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(11-20-2016, 02:22 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: Looking at the Lubrication System Diagram in the service manual, there is nothing that keeps the oil from draining from the cooler to the case.
Except the oil cooler lines are on the top. So unless it siphons out, I don't know how the cooler would empty. I don't know how much oil would be in the lines and passages either.
Thanks for the input. Do you have any logical explanation (other than siphoning) for why this bike does not show consistent results when checking the oil level in the sight glass? The inspection procedure is identical each time, with the bike on the center stand in the same location on the driveway.
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(11-20-2016, 06:43 AM)Dave_imp Wrote: (11-20-2016, 02:22 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: Looking at the Lubrication System Diagram in the service manual, there is nothing that keeps the oil from draining from the cooler to the case.
Except the oil cooler lines are on the top. So unless it siphons out, I don't know how the cooler would empty. I don't know how much oil would be in the lines and passages either.
Thanks for the input. Do you have any logical explanation (other than siphoning) for why this bike does not show consistent results when checking the oil level in the sight glass? The inspection procedure is identical each time, with the bike on the center stand in the same location on the driveway.
Thanks for the input. Do you have any logical explanation (other than siphoning) for why this bike does not show consistent results when checking the oil level in the sight glass? The inspection procedure is identical each time, with the bike on the center stand in the same location on the driveway. You warming the bike up for several minutes first? Makes all the difference.
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I do not. And there have been some pretty extensive discussions about this on the board.
For me, I follow the Honda instructions for changing the oil and fill to between the lines or to the top line. Later it will be over the top line. I quit worrying about it.
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Presumably, the procedure for checking the oil level described by Honda is designed to deliver a consistent result. Place the bike on the centre stand, When the engine is cold, start it, idle for 3-5 minutes, switch off, allow to sit for 2-3 minutes then check the oil.
I'd expect that to produce a different result to checking it cold or when you've let it sit for 2-3 minutes after a long run.
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(11-20-2016, 08:03 AM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: Presumably, the procedure for checking the oil level described by Honda is designed to deliver a consistent result. Place the bike on the centre stand, When the engine is cold, start it, idle for 3-5 minutes, switch off, allow to sit for 2-3 minutes then check the oil.
I'd expect that to produce a different result to checking it cold or when you've let it sit for 2-3 minutes after a long run.
Why would that make a difference compared to checking it after a long run, as long as you allow the bike to sit on level ground for 2 - 3 minutes before checking?
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I would have thought the oil is a great deal hotter and therefore behaving differently after a long run.
It's just speculation on my part. I'm not basing it on any real knowledge of oil behaviour.
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(11-20-2016, 09:42 AM)Cormanus_imp Wrote: I would have thought the oil is a great deal hotter and therefore behaving differently after a long run.
It's just speculation on my part. I'm not basing it on any real knowledge of oil behaviour.
You're at least on the right track there for sure. The oil expands and also drains very quickly after a long ride and will show a high reading. I got fooled that way a couple times. Especially with so much oil as this bike has, have to follow the procedure exactly.
Basically I found what others have, if you drain the oil after warming the bike, replace the filter without filling the filter with any oil, it'll take four quarts to put the sight glass level just under the top line. I just did it a couple weeks back, it was right on the money.
I used to drain the oil cold, put oil in the filter, all that stuff ends up giving false readings. Got to follow Honda's procedure.
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Try this, after an errand, day ride what ever, stop the bike where you normally park on level surface, leaving the bike running, dismount and put down the center stand, let it idle for several more seconds, say 10-15 seconds, turn off and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes while slugging down a beer, then check, use this parking method every time for consistency. just sayin...
