How to check oil level

[GaryTheBadger]

What is the correct way to check the oil level? I have read the manual, but the oil level on the dipstick when the engine is warm is foamy, so I can't see the actual oil level, just bubbles on the dipstick. And, unlike a car or two-wheeler, when the engine is cold, there's no oil on the dipstick at all (is that normal? Its new, seems to run okay, and no dashboard warning light, so I doubt I'm actually out of oil).

 

[NancysToy]

The procedure in the book is the right one. You are unlikely to have oil show on the short dipstick if the engine is not at operating temperature. In fact, the level can still show low unless the Spyder is at full operating temperature, not just the correct water tewmperature. I recommend after a ride. I have some serious concerns about the foaming you are seeing. If it is excessive, as it sounds, I would suspect a procedural problem, an incorrect oil, or an oiling system problem. First, double check your procedure. If you are checking while the engine is running, you will not get and accurate reading. You also must run the engine briefly just before checking the level. I would also change the oil and filter right away, using the specified products. If the problem persists, I would contact a dealer ASAP.
-Scotty

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Scotty, thanks, I will ride it today, get it thoroughly warmed up, then check the level again. I assume from your reply there should be NO foam, it should look just like any other gas engine dipstick when checking oil...an easy to see point on the dipstick where the level raises to?

 

[BRPjunkie]

I took the advice from another post and drilled 2 small holes in the dipstick. It makes it much easier to see where the oil level is.

 

[Jimmy Neutron]

what is the deal about drilling two holes on dipstick?

 

[BRPjunkie]

what is the deal about drilling two holes on dipstick?

The black plastic dipstick sometimes makes it hard to see just where the oil level is. By drilling a small hole in the dipstick near the low level mark and another near the high level mark, when you pull it out, the oil clings in the hole and makes it easier to see just where the oil level is. If you can see the oil level clearly on the dipstick, no need to do anything. I had to insert it two or three times to try to get a good read and found that the small holes really helped me. It could be my soon to be 60 year old eyes.

 

[Jimmy Neutron]

Good to know thanks

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty, thanks, I will ride it today, get it thoroughly warmed up, then check the level again. I assume from your reply there should be NO foam, it should look just like any other gas engine dipstick when checking oil...an easy to see point on the dipstick where the level raises to?

You may normally see some bubbles, but anything excessive, as you have described, usually indicates problems. I have not seen foaming of synthetic oils much, and I haven't seen foaming in our Spyder...or even in my old Triumph with a dry sump tank.
-Scotty

 

[vt228]

oil

:chat::chat: if you see bubbls in oil check for water I never seen bubbls in oil on mine I had it happen on my truck once when gasket let go

[/quote]

 

[Latemarch]

You may normally see some bubbles, but anything excessive, as you have described, usually indicates problems. I have not seen foaming of synthetic oils much, and I haven't seen foaming in our Spyder...or even in my old Triumph with a dry sump tank.
-Scotty

I find lots of largish bubbles at the top of the tank but they go away if you just wait for 15 to 30 seconds and then check the oil.

I don't define that as foaming but some people might

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Mystery solved. The manual says wait 30 seconds after running the bike to check the oil. When I do that, I get bubbles/foam on the dipstick. If I wait longer, say 5 to 10 minutes, there's a distinct oil level registered on the dipstick, just like for any car.

 

[smokster]

The black plastic dipstick sometimes makes it hard to see just where the oil level is. By drilling a small hole in the dipstick near the low level mark and another near the high level mark, when you pull it out, the oil clings in the hole and makes it easier to see just where the oil level is. If you can see the oil level clearly on the dipstick, no need to do anything. I had to insert it two or three times to try to get a good read and found that the small holes really helped me. It could be my soon to be 60 year old eyes.

I like the drilling method.
My problem after 2000 miles, I see nothing on the stick, period. Always have to add 1/2 quart or so.