Checking oil accurately

[draboo]

This brainstorm came to me while reading another thread.

1. Change oil, filter(s). Add precisely the correct amount of oil needed according to manual
2. Ride for 5 minutes to check for leaks.
3. Let sit overnight
4. Check oil when cold the next morning with a longer instrument and mark it where the oil level is and use this to check oil when cold.

Pretty much all of the motorcycles I ve owned in the past (the ones with separate tanks,anyway. Some of the ones with wet sumps had cool little windows to look at the oil level) I checked oil when cold. It is also nicer to check oil before you fire up and head out, then you know you are good for the rest of the day,at least.

 

[BLUE MULE]

I started doing this also. I just marked a metal dowel after my last oil change and now I check it cold. Sooooooo much easier and so much less guesswork. My eyesight isn't the greatest and I was always having a hard time telling exactly where the oil was on the dipstick. I still check it hot from time to time, but I like this method much better! It's also a lot quicker, especially if you are on the go.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Thank You

:thumbup: Great Idea, I'll be doing this myself from now on, so I'm not "hard on :spyder:" anymore :roflblack: j/k
I had too, "Teddy Made Me Do It!" :roflblack:

 

[draboo]

:thumbup: Great Idea, I'll be doing this myself from now on, so I'm not "hard on :spyder:" anymore :roflblack: j/k
I had too, "Teddy Made Me Do It!" :roflblack:

"The cat's out of da bag"..now you know which thread I was a'readin'!

 

[draboo]

My first 73 Sportster oil checking procedure went something like this (circa 1974/75):

Stagger out to bike, if it was indeed anywhere to be found

If found, light cigarette of unknown origin, take a few "puffs"..

Hangover, suddenly, doesn't feel as bad as it did a minute ago..

Check and see if any money left in wallet. *nope*

Look at motorcycle and recall that oil hasnt been checked since..??

Pull off oil cap, peer into tank while shaking bike sideways, almost tipping it over.

Can't see anything, but heard a tiny splash. Oil level is right on.

Time for breakfast..either Micky-Dees or the Wooden Nickel Saloon. Probably the latter.

 

[mike3069]

This brainstorm came to me while reading another thread.

1. Change oil, filter(s). Add precisely the correct amount of oil needed according to manual
2. Ride for 5 minutes to check for leaks.
3. Let sit overnight
4. Check oil when cold the next morning with a longer instrument and mark it where the oil level is and use this to check oil when cold.

:thumbup:

 

[coz]

DIPSTICK MOD?

How about some kind permanent dipstick mod to remove all doubt? i know one of you talented gearheads out there can fab up something. could be a money maker.

 

[Tiny1]

My first 73 Sportster oil checking procedure went something like this (circa 1974/75):

Stagger out to bike, if it was indeed anywhere to be found

If found, light cigarette of unknown origin, take a few "puffs"..

Hangover, suddenly, doesn't feel as bad as it did a minute ago..

Check and see if any money left in wallet. *nope*

Look at motorcycle and recall that oil hasnt been checked since..??

Pull off oil cap, peer into tank while shaking bike sideways, almost tipping it over.

Can't see anything, but heard a tiny splash. Oil level is right on.

Time for breakfast..either Micky-Dees or the Wooden Nickel Saloon. Probably the latter.

:roflblack::thumbup:I love it!!:yikes:

 

[NancysToy]

Maybe one of the aftermarket suppliers will introduce a replacement dipstick with an extended wand. I'd still like to see a factory-installed sight-glass, but I would buy a replacement dipstick as an alternative. How about it sponsors?

 

[stillriding]

Maybe one of the aftermarket suppliers will introduce a replacement dipstick with an extended wand. I'd still like to see a factory-installed sight-glass, but I would buy a replacement dipstick as an alternative. How about it sponsors?

OK sponsors. The gauntlet has been thrown! And please use a color that will allow the oil level to be seen clearly.

 

[Havasu Rider]

:agree: When I get home after riding on a hot day (100 +) the last thing I want to do is spend the next 5 to 10 minutes checking the oil in a hot garage. I will buy one of the modified dip sticks in a heart beat.

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

Draboo, your reply is AWESOME, fell off the chair LMAO, been a long time since I did that. Anyway, if a sponsor comes up with a new plan , I AM DEFINETLY IN. Keep us posted.:roflblack::2thumbs::clap:

 

[glynnk]

Hey, I'll order it in a heartbeat! I always have trouble reading the factory dipstick!

Glynn

 

[SpyderDon]

:agree: I'd definately be interested.

 

[murphybrown]

I'm soooo ready for this "mod"....where do I order??? Oh not yet...darn I soooo hate waiting..oh well will keep on oil checking the tried & true and cussing every time I do :sour:

 

[spyryder]

sight glass

Just did a search on "hydraulic tank sight glass" and came up with a variety of manufacturers. Here's one with a few choices including level and temperature, mounts to the side of the tank:
http://www.lenzinc.com/product_list.php?id=TVRNNA==&sub_id=TkRFJTNE

 

[draboo]

What would be REALLY REALLY KEWL would be either:

A. A sight glass, like Scotty mentioned

B. A little analog gauge in the dipstick head with an needle to tell you the oil level (when cold) with separate dial, with same needle to tell you it when hot without having to take out the dipstick and, in turn, lose the o-ring!. ( I like to give those sponsors something to REALLY tax their braincells.) a little float sliding on a metal rod connected to a dial.

Hmm..

 

[draboo]

Just did a search on "hydraulic tank sight glass" and came up with a variety of manufacturers. Here's one with a few choices including level and temperature, mounts to the side of the tank:
http://www.lenzinc.com/product_list.php?id=TVRNNA==&sub_id=TkRFJTNE

I like those! The 3" one would work great, if only one could get inside the tank to put the nut on the bolt during installation.

 

[bikeguy]

:agree: When I get home after riding on a hot day (100 +) the last thing I want to do is spend the next 5 to 10 minutes checking the oil in a hot garage. I will buy one of the modified dip sticks in a heart beat.

:agree: I hate having to check the oil when the Spyder is hot and I am, too. I don't much care for sight glasses, either. I usually have to hunt up a flashlight and still have a hard time accurately reading the level. So, I'd sure buy a dipstick that I could use cold.

Cotton

 

[spyryder]

I like those! The 3" one would work great, if only one could get inside the tank to put the nut on the bolt during installation.

That might take a bit of creative thinking. If the nuts can't be installed through the filler or strainer, then an access hole could be made or the nuts could possibly be welded to the outside of the tank. :2thumbs: