Checking oil level - does temp matter?

[James83]

Sometimes I check my oil after a ride, sometimes before, I've not noticed a difference. The question is, is there a 'right' way to do it and why?

[arry]

Depends on manufacturer. Some specify 'cold', some 'hot' and some have marks for both hot and cold on the dipstick. Check your handbook.

[James83]

ok, cheers. Next question - anyone got a handbook for a zx6r f3 (1997)?

[Az]

Not sure if this would be relevant to your bike, but with my little honda it has to idle for 3-5minutes, then switched off and left to cool for 2-3minutes and then you check the dipstick (after you've wiped it and put it back in).
I believe too hot means the oils too runny to get an accurate reading on the dipstick and when it's cold its too thick for an accurate reading.

[Matt B]

[raesewell]

You need to take a look at the handbook some you do it cold others it's hot.
I have to check mine when its hot however if you take a reading hot and let it go cold and it still shows on the dipstick you then have a cold reference point
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Yamaha FJR 1300 Normanton West Yorkshire

[arry]

https://www.mediafire.com/view/vy4bjmnddb64ae7/ZX600-F3.pdf

Page 118

Doesn't specify hot or cold, just that if the bike has been run then you should wait 'several minutes' for the oil to drain back into the sump

[arry]

[James83]

[arry]

I'd just continue doing what you're doing TBH, and not worry too much about it.

My triumph book says the Sprint should be run up to temp. In practice, I rarely do that before checking the oil - I check the oil cold and then, occasionally after a run, I'll check the oil when the bike's still a bit warm.

I don't suspect there's ever a lot of difference in the two TBH.

[raesewell]

If the manual says run it I think it's safe to assume it doesn't mean run it for 30 secs so take your readings hot after letting the oil drain back there will be a difference between hot and cold readings
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Yamaha FJR 1300 Normanton West Yorkshire

[arry]

[raesewell]

you can interpret it that way if you wish however I think you'll find it needs to be hot
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Yamaha FJR 1300 Normanton West Yorkshire

[arry]

[P.addy]

I've always been under the impression its the quantity in the sump. You want what they state when the bike is cold.

Otherwise you'll still have oil flowing around etc making its way down. I always do it cold and check that its pretty much at the full mark.

[Skudd]

I run my engine until it is warm, then turn it off and leave it for 5 minutes, then check the oil. It is how I have been told to do it by many mechanics over the last 30 years.
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[Matt B]

I can't understand what the confusion is here?

Check the oil with the engine cold and the bike fully upright.

If the bike has been running (i.e. it's hot) give it a few minutes for the oil to drain back down into the sump.

The manual says nothing about running the engine before checking so don't.
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[Hugh Farking Cant]

Depending on the lubrication system of the engine.

A wet sump motor with either a dipstick or sightglass in the crankcase itself should ideally be checked from cold.

A dry sump engine that has a seperate oil tank with dipstick or sightglass in the tank should be checked after a period of running so that the pump has a chance to scavange any oil from the sump back to the tank. The owner should know there is at least the minimum amount of oil in the engine before starting though.

It was not unknown for older models of dry sump motors to allow all the oil from the tank to drain down to the sump at rest.(Known as wet sumping)
Consequently if a new owner added half a gallon of oil to the now empty tank and then set off for a run; the tank was overfilled and usually deposited the excess oil over the rear of the bike.

Quite discerning for the rider but at least entertaining for onlookers.

[haroman666]

The oil level wont change enough between cold and hot to matter.

Just so long as you check it when the engine hasn't been running in the last 5 mins.

I tend to check mine pre-ride, because it's better to know that you have oil before you go out and seize the engine.
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The mistresses: 2000 Honda CBR600f, 2000 Honda VTR1000

[jinks]

gsr750 oil sight glass turns white when stood when i ride it it clears up. i drained the oil and the oil looks clean no sign of the oil being white

[iooi]

[Copycat73]

check engine breather pipe for blockages...
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