Oil level site glass confusion

[wildpackets]

Hi Folks.  Just got my first FJ a few days ago (1985 FJ1100) and of course decided to do an oil change.  It immediately got weird.

1) the oil level was half way up the site glass with the bike upright on my lift
2) when I pulled the drain plug there was only about a half liter of oil that drained out
3) when I removed the oil filter (RPM spin on) there was very little in the filter
4) added about 2 liters of oil and the site glass indicated an overfilled condition
5) ran the bike to move the oil around - no change
6) checked the fj owners forums and found the article on putting the bike on the side stand - did that and took it for a 2-3 km run
7) No change in the oil level in the site glass.
8 ) I can lean the bike over slightly and see the level drop in the site glass

Question:

When the bike is running should the site glass show empty?
Every other bike I have owned with a site glass has done this.  This one does not...

I am beginning to think there may be an oil circulation problem...Oil pump? RPM adapter issue?

Any thoughts?  Suggestions? Need additional info?


Thanks

Craig

[4everFJ]

I assume that you use the correct oil drain plug/hole and not one of the oil galley plugs?

I cannot imagine any blockage that would prevent 3 liters of oil to drain out...

Maybe wrong installation of the RPM adapter could cause problems? I am sure someone here will know.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[wildpackets]

I am pretty sure I was using the drain plug but I have to admit the owners manual I am working off of has the worst picture imaginable of the drain plug.  The plug is on the right side of the bike (facing right, not down) In the side of the oil pan, below and to the rear of the sight glass.   Can't see anything else that looks like a drain plug.

My main concern is that the oil level in the sight glass doesn't change when the bike is running.  On my other bikes it has always emptied out.

Thanks for your reply


Craig

[Firehawk068]

I am pretty sure I was using the drain plug but I have to admit the owners manual I am working off of has the worst picture imaginable of the drain plug.  The plug is on the right side of the bike (facing right, not down) In the side of the oil pan, below and to the rear of the sight glass.   Can't see anything else that looks like a drain plug.

My main concern is that the oil level in the sight glass doesn't change when the bike is running.  On my other bikes it has always emptied out.

Thanks for your reply


Craig

Wrong plug!

Oil drain plug is on the bottom of the oil pan, pointing directly down at the road. There is a small aluminum lug in front of the drain plug that sticks down, so it might be hard to see.
If you have the factory exhaust on the bike, you can get a socket up in between the #2 and #3 downpipes, and remove the drain plug.
If you have aftermarket exhaust on the bike, you may not be able to get to the plug without dropping the exhaust. (My Kerker exhaust forces me to do this).

[4everFJ]

Yep, wrong plug...

You are not the first one to make that mistake 

[aj52]

Hi Graig

The drain plug is underneath engine,between the headers before it goes into collectorbox(if bike still has OEE exhaust setup).
If not OEE exhaust setup,you can loosen the oil cooler down pipe on left side(when you sit on bike).

The level situation can be that case is overfilled

Hope it helps
Hannes

[4everFJ]

Right there:

[aj52]

Graig

Just be careful when you tightnen the drainplug,it strips very easy.

[wildpackets]

   Thanks alot guys. Had me pretty worried.  All is good now, took 3L of oil and the sight glass drains down when running now. 

Excuse #1) The exhaust has at some point has taken a hit from below and bent it just enough that you can't see the plug from either side but if you get your head down under the front with good light...well you get  the idea   

Anyway Thanks again
Issue resolved

Craig

[racerrad8]

Maybe wrong installation of the RPM adapter could cause problems?

Nope, the RPM Spin On Oil Filter Adapter can be installed one of two ways; the right way and backwards. If the adapter is installed backwards there is not a seal against the block and the oil filter also will not have anything to seal against.

I know is seems unbelievable that someone would install it backwards with the o-ring facing away from the block, but over the years I have gotten a couple of those emails/photos asking if it is installed properly.

The RPM Spin On Oil Filter Adapter will in no way cause any problems or issues with your FJ, including oil drainage.

I see the solution has been found and the oil cooler circuit galley plug was removed which was the cause of the issue.

Randy - RPM

[Pat Conlon]

Randy, can brake pads be installed backwards?

[4everFJ]

Randy, can brake pads be installed backwards?

Yes, but no one has lived to tell..... 

[Bones]

Randy, can brake pads be installed backwards?

Pat, You didn't                                                                                                                                           

[Pat Conlon]

No, not me, just a story Randy told me....

A guy called RPM complaining that the new EBC HH brake pads were chewing up his rotors.
Randy said, "You are the first to raise this issue. We have dozens of FJ with these pads and there have been no reports of rotor wear. Send me some pictures..."

Sure enough....