oil level

[ribbert]

I glanced through my records tonight.  I've done over 60 oil changes on my FJs.  I already admitted that I don't know where the oil comes from, but I sure as fuck know that if you top it off on the centerstand it will be over filled.

Talk to me when you've done that many oil changes.

DavidR.

David, it's probably unfortunate you picked me to say that to.

I generally don't qualify any of my views or suggestions with this, but I'm a formally trained mechanic on bikes and cars. 4 years of trade school and many post apprenticeship courses and certificates and many years experience.
I have probably done 600 or 6000 oil changes, who knows, I never kept records. I think that entitles me to at least an opinion on how oil behaves.

My response to your post (and most others) was specifically worded in such a way as to not sound opinionated and I rarely mention my mechanical credentials for the same reason.

You said you didn't know where the oil was coming from, I suggested a possibility.

If it didn't come across as simply suggesting there may be another reason for what you're seeing, then I failed.

Noel

[SlowOldGuy]

Well Noel,
I think I have a pretty good "opinion" on how oil behaves in an FJ oil change given my 28 years of experience with it. As I said, it might not come from the top end, that was just a guess. 

From what I've observed numerous times is that if you fill the oil exclusively on the centerstand, it will be overfilled.  I don't give a shit why or how it is such, or where it comes from, or how it happens , it's just an observation I've made over 28 years of maintenance on my Fjs.

If you don't believe it then do it your own way.  I'm just trying to pass on my experience to others.  If you have a differing "opinion" or "experience", then by all means please share it.

DavidR.

[Steve_in_Florida]

So, is this "joyful" banter one of the reasons that the subject of "oil" is taboo on the forum?

[ribbert]

So, is this "joyful" banter one of the reasons that the subject of "oil" is taboo on the forum?

I think I've thrown a bit too much wood on my corner of the campfire.

[baldy3853]

So, is this "joyful" banter one of the reasons that the subject of "oil" is taboo on the forum?

I think I've thrown a bit too much wood on my corner of the campfire.

[The General]

So, is this "joyful" banter one of the reasons that the subject of "oil" is taboo on the forum?

Well, what I learned is, if there is a bubble at tha top of my oil indicator window when I get up in tha morn. (and I `ve left it on tha centrestand overnight without first putting it on the sidestand for five minutes) It is overfilled. However if I did tha sidestand bit and there is a similar small bubble in tha morn it is underfilled...depending wether ya downunder and over it or not.   

[FJSpringy]

So, is this "joyful" banter one of the reasons that the subject of "oil" is taboo on the forum?

I think I've thrown a bit too much wood on my corner of the campfire.

I wouldn't worry Noel after all we are talking oil not petrol 

[Dan Filetti]

I have no idea where the oil is coming from, but I have seen the behavior David is talking about -on a different bike even.  As I said, I was relieved to read it. Vexingly, on more than one occasion, I'm ashamed to admit, I've actually had to siphon off a bit of oil that I somehow overfilled, despite watching carefully.  Without knowing why, I will certainly try David's method next time. 

Noel, your experience and input is welcome and appreciated, from where I sit.

Dan 

[Dan Filetti]

...depending wether ya downunder and over it or not. 

I'm reasonably certain the coriolis effect has nothing to do with this -let's not get crazy now...

Dan

[Steve_in_Florida]

So, is this "joyful" banter one of the reasons that the subject of "oil" is taboo on the forum?

Well, what I learned is, if there is a bubble at tha top of my oil indicator window when I get up in tha morn. (and I `ve left it on tha centrestand overnight without first putting it on the sidestand for five minutes) It is overfilled. However if I did tha sidestand bit and there is a similar small bubble in tha morn it is underfilled...depending wether ya downunder and over it or not.   

But the question remains, does synthetic oil overfill at the same rate as dino oil? Does the viscosity matter? Will my clutch slip? Does the oil drain from the head clock-wise, or counter-clock-wise? What of the oil in the cooler? Can we (somehow) blame Randy's spin-on filter mod and SUE???

Just kidding on the last one.

I'll bet Randy's upgraded oil cooler drains clock-wise, but only with a dino-synthetic blend (and a dash of Sea-Foam)!



Me head's spinnin'!

Steve

[crzyjarmans]

I didn't mean to start a "OIL WAR" , Just new to this type of bike, and didn't see the marks on the sight glass, Guess my eyes are not what they use to be, I always appreciate all comments and advise anyone shares, thanks to all for suggestion on doing the oil service

[ribbert]

I didn't mean to start a "OIL WAR" , Just new to this type of bike, and didn't see the marks on the sight glass, Guess my eyes are not what they use to be, I always appreciate all comments and advise anyone shares, thanks to all for suggestion on doing the oil service

Sawn, you didn't start anything, it's always brewing just under the surface. I suspect when things get a little dull around here some people say the --- word just to liven things up.

Dan, you are a true diplomat.

To the rest of you, glad to have provided some material for the closet comedians to work with.

Noel

[Steve_in_Florida]

...glad to have provided some material for the closet comedians to work with.

Oh, WHATEVER!  <rolls eyes>

On a serious note, I check and fill mine consistently while on the center stand. I'll top it up (after a warm-up) just before a long ride, and check it the next day, after sitting all night on the center stand. Haven't had the oil light come on in a very long time. As long as the oil level doesn't go near the bottom line, I sleep easy.

Better to have oil in the engine, than to have none. 

Steve

[pete m]

The oil light comes on under hard acceleration, ignore it. It isn't a pressure light it's a level light and it's down to surge and the lack of any substantial baffles in the sump.

All that rigmarole about going for rides and such in nonsense. All that does is give the oil a greater volume as it emulsifies slightly when hot. That will give you a false reading.

Replace the filter, fill with oil to the middle of the sight glass start your bike, run it for about a minute don't rev it you don't need to a good FJ engine is running at full oil pressure near enough straight away.

Switch it off, go for a cuppa, and a smoke if you're so inclined or a biccie.

Come back, check the level on the main stand, top up to just below the top level line.

Bloody simple..........

[rktmanfj]

All that does is give the oil a greater volume as it emulsifies slightly when hot.

     Do tell.