Checking the Oil (yet another thread...)

[johNTO]

Hi,
New Meanie owner....

I've read the threads on this subject, checked my service manual, but still confused about a few things regarding the oil level on my '02 MeanStreak.

With my bike "level", the oil in the sight window is at "L". Added 1/3 litre
of 20w50 but does not change the level in the sight window (even after waiting a few minutes). To make a long story short...even after adding a full litre the oil level in the sight window is still at "L"!?!.

I'm concerned about adding too much oil and thinking there may be a blockage into the sight window preventing a true read.

Questions:
1. How much oil does it take to move the level from "L" to half way to "H"?
2. How much oil is left when the idiot light goes on? (Hasn't happened yet)

I'm thinking about draining the oil to see how much comes out, then putting back in what the manual suggests (just to be on the safe side).

If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks!

[NY_Guy]

If you add too much oil, you can just drain some out. Keep adding oil until you see the oil rise to the top horizontal mark. If you don't start the engine, you can't do any damage (just get oil spillage). Oftentimes when oil is added, it's hard to see because it's new and clear. Make sure you have enough light to see the clean oil on top of the dirty oil. Good luck!

[jnk]

i guess you could have a blockage but i doubt it if it were blocked i don't think you would get any new oil in the sight glass but could have old oil captured in it

[cudaosix]

I would go with your idea and just drain the oil and add new according to your manual, keeping in mind that your filter is holding some oil as well. Start with a couple of quarts and add from there. Its possible that the bike isnt level eventhough you think it is, very easy to have the bike slated and think its level.

[bigjohnyeti]

First of all,WELCOME to the forum,lotsa fine and helpful people hang out here...Second of all-WE ALL WANNA SEE PICS OF THE MEANIE-preferably with a buxom bikini-clad hottie draped over the tank...lol but we`ll settle for the bike...
The light only comes on if there is no or dangerously low oil pressure-it is NOT an indicator of oil level-notice when you switch on the ignition the light is on and goes out when the engine cranks/starts.If it stays on when the engine is running you have big trouble.
As far as the level sight glass,make absolutely sure the bike is level-if it is leaned over just a little you can lose sight in the window,and if you add to it you may be over filling it.If the oil doesn`t have many miles on it or if you`re not sure when the last owner changed it or what oil is in there-spill it and change the oil and filter.Refill it with the amount the book says,it should get you about to the middle of the glass.
There are a bunch of threads about MC oil here on the forum,very informative and eye opening.
Again,welcome and come back often.
John

[johNTO]

Thanks for the responses....
I never even considered that clean oil might be hard to see in the sight window and that it may be sitting on top of the old stuff. I just focused on watching for the "dirty" oil to rise. I'll have to look more closely. I even put a level across the seat to ensure the bike was level (but it still doesn't mean much if my seats off).
I think I'll be dumping the oil and changing the filter while I'm at it.

Here are some pics (sorry about the poor res) of my bike....
Sorry, no bikini clad's (since I'm a newbie I gotta keep it clean...for a while )

[Idaho]

Very nice looking ride you have there.

[BigJohn]

Very sweet. Like the tornado.

As far as setting the oil level, when you change the oil and filter do the following. Level the bike. After replacing the filter put in three quarts right out of the bottles/cans. The bikes take 3.5 or so quarts. Crank up th engine for a couple of minutes. Turn off the engine. Now, get a cup or something similar and pour in oil one cup at a time. Continue until the oil level comes up to the middle of the sight glass.

Now, you know just how much oil it takes to fill it up. 3 quarts plus however many cups equils a full Vulcan.

[bigjohnyeti]

Very fine ride you have there.I just recently took the badges off my meanie....we don`t need no stinkin` badges !!! lol
John

[nyupsguy]

That is one awesome looking ride. Welcome!

[johNTO]

delete

[johNTO]

Update...it turns out that my bike was low about 1.75 litres of oil! At least that's what it took to register between the "L" and "H" in the sight glass.

Now that it has the proper amount of oil in her, I'll be sure to check it regularly.

Thanks again for the responses and the warm welcome.