Can't See Oil Level

[BlueThunder]

Just changed the oil in my '77 GL1000. For the life of me I can't tell how much oil is in there. I put 4 quarts in and I can't see where the oil level is. I moved the wiper and I can see the wiper, but can't determine at what level the oil is - even with a strong light. I know 4 quarts (3.7 actually) go in but I would for piece of mind, see the oil level. Any secrets??

Good excuse to put a dipstick in and I sure wished Honda did from the get go. I guess that's what happens when you let auto engineers design a motorcycle motor.

[ericheath]

It's possible you have too much in?? Tip it right as far as it goes on the side stand and see if you can make out a line at the top of the window. Most find in the middle is best as they tend to push that much out anyways.

[guidowitz]

I just did this for the first time using 3.3 qts. Prior to starting I see the oil at the top line on the sight glass. I suspect when I get it started and get the oil circulated it will fall to the lower mark. I think that you may have gone beyond the top of the sight glass, therfore, not able to visulaize

[robin1731]

Checking it on the side stand or the center stand? Needs to be done on the center stand. And as stated, at first the level will be a bit high until the engine is run for a few minutes.

[rcmatt007]

I recall a fellow back in 78 filling it until he cold see oil in the fill hole..... turns out, that is too much

[BlueThunder]

Well, it turns out that the previous owner used a graphite based oil which I think stained the viewing window. To the point where I can't tell where the oil level is.

Decided to install a dipstick kit so at least I'll be able to check the level. I put 4 quarts in and scribed where the level is on the dipstick.

[jdvorchak]

4 quarts is probably about 1/2 quart too much. Ride it a while and let it throw some out. Then check the dipstick and see where the full line really is. I'm guessing it will be just below the scribe mark you made and that's fine. Unless it's smoking a LOT or dripping oil, it's still got 4 quarts in there.

[zman]

Well, it turns out that the previous owner used a graphite based oil which I think stained the viewing window. To the point where I can't tell where the oil level is.

Decided to install a dipstick kit so at least I'll be able to check the level. I put 4 quarts in and scribed where the level is on the dipstick.

Geesh, graphite cant be good for the clutch, dipstick will do the trick.

[chewy999]

My bike came with a dipstick, oil up to the mark. You couldn't see the oil in the viewing glass. Turned out that it was overfilled, so take care if you fit a dipstick, don't take it for granted it is correct.
I would run the engine on the centre stand, that way the oil should flow around the engine. Get someone to stop the engine and watch the site glass. You should be able to see the oil settle, and if there is to much!

[rcmatt007]

Well, it turns out that the previous owner used a graphite based oil which I think stained the viewing window. To the point where I can't tell where the oil level is.

Decided to install a dipstick kit so at least I'll be able to check the level. I put 4 quarts in and scribed where the level is on the dipstick.

I actually ran some graphite oil back about 1980 (was only on the market for a VERY VERY short time, and it left no stain. I would think there have been a lot of oil changes since then that would have cleaned up residual, so I suspect it has just been dirty oil stain. I would do several change/run/change/run etc. and see if it cleans up

[Sagebrush]

I put 4 quarts in and scribed where the level is on the dipstick.

4 quarts will overfill the engine. 3.8 quart capacity if you have split the cases and drained every last bit of oil out of the engine and put in a new filter. Its 3.2 quart capacity if you are just doing a regular oil change with a new filter. I know from experience that on a normal oil change 4 quarts will completely fill the viewing window and you will not be able to see the oil line in the window.

You need to drain some out or just let the engine get rid of the overfill on its own. It will get rid of the excess, believe me.

Now your scribe line is too high. You'll have to fill it correctly and scribe a new line on the dipstick.