Engine oil level at ambient temperature

heems

heems

Member
While doing a pre-flight check noticed the oil dipstick is bone dry (before starting the bike). Is that normal? No oil light on last time I rode, but concerned. No leaks anywhere as far I can tell. Manual says check oil when engine is warm. Will do that here shortly, but I thought I ask anyway.
 
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woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
on the kickstand or off. think it is supposed to on the kickstand. look at the top of the dipstick, should be a label.
 
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woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
heems said:
Will do. What's the cure if this is the case?

Ps: Last (and first) oil change was just 350 miles ago...
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with it being the only oil change it has had, have you check the oil level before this? dealer may not have completely topped it off when the oil change was done.
 
DRBarnhart

DRBarnhart

Insert title here...
Is it putting out a bluish tinted smoke from the exhaust? Is there any soot accumulation in the pipes? Assuming a brand new bike is burning the oil is definitely a "glass is half empty" way to look at it and not very likely!!! :down:

Just warm up the bike, check the oil and top it off if you need to. After that keep your eye on the level. You're supposed to check it before you ride each time anyway. :D

Read the manual and quit worrying so much... :rolleyes:

Dennis

PS I should mention that a small amount of oil usage is not uncommon for an engine until it's broken in... :)
 
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angelofinsanity

Member
remember 08 pitbulls require a lil more oil than other dogs, so the dealer might have not topped it off like others have said... if it is really low your oil light should be coming on anyway.

i myself have had this problem and have now gotten into the habit of checking the oil every couple days (i ride everyday) just to be on the safe side.
 
RCAdd1ct

RCAdd1ct

JAFO
AFAIK there are three way to lose oil.

1. It never was in there - top it off and monitor it - problem solved.
2. it is leaking externally - park on cardboard, watch for leaks - fix them.
3. It is burning it either going by the rings or going out the breathers and then being burned (if your breathers vent to atmosphere see #2). - this is when the warranty comes into play.

Do a leak down test to see if the rings are seating. Put 500 more miles on the bike watching the oil and then retest. You are looking for about 6% from each cylinder. Anything over 10% is suspect.

On my current rebuild I am at 14% on each cylinder. Pistons look fine. Rings look OK. Cylinders are round but there are small scratches on the front and back of each cylinder. It is amazing how perfect the bores need to be.

Anyway, I digress.

Top off the oil and see if it really is an issue.

If it is, check your plugs for oil fouling and get a compression/leak down test. Then go from there.
 
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woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
RCAdd1ct said:
AFAIK there are three way to lose oil.

1. It never was in there - top it off and monitor it - problem solved.
2. it is leaking externally - park on cardboard, watch for leaks - fix them.
3. It is burning it either going by the rings or going out the breathers and then being burned (if your breathers vent to atmosphere see #2). - this is when the warranty comes into play.

Do a leak down test to see if the rings are seating. Put 500 more miles on the bike watching the oil and then retest. You are looking for about 6% from each cylinder. Anything over 10% is suspect.

On my current rebuild I am at 14% on each cylinder. Pistons look fine. Rings look OK. Cylinders are round but there are small scratches on the front and back of each cylinder. It is amazing how perfect the bores need to be.

Anyway, I digress.

Top off the oil and see if it really is an issue.

If it is, check your plugs for oil fouling and get a compression/leak down test. Then go from there.
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:cheers: good detail. :cheers:
 
RRRUFF

RRRUFF

Well-Known Member
heems,
The best time to check your oil is right after a ride. These motors are a dry sump system that is why you have an oil tank. Sometimes when the bike sits for a while the oil cools and it will leak down into the engine sump when the check valve doesn't seat properly. On the stand/off the kick stand may vary but my manual (2005 BDM Chopper)says straight up and level.
 
heems

heems

Member
As far as I can remember, I did check the level after it came back from 500 mile service, but I could be wrong. I'll run the engine, check and top if necessary and monitor it from there...

Have a 500 mile trip coming up in June (ROT) so I'll be sure to bring along a quart or two... :)

Thanks for all the help. Will let you know if things get worse...
 
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robinson motorsports

New Member
Dumb question, what is the proper level for a 2005, I have 2 Choppers here, niether has a dip stick in the threaded fill tube plug next to the battery. Is there a dipstick/sight glass somewhere else??
 
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