Checking oil

[TEHelms]

Folks, I know it's been said numerous times but I'm going to say it again...checking the oil level on a 998 is one of the most frustrating parts of owning a Spyder. I've put about a couple of hundred miles on since last check so I check the oil after the engine's at operating temp...can't see oil on the stick. So, I add oil and bring it up about halfway between "add" and "full". I ride for about an hour, come back, let it sit for 5 or so and check it again....IT"S ABOVE THE FULL LINE! I check again to make sure it's not just my error...no, above still! Arghhh! There has to be a better way.

 

[Bob Denman]

Question: Are you following the instructions EXACTLY as they are stated in the manual?? :dontknow:

I'm sorry to have to ask this; folks seem to spend of lot of time interpreting them in different manners. :banghead:
When I had my 2010; I found that I was easily able to develop a consistent routine, that yielded repeatable results...

 

[Dan McNally]

Check your oil after ryding. Don't just "warm it up" . . . ryde it.

 

[vided]

i found it much easier on the 998 then the 1330 to see the oil level on the stick:thumbup:

 

[Vader]

My 2 cents

I normally check my oil level after a ride, making sure I have ridden for at least 20 minutes. I park on a level surface. I remove helmet, riding jacket. I remove side panel. Unscrew dipstick, wipe clean. I carefully replace dipstick, screw down tight, then unscrew and check level.
I have a '08 GS, and make sure to look at both sides of the dipstick in a well lit area.
Hopefully we have helped in a solution to your issue.

 

[Don in E Texas]

Same here....

I normally check my oil level after a ride, making sure I have ridden for at least 20 minutes. I park on a level surface. I remove helmet, riding jacket. I remove side panel. Unscrew dipstick, wipe clean. I carefully replace dipstick, screw down tight, then unscrew and check level.
I have a '08 GS, and make sure to look at both sides of the dipstick in a well lit area.
Hopefully we have helped in a solution to your issue.

Yep - do the same. Also use a paper towel - lay dipstick on towel and tilt 90 degrees -- will leave a wet spot and you can see your oil level easier.

Don

 

[TEHelms]

Check oil

Thanks to all that replied. So, a question. Is the difference between the "full" and "add" mark on the 998 a quart as it would be on a automobile dipstick?

 

[IGETAROUND]

or as it ALSO says in the manual, check is cold before starting and if there is ANY oil on the dipstick you're good to go.

Correlates well to the hot engine routine. I check my both ways. FWIW:roflblack:

 

[Highwayman2013]

The difference is probably 6 or 8 oz. I only add about 2 oz at a time.

 

[IGETAROUND]

Thanks to all that replied. So, a question. Is the difference between the "full" and "add" mark on the 998 a quart as it would be on a automobile dipstick?

​according to the manual 1/2 quart

 

[AY4B]

I made the mistake of letting the engine idle till the temp gauge got up to operating temp. That is not a oil operating temp, its the coolant operating temp. Like everyone says, check after a ryde.

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks to all that replied. So, a question. Is the difference between the "full" and "add" mark on the 998 a quart as it would be on a automobile dipstick?

Less... WAY less!
(See Below...)

The difference is probably 6 or 8 oz. I only add about 2 oz at a time.

It's always good to be careful to guard against over-filling it! :thumbup:

​according to the manual 1/2 quart

I always kind of figured that this was reasonably true... I'd dump in about 8 oz., and then check it again, after a quick trip around to block to circulate the juices...

 

[ABQSpyder]

Funny how everybody Bitch's about checking the oil.
On my BMW R1100RT you had to lay on the ground get the light just right to see this little site glass! Oh what a joy.

 

[Oldmanzues]

Funny how everybody Bitch's about checking the oil.
On my BMW R1100RT you had to lay on the ground get the light just right to see this little site glass! Oh what a joy.

I had the same thing on my Honda ST1100. somebody comes over while you are on hands knees or lying down and asks if you are having a problem, no just checking the oil. uh ...... okay
Oldmanzues

 

[retired1]

My Triumph America doesn't have a center stand, so I have to get my neighbor to hold it so I can check the oil level in the sight glass.:thumbup:

 

[Edsts]

Its redundant to check after you ride , but if thats what it is ,

I have always learned to check your oil and all fluids in any motor before you drive or ride .
Suppose your going on a long trip with your spyder , So i am suppose to ride the spyder around for bout 20 minutes then come back and check the oil . smh.

 

[Richardv]

Checking the oil level...

Folks, I know it's been said numerous times but I'm going to say it again...checking the oil level on a 998 is one of the most frustrating parts of owning a Spyder. I've put about a couple of hundred miles on since last check so I check the oil after the engine's at operating temp...can't see oil on the stick. So, I add oil and bring it up about halfway between "add" and "full". I ride for about an hour, come back, let it sit for 5 or so and check it again....IT"S ABOVE THE FULL LINE! I check again to make sure it's not just my error...no, above still! Arghhh! There has to be a better way.

Don't let it sit for 5 or so..... check it right away after turning it off...

 

[Bob Denman]

:welcome: :agree:...After the proscribed idling time has been completed. :thumbup:

 

[Deer Slayer]

The oil must be HOT. Water temperature is NOT an indicator of warmed up. I must agree check the oil at the end of a ride. Stop the Spyder pull the cover and check the oil. :cheers: