Oil level checking procedure question

[Max Power]

My question is when should the check be performed in order to obtain the most reliable results.  Should the engine be warm or cold?  If warm, how long should you wait to check the oil after shutting down the engine?

Thanks in advance,
Steve

[pantablo]

I check mine when it's cold but I think it's more important to check it consistently-same time, cold or warm, every time you check to get good comparisions over a period of time. Best to do it cold for this reason I think.

[klimber]

But when you check the level, do you measure when the stick is just sitting in the hole with the cap in the hole, but not start to thread, or do you thread it in all the way and remove and check.

I've always been confused, I have had two bikes  that both have done differently

[pantablo]

But when you check the level, do you measure when the stick is just sitting in the hole with the cap in the hole, but not start to thread, or do you thread it in all the way and remove and check.

I've always been confused, I have had two bikes  that both have done differently

Just sitting in the hole. Do not start threads.

[Rod]

And the bike should be upright, not on the side stand.

[sprint_9]

You cant have it on the side stand. You can have it on the centerstand as long as the bike is level. You can also sit on the bike and reach down and check it. I dont know which is the proper method, but as long as the bike is straight up and not leaning it either method should work.

[scratch]

As a former motorcycle mechanic and after reading all the literature I could get my hands on about this bike, I have come to the conclusion that you are supposed to check the oil when it's warm, with the bike on level ground.  The dipstick is not to be screwed in.  The bike should be verticle, but not on the centerstand.  Also, I usually check after about an hour of letting the engine cool so I don't singe the flesh off my fingers trying to open the dipstick cap.

There should be a poll on how everybody checks their oil.  Now, that would be interesting!  Are you a centerstander or a sidestander?

[Kerry]

There should be a poll on how everybody checks their oil.  Now, that would be interesting!  Are you a centerstander or a sidestander?

I vote that we elect someone to check their oil level in all 3 positions and tell us what they find.  Better yet - post pictures!

I predict a BIG difference between sidestand and centerstand, and NO significant difference between centerstand and sitting on the bike/holding the bike upright.

I would do it, but I just changed my oil and it's too clear to show up well in pictures....  

[scratch]

I must digress, after re-reading this thread, I realized that Pantablo is absolutely correct about checking the oil and has answered the question that started this post, most aptly.

It should be checked at the same time of day.

[wingbolt]

Here's what my genuine Suzuki OEM 1998 GS500ew manual states on pg. 44:

The oil level inspection should be performed under the following conditions:  
1. Place the motorcycle on level ground on the center stand.
2. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes.
3. Stop the engine and wait approximately one minute.
4. Check the oil level.  The oil filler cap threads should not be run in but just touching the filler hole upper edge.

Hope this helps?  If in doubt, read the instructions.

[gilson8]

I was told to screw the dipstick in to check with the bike standing up straight just read manual and it says not to screw it in like wingbolt said

[glenn9171]

I was told to screw the dipstick in to check with the bike standing up straight just read manual and it says not to screw it in like wingbolt said

If you are showing full on the dipstick when it is run all the way in, you are actually about a quart low.  Honda 4- wheelers are to be chacked the same way as the GS....with the dipstick just touching the top of the hole.  Not screwed in at all.  

Having the bike on the sidestand will show the opposite.  You will overfill the crankcase if you go by this method.

[powrful1]

Here's what my genuine Suzuki OEM 2002 GS500K manual states on pg. 44:

The old level inspection should be performed under the following conditions:

1.  Hold the motocycle vertically with the center stand.
2.  Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes.
3.  Stop the engine and wait three minute.
4.  Check the oil leve.  The oil filler cap threads should not run in but just  touching the filler hole upper edge.

As a former military mechanic I worked on just about every vehicle out there.  For engines we always warmed up, then let sit for a few minutes and then checked.

Oil will expand when warm.
Since your bike is expected to run properly when running, it would suggest to me your oil level needs to be at the proper amount while you are running down the road...not stored up in the garage.

I think the most important thing is if you do check it, check it the same way everytime, and if you check cold.....don't fill it to full, give some room for expansion.

[scratch]

I checked the difference between checking the oil on the centerstand and checking it off-of-the-sidestand; and have discovered only a millimeter of difference between the two methods.  I didn't even bother checking it completely on the sidestand because nobody should be doing that, it just doesn't make sense. Anyway, the centerstand is the 1mm higher indication.

[TheGoodGuy]

Yesterday for the sake of clarification..

I checked teh oil the follwowing ways:

ON center stand (engine cold) and when I am holding it up vertical (engine cold) = results the same.

WHen engine hot in teh two positions its the same.

As for side stand checking, I checked when hot but it dropped by a few milimeters. However side stand checking is not recommended by suzuki.

[scratch]

pull the bike verticle from the sidestand to check the oil level.

[gilson8]

If you read what scratch has written that is how it should be done

[yamahonkawazuki]

Resurrected for relevance  ( sorry, when i drink i get a little historical, err i go into my past lmao