now, there are places where we'll have to make sure we update our instructions - evidently, we missed a couple:

• On page 126 of the 2014 RT Operator's Guide, Issue 219 001 219, the required oil fill amount when changing oil and oil filter on the SE6 engine is 5.3L or 5.6Qt - Information incorrect - will be updated with new quantities – PDF (web) version.
• On page 129 of the 2015 F3 Operator's Guide, Issue 219 001 534, the required oil fill amount when changing oil and oil filter on the SE6 engine is 5.6L or 5.9Qt - Information incorrect - will be updated with new quantities – PDF (web) version.
• On page 161 of the 2014 RT Operator's Guide and page 165 of the 2015 RT Operator's Guide the API service categories SL, SJ, SH, SG are listed for the engine. On page 129 of the F3 Operator's Guide API service categories SL, SJ, SM, SN are listed for the engine. Are service categories SM and SN acceptable for the 2014 and 2015 RT engines? Publication error as shop manual specifications remain API service categories SL, SJ, SH, SG.