Oil Level ?

[njwmct]

Today's puzzle on a 79 Z1000!

Cold engine with oil level at top mark in glass window - take the bike for a good run & on return put the bike on the mainstand & the oil level returns to the top mark.

but

Cold engine with oil level at top mark in glass window - run the bike up for a few minutes & stop the engine & the level has dropped to the min mark in the glass window. The Oil level will only return to the upper level if taken for a good run.

Never had this on a bike before - anyone one else come across this one?

[Pigford]

If oil is still relatively cool (& therefore thick) it'll take a while to drain back down thru' engine

[njwmct]

If oil is still relatively cool (& therefore thick) it'll take a while to drain back down thru' engine

In this instance - 4 weeks & it still hasn't returned to the upper level - but if I took it for a reasonable ride it would return to the upper level straight away.
I'm wondering if there is something restricting the oil returning to the sump

[Pigford]

Hmmmmmmm

If the level is good after a longer run - don't worry about it...... 1/2 ltr must be hiding somewhere

[Ginger Bear]

Hmmmmmmm

If the level is good after a longer run - don't worry about it...... 1/2 ltr must be hiding somewhere

I like that attitude Piggy....... If it ain't properly broke, don't try fixing it.

[KWACKERZ1]

Just a thought Does it have an oil cooler?

[PAULJAC47]

If this is concerning you,drain the oil out into a measuring jug in both scenarios,give you an indication what is occuring..

[njwmct]

Just a thought Does it have an oil cooler?

No Oil cooler - bog standard Z1000 MK2

[Pigford]

If this is concerning you,drain the oil out into a measuring jug in both scenarios,give you an indication what is occuring..

.............that won't be conclusive - what about the oil thats "hiding" elsewhere in the motor

[PAULJAC47]

Didnt say conclusive Mark, just an idea to try and see whats happening!

[KeithZ1R]

heres the flow schematic might give you some ideas

[zed1015]

Oil returns to the sump by gravity and the only place it can "hide" when on the mainstand is in the head around the cams.
A good run will get the oil hot and thin enough to quickly flow out from around the cams and buckets within the short time it takes to stop the engine and park up.
Just a short start up will pump the oil into the head etc and due to its cold viscosity it will just sit there until the next time it gets hot.

[jimmock]

Here is a good tip and for FREE too.

If you check your oil (in the sight glass) and it is low.
If you don't have any oil to top it up with, simply drop about six 12mm nuts into the sump through the filler hole.
These will drop into the sump and displace the engine oil.
After a few seconds your oil level will appear back in the sight glass.

SIMPLE, then you can go out on the bike for a run, knowing your oil level is good!!!!

[paulstrees]

Neil
Don't worry about it, from experience with z1000 mk2's they do tend to retain a lot of oil up top especially if its cold and the oil is thick.
Cheers
paul

[andyb1962]

Is the gauze filter blocked in the sump.
When i dropped my sump (enventually.............long story) the filter was all crudded up. it could be restricting flow.