[Johnny Canuck]

Noticed that the oil level had dropped from the top of the dipstick's XXX marks to nearly the bottom of the XXX marks (on centre stand) having done over 1500 KM. While I did have some "hard" driving sessions within that time frame - 120 to 130 KPH for extended periods - I also downshift agressively, which I believe brings oil to the upper cylinder, and possibly the oil burn off is potentially greater as a result of doing this. While no oil consumption is ideal, what is an acceptable oil consumption rate...and what is not acceptable or dangerous, i.e., lurking problems?



Also, does anyone know the volume of oil represented on the dipstick between the XXX top and bottom marks? - I should have measured myself and will do so next time. Thanks. JC

 

[Linny]

I think as you do that your riding style may be a contributor to your oil consuption/loss. Any good shop reference will tell you that it is normal for a combustion engine to burn oil. How much?. Well, that can't get any more subjective. If it were my bike and it was performing well I would check the oil level regularly and keep it filled. If it bothered me I'd prolly change the oil and give the container a good once over for signs of metal maybe even pull the front cover and do the same with the sump.

Having had many engines over the years that burned some oil I personally wouldn't worry about it unless I had other signs/issues..

 

[marshallf3]

Engines can't help but to burn some oil, if they didn't that would be a sign the cylinders weren't getting a good film on them. On a car the manuals often state that up to a quart between changes is acceptable even when new but what with recommended 3,000 mile changes I'd call that excessive, they're just covering their a** for the oddballs that aren't in perfect tolerance as well as making others feel they've got an exceptional one if it's less.

 

[Shep]

Until I renewed the valves and valve guides and Valve guide seals on my now main CX it could use a pint of oil in 500 miles

This occurred mainly when the engine was run at sustained speeds of above 60 MPH or high rev changes.The tell-tale sign of worn valve guides/seals is if you get a puff of white or blue smoke on initial cold start-up out of the exhaust but then it disappears unlike the regular blue smoke from say worn bores/rings which also show up as oily plugs.



Unfortunately plug colour does not help in this situation as they were always perfect tan and the engine has good compression.Since doing the heads it's down to a forgivably,for the age, of around half-a-pint or less in the 1200 miles I've done since the head work and last Sunday I did 200 miles at some very spirited speeds alongside the Crotch rockets I was riding with

HTH

 

[DavidfromWisconsin]

Noticed that the oil level had dropped from the top of the dipstick's XXX marks to nearly the bottom of the XXX marks (on centre stand) having done over 1500 KM. While I did have some "hard" driving sessions within that time frame - 120 to 130 KPH for extended periods - I also downshift agressively, which I believe brings oil to the upper cylinder, and possibly the oil burn off is potentially greater as a result of doing this. While no oil consumption is ideal, what is an acceptable oil consumption rate...and what is not acceptable or dangerous, i.e., lurking problems?



Also, does anyone know the volume of oil represented on the dipstick between the XXX top and bottom marks? - I should have measured myself and will do so next time. Thanks. JC

The oil should only be at the top of the hatch marks if you screw the dipstick into the engine.



If you just dip it the oil level should be at the bottom of the hatch marks.



You will burn more oil and blow oil above that level into the air box if you have it too full.

 

[MotorcycleCommuter]

The owners manual that came with my GL650i states to "...reinsert the dipstick without screwing it in. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick again and check the oil level. The oil level should be between the upper and lower level marks on the dipstick." I'm pretty sure you're underfiling your motor if you're screwing it in to check.

 

[chicagorandy]

Definitely under filling if you check oil level by screwing in the dipstick. My Ural is done the same way as the Honda, just set the dipstick in the hole and remove, with the GL while on the centerstand.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

Yup...just placed the dipstick on the motor, didn't screw it in. Oil is at the top of the hash marks. Still wondering what the represented oil volume is withing the top and bottom of the hash marks?

 

[DavidfromWisconsin]

Yup...just placed the dipstick on the motor, didn't screw it in. Oil is at the top of the hash marks. Still wondering what the represented oil volume is withing the top and bottom of the hash marks?

I know what the manual says, but I suggest that you try my method and see if the oil consumption stops.



My 650 also used too much oil also, until someone told me what I am telling you and the consumption all but stopped.

 

[Linny]

Perhaps it would be educational to fill the crankcase to the specified volume then try both methods of reading the dipstick. The threads are pretty long on the dipstick.. These bike's lean way the hell to the side on the sidestand too. I'd hate to hear about someone burning up a engine.. Just my .02 It can sure be confusing when there are sooo many procedures for checking oil levels.

 

[marshallf3]

Perhaps it would be educational to fill the crankcase to the specified volume then try both methods of reading the dipstick. The threads are pretty long on the dipstick.. These bike's lean way the hell to the side on the sidestand too. I'd hate to hear about someone burning up a engine.. Just my .02 It can sure be confusing when there are sooo many procedures for checking oil levels.

I'd have to agree. Completely drain then refill with the exact amount. Put the bike on the center stand in what you know for a fact to be a level area. (sight can be deceiving on this) or just use the exact same area every time to find yourself a baseline to go against.

 

[Shep]

I'd have to agree. Completely drain then refill with the exact amount. Put the bike on the center stand in what you know for a fact to be a level area. (sight can be deceiving on this) or just use the exact same area every time to find yourself a baseline to go against.

I've put a bit of duct tape on the ground as a marker so I know where my reference point it.



HTH