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Engine oil level check

Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:27 pm
by Adam
2007 Electra 500 X (5 Speed). Overfilled the engine oil recently with the inevitable result of rust-proofing the swinging arm, rear wheel and tyre. The handbook has an addendum stuffed in it which talks firstly about checking it cold then talks about running it for 1 minute, stand for 2 then check. Can anyone tell me please what works for them?
Ta, Adam

Engine oil level check

Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 5:42 pm
by PeteF
It's fairly common for these engines to wet-sump (oil collecting in the sump)
That's not a problem unless it's really bad as the sump gets scavenged pretty quickly when the engine starts.
If you adjust the level cold and it is wet-sumping then you end up overfilled when the oil in the sump returns to the oil "tank".
So, it's good practice to check the level a minute or so after shutting down. This time gives the oil at the top of the engine drain down.
You want to level about half way between the marks on the dipstick.

Engine oil level check

Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 8:53 am
by Adam
Thanks Pete, I'll give it a go.
Adam

Engine oil level check

Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 1:36 pm
by grunda 12
i,ll give you my tuppence worth i had an electra x check the oil like this turn ignition on start bike let it run for a minute turn engine off wait a minute the check oil as peter says they wet sump but dont smoke on start up at least mine didnt although i have seen one blow lage quantities of oil out in the middle of riding after 2 hours thatl be the electra x gone but not forgotten because the buyer of mine is always calling me for tips i even supplied a manual!!