Checking oil in RT-Ltd question.

[GuitarPlayer]

So with all the oil related posts going on at the moment, I have a question about checking the oil in my RT.

Sunday after a long ride I went to check the oil. I pulled the left panel and unscrewed the dip stick and saw that there was oil on it just above the full mark. I wiped the oil off, screwed in the dip stick, unscrewed and when I check the oil, there was no oil, not a drop on the dip stick. All this took about 30 seconds.

My question is, do I need to add some oil or not? I think the answer is yes, but I'm not sure. I'm not having any problems shifting the Spyder at all.

Thanks,

Tony

 

[jthornton]

I follow the oil checking procedure on the sticker. About every 500 miles or so when the engine is up to operating temperature I remove the cover then run the engine 30 seconds. Remove and clean the dip stick, then re-install fully then remove and read the oil level. Much to my surprise I need to add a 1/3 of a quart to bring it up to the full mark. I have 3500 miles so you would think it is broken in...

JT

 

[Bob Denman]

It is an absolute necessity that you follow the instructions that are in the manual.
Di it just like John said, and you'll be good on the process... :thumbup:
You never mentioned how many miles are on your bike, but it's not unusual to have to add a bit of oil in between the changes.

 

[GuitarPlayer]

I've got about 3600 miles on my Spyder. Sounds then like I need to add some oil. Not a problem.

Thanks,

Tony

 

[NancysToy]

The oil level on the stick when you first pull it out means nothing, due to splash and retained bubbles. Wipe it off, reinsert it, screw it down, then remove and read. You also may want to wait 30-60 seconds after shutting it off to do so, so any excess bubbles can dissipate. Yes, you need some oil...provided you screwed the dipstick in before the second reading.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Just a word of caution about NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE

As stated, follow the manual for checking the oil.

One thing that messes many newer owners up, is that they think either the analogue or the digital Temp. Gauge is what they should be going by to measure the engine temperature, and that's NOT correct. Both those gauges are showing your coolant (IE:Antifreeze) temperature which is NOT the same as your ENGINE Temperature. BRP doesn't spell this out in the manual :lecturef_smilie: so its easy to understand why so many newer owners will start up their Spyders and let it sit running for a few minutes til they see the 'Temp' gauge read 5 bars or in the middle, and think that the Spyder is properly warmed up and ready for the oil to be checked, it ISN'T :lecturef_smilie: Doing it this way has caused many owners (myself included) to over-fill their oil, and therfore get the excess oil in their airboxes.

For the engine to be properly warmed up, you actually need to ryde the Spyder for a good 10-15 minutes at least, putting it thru all the gears to get all the metal and oil heated up.

Here's what the manual says for a 2011 RT-S:

To obtain a precise readingof the engine oil level, followthisprocedure and make sure engine isat normal operating temperature.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.2. Remove the LH middle side panel.Refer to​

BODY PANELS in the​

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES​

subsection.

3. With the engine already at normaloperating temperature, start engineand let it run for at least 30 seconds.​

NOTE:​

Running engine for at least30 seconds allows the suction oilpump to drain the oil from the enginecrankcase back into the oil tank. Notcarrying out this step could result inoverfilling the engine oil.4. Stop engine.5. Unscrew and remove the oil dipstick.​

rmo2010-001-062_a​

1. Oil dipstick2. Oil tank​

6. Wipe off the dipstick.7. Reinsert and​

completely screw in​

the dipstick to assure an accuratereading.8. Unscrew and remove the dipstickagain.9. Check the oil level on the dipstick. Itshould be near or equal to the uppermark.​

rmr2008-011-102_a​

1. Full2. Add3. Operating range​

Oil Level is at or Near UpperMark:​

1. Properly insert and tighten dipstick.2. Install the LH middle side panel. Referto​

BODY PANELS in the MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES subsection.​

Oil Level Under Operating Range:​

1. Add a small amount of recommendedoil.2. Repeat the above steps until oillevel reaches the dipsticks upper(F)mark.​

Do not overfill.​

3. Properly insert and tighten dipstick.4. Install the LH middle side panel.Refer to the​

BODY PANELS in the​

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

 

[GuitarPlayer]

I appreciate all the help. SpyderLovers is a great resource for information! After I get my Ultimate seat installed tonight, I'll go for a 15 minute test run and check the oil according to the manual after that.

Thanks everyone.

Tony

 

[ulflyer]

I appreciate all the help. SpyderLovers is a great resource for information! After I get my Ultimate seat installed tonight, I'll go for a 15 minute test run and check the oil according to the manual after that.

Thanks everyone.

Tony

Thats the ticket; just add oil then, not after its cooled down.

 

[Dan McNally]

Crossthreading the dip stick

I have the hardest time getting the dipstick to thread properly . . . I wish it was metal and not plastic. I just know I'm going to cross thread it one of these days . . . so I just ordered a spare so I'll have it when that day comes. I check my tire pressure before my first ride of the day . . . and check my oil when I pull back into the garage after a ride.

 

[greenlaps]

No oil at all on dip stick ?

I had 2011 RT-S serviced at 3000 miles and 800 miles later the check Engine light came on with lots of shaking and noise. Checked the dip stick and no oil at all. They are coming to pick the bike up, because I don't want to start it. The dealer told me to not worry there was plenty of oil in the bike. After reading the threads I now understand the oil thing. But now I am really worried.