oil quantity strangeness

[j3gq_imp]

Spring's oil change today. Had bought a 4.0 liter drum, and UM says (without oil filter change) one needs 3.8L
Thought that sounds easy enough, but when the swap was done, and the oil level window showing max level ... I had 0.450 L of oil left in the drum ? Upps ? Strange math I thought. Checked the drum, it is not oversized, no promotional extra quart.

Next took a ride. After returning home, and waiting for the engine to cool down, what do I find ? oil level is way beyond the max mark. So much it could even damage (?) the catalytic converters.

Beggin' for help: have you had similar problems ? how does one take 1 quart out without removing the drain screw all the way and getting it all over the floor ? The space around the oil filler cap seems much too tight for even the tiniest hose.

[Lord Popgun]

Yeah, you are going to have to just loosen the drain plug. There will be a mess. Not much you can do about it. Shouldn’t be a big mess though.

[pekingduck]

Have you tried draining some by loosening, then draining at the oil filter? It's a lot easier to wipe down.

[the Ferret]

It called for 3.8, you put in 3.6 right? How could it be a quart over filled?

Personally I drain the oil, remove and replace the oil filter, replace drain plug, then pour in 1 gallon of oil, then repeat in 4000 miles.

[misterprofessionality]

This actually sounds really odd to my inexperienced mind too. Every time ive changed oil on a bike, checked the oil level, run the bike and checked again, the level is lower, not higher. I guess i should ask the boneheaded question: was it on the same level surface both times it was checked? On the center stand both times?

[LongRanger_imp]

Was the bike warm when you drained it? If not, could some of the old oil not have drained from the oil cooler?

[GoldOxide_imp]

It called for 3.8, you put in 3.6 right? How could it be a quart over filled?

Personally I drain the oil, remove and replace the oil filter, replace drain plug, then pour in 1 gallon of oil, then repeat in 4000 miles.

(+1) Sound method from the caveman era stands the test of time.

[Mixagon_imp]

I had the same overfill problem done by a dealer when I bought a 2015ex
To get down to the normal level I took 500ml out via the oil filler hole with a thin fuel pipe (from model aircraft days) and a syringe, took a while but its possible.

I would guess as has been said earlier maybe you didn't drain all the oil out but don't worry as dealers do the same sometimes due to time or letting the apprentice change oils.

Now when I change the oil I don't go by quantity I just keep slowly pouring in until the desired level is reached.

[Rocky_imp]

I had the same overfill problem done by a dealer when I bought a 2015ex
To get down to the normal level I took 500ml out via the oil filler hole with a thin fuel pipe (from model aircraft days) and a syringe, took a while but its possible.

I would guess as has been said earlier maybe you didn't drain all the oil out but don't worry as dealers do the same sometimes due to time or letting the apprentice change oils.

Now when I change the oil I don't go by quantity I just keep slowly pouring in until the desired level is reached.

I do the same thing and don't go by exact quantities. After an oil and filter change, I take a spin around the block, let the engine cool and top up as needed.
My bike was also overfilled by the dealer. I cracked the drain plug and let some oil ooze out until it was below the sight glass top mark.
When I bought my Triumph Bonneville, it was also overfilled by the dealer

[GoldOxide_imp]

I am wondering if running the engine, stopping, pause, and then checking the dip stick level by dealer/garages "costs too much labour time"? It should be an essential part of the service procedure. Ah well.