oil level

[Derek Young]

When I have a problem with my FJ and ask a technical question, there is a very short list of people I am looking to for answers.  You are at or near the top of that list David.  Thank you for your contributions.
I hope that doesn't change. 

Derek

[Steve_in_Florida]

Shawn,
The evolution of this thread is an example as to WHY we don't bring up the "O_L" subject.

It's like pissing on the campfire!

Steve

[movenon]

Shawn,
The evolution of this thread is an example as to WHY we don't bring up the "O_L" subject.

It's like pissing on the campfire!

Steve

 

[fintip]

The 'problem', as I see it, is not the range of information or even opinions provided here.  Rather, it is the number of folks with little of no knowledge who feel that they must "contribute" to the discussion.
This can take a number of forms.  Some refute facts with no theory or experience, some try and add humor (or humour) to a serious technical discussion, and some just try and show off how witty they can be.
The problem that then develops is that with 3,000 members some don't feel they can contribute or they'll be attacked, and others feel that they have to put their 2 cents in on everything.
All of this makes for a time commitment to read the list each day that is excessive for many.
I doubt many will be upset at a serious discussion with differing opinions.
I expect most will be less than amused when it becomes needless pedantic nit-picking.
I don't read all the topics, and I log in most every day and it does take a fair amount of time (and I'm retired so have more free time than most)
Still, I read a topic and generally ask myself if I have anything of value to add to the discussion.  If not, I will rarely post a comment.  And, if the information has already been posted, there's no need to be a cheer squad.  I also try to stay out of arguments, I state my point and leave it there.
I would expect that one of the most difficult decisions a newby with limited technical knowledge has is deciding which of the posters actually knows what they are talking about.

Arnie

+1

I know if I were David, I'd be more annoyed that everyone want to play the role of moderator right now.

Noel, David, Pat and Arnie (among others) are all at the top of my list. I think they all know that, and don't need us cheerleading them--everyone's different, but the idea that someone would think I need their pat on the back if I were in their position would probably annoy the piss out of me.

And I think if I were a moderator, I'd probably lock this thread, because there isn't anything of value really left to be said.

I've never had problems with my oil level, but if I ever do, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be using the search feature to find this thread.

[pete m]

All that rigmarole about going for rides and such is nonsense.

All I was trying to do was explain my technique for not overfilling the oil level.  If you don't like it then don't do it.

I won't make the mistake of sharing anything else.

DavidR.

Steady on there Pal, I didn't mean to cause offence there, It's just my opinion and It's something I've never needed to do in 150,000 miles with FJs.

[pete m]

All that rigmarole about going for rides and such is nonsense.

All I was trying to do was explain my technique for not overfilling the oil level.  If you don't like it then don't do it.

I won't make the mistake of sharing anything else.

DavidR.

Eh, come on David.

I still want petem explain this 'emulsification' that occurs...      

Your getting one (explanation) now, I'm a polymer engineer, that's how I make my living. Through rapid intermediate heating, shear, abrasion, compression and stretching the polymer chains become highly ductile and as no crank case is totally 100% air tight as it has to breathe, emulsification takes place (air and water vapour get in between the polymer chains)increasing the volume of the liquid only slightly but it does occur.

I do apologise as I didn't explain my self correctly in the previous thread, when I mean the oil gets hot I mean after running the engine for perhaps five minutes.

If you were going to go for a ride I'd suggest a good 100 miler!

Seems to me that anyone new on here airing an opinion is not a welcome thing?  

[yamaha fj rider]

Pete don't let this get to you. Give it some time, let people get to know you. There are a lot of new members that think they know everything about motorcycles and Yamaha FJs. Then find out how little they really know. Hope this explanation helps. Someone with your knowledge could make great contributions.

Kurt     

[pete m]

Pete don't let this get to you. Give it some time, let people get to know you. There are a lot of new members that think they know everything about motorcycles and Yamaha FJs. Then find out how little they really know. Hope this explanation helps. Someone with your knowledge could make great contributions.

Kurt     

Cheers Kurt, admittedly I can be a little abrupt at times, I don't mean anything by it at all, It's just the way I am. I've been around FJs in one form or another for nearly 30 years I don't profess to know everything myself but I am a quick learner!

Again, thanks Kurt.

[Steve_in_Florida]

I hate to touch this thread again, but I'd like to address an issue that I discovered while adjusting my valves, that supports SlowOldGuy's method of filling the oil to the proper level.

Earlier this afternoon, I removed the valve cover on my 1992 FJ to expose the camshaft and valve shims. The area I needed to work in was surrounded by puddles of oil.

I rarely use my side stand, and prefer to store the bike on the center stand.

There was so much oil in my way, I couldn't easily remove the shims, as they were UNDER the puddle of oil!

Reluctantly, I replaced the valve cover, fuel tank, and seat so I could take the bike OFF THE CENTER STAND, and let it rest on the side stand so the excess oil could drain back into the sump.

Needless to say, I got distracted by another task (rotating tires on my car), and it's now raining. Grrr...

Anyway, I am now a believer in the process that DavidR (SlowOldGuy) discussed earlier in this thread. I'm man enough to admit to being humbled by someone who knows far more than I do.

Steve

[oldktmdude]

I hate to touch this thread again, but I'd like to address an issue that I discovered while adjusting my valves, that supports SlowOldGuy's method of filling the oil to the proper level.

Earlier this afternoon, I removed the valve cover on my 1992 FJ to expose the camshaft and valve shims. The area I needed to work in was surrounded by puddles of oil.

I rarely use my side stand, and prefer to store the bike on the center stand.

There was so much oil in my way, I couldn't easily remove the shims, as they were UNDER the puddle of oil!

Reluctantly, I replaced the valve cover, fuel tank, and seat so I could take the bike OFF THE CENTER STAND, and let it rest on the side stand so the excess oil could drain back into the sump.

Needless to say, I got distracted by another task (rotating tires on my car), and it's now raining. Grrr...

Anyway, I am now a believer in the process that DavidR (SlowOldGuy) discussed earlier in this thread. I'm man enough to admit to being humbled by someone who knows far more than I do.

Steve

Think about this. Nobody that I know rides their bike on their side-stand so; the oil that is captured in the lower sections of the valve gear is always going to be there whilst riding, therefore increasing oil capacity. Surely Yamaha took this into consideration when they wrote the instructions on how to check the oil level.
    Please don't take this as me arguing that anyone is right or wrong about how the oil level should be checked but just something else to consider whilst deciding which method you choose to use.   Regards, Pete.

[oz.fj]

I hate to touch this thread again, but I'd like to address an issue that I discovered while adjusting my valves, that supports SlowOldGuy's method of filling the oil to the proper level.

Earlier this afternoon, I removed the valve cover on my 1992 FJ to expose the camshaft and valve shims. The area I needed to work in was surrounded by puddles of oil.

I rarely use my side stand, and prefer to store the bike on the center stand.

There was so much oil in my way, I couldn't easily remove the shims, as they were UNDER the puddle of oil!

Reluctantly, I replaced the valve cover, fuel tank, and seat so I could take the bike OFF THE CENTER STAND, and let it rest on the side stand so the excess oil could drain back into the sump.

Needless to say, I got distracted by another task (rotating tires on my car), and it's now raining. Grrr...

Anyway, I am now a believer in the process that DavidR (SlowOldGuy) discussed earlier in this thread. I'm man enough to admit to being humbled by someone who knows far more than I do.

Steve

Think about this. Nobody that I know rides their bike on their side-stand so; the oil that is captured in the lower sections of the valve gear is always going to be there whilst riding, therefore increasing oil capacity. Surely Yamaha took this into consideration when they wrote the instructions on how to check the oil level.
    Please don't take this as me arguing that anyone is right or wrong about how the oil level should be checked but just something else to consider whilst deciding which method you choose to use.   Regards, Pete.

Maybe not on the side stand
But I've seen your bike leaned out futher than that
While you've been riding

Darran

[mr blackstock]

While I do not wish to get anyone further inflamed...for a long time my oil level seemed to be guess work, some days it would look damn near empty, other days mostly full.  It got to the point where I was carrying spare oil in case the light came on!

Today I tried David's technique, park on side stand for a few minutes and then on full stand....bugger me if it did not work great, no more waiting for an hour for the bloody oil to work it's way down to the sump.

While the argument stating Yamaha would have allowed for that may be valid, but I have never came across this oil level issue before, nor the petcock popping out while riding etc...

Thanks David, it works for me, and it reinforces why I come to this forum, advice, tips, and tech info.

cheers, Gareth

[jvb_ca]

With bike on centerstand, fill with oil until it just fills the window. 
Start the motor and run for about a minute to fill the oil filter.
Shut the motor off and place the bike on the side stand for about 5 minutes to allow excess oil in the top end to drain to the sump.
Back on the centerstand to top off and just fill to the top of the window.

If you top off without ever taking the bike off the centerstand to let the top end drain, you'll overfill it.

DavidR.

Hmmm..never noticed this before. This is interesting. I just did my out of storage oil change the other day and I topped it up to just below the top line on the sight window like I always do.  I don't have a centre stand so I use a pit stand. This probably jacks the ass up more than the centre stand does but at least it is level side to side. I have never given it any more thought. I keep an eye on it, and it always goes down a bit after a good extended spirited ride, but I always think this is normal for an older air cooled motor with a few miles on it.
Now with this info, I have probably been over filling since day one. I am going to check this when I get home as I haven't gone for a ride yet.
Thanks David.

Cheers...Jake

[Woodsman]

Great. I knew there would be some advantage in not having a centre stand.

[crzyjarmans]

Shawn,
The evolution of this thread is an example as to WHY we don't bring up the "O_L" subject.

It's like pissing on the campfire!

Steve

Lesson learned, I promise I wont bring p that word again