OIL level - oil leak

[bakey]

Hi guys

firstly remember that im a mere amature so go gently on me!

firstly - when is the correct time to check the oil level?

ie. when engine is cold and on its centre stand

reason i ask is because the oil level on my bike is about 3mm above max level.

problem is that ive got oil accumulating in the airbox through the crankcase breather and it has collected at the bottom - meaning it is dripping out through the 2 holes either side of the airbox.

I am hoping that the high level of oil is the cause of this? Or worse case scenario - what could it be?

any help/advice appreciated

a very worried bakey

[Big Fluff]

Andy
My garage floor is definitely level and so was the oil level when I did the change for you.
Yes you should check the oil level cold, on the centre stand and on level ground so re-check first.
If for some reason it is high, then I suppose it would have to be my fault...
The best way to remove a small and controlable amount of oil would be via the oil filter drain screw - This is the smaller 12mm (or 13mm can't remember) screw located under the sump on the round oil filter base plate. Draining oil from here will be at a trickle compared to attempting to remove some from the main drain plug.
Like I said, if it is high then I'm to blame, but I wouldn't have thought that 3mm over would account for this.... I may be wrong and stand to be corrected.
Will

[mick znone]

oil does show a higher level on the edge of a vessel due to its thickness as it grips to the edge. even water shows a higher than actual level at the edge and thats as thin as p';ss.

[Rich]

Check it 5 mins after turning it off after a run. The oil is hot then and moves freely through the clutch into the main cases and has drained down from the oilways.

[FER]

Make sure your air filter is clean . If is dirty and restricts airflow then more crap is sucked up from engine via breather .






fer

[bakey]

right lads

while still at work i removed a small amount of oil using a mityvac and tube in through the oil filler cap. Was quite abit above the max line so took enough out to still be just about over the line - for reasons said by mick.

got home and checked garage 20 minutes after - dry floor, dry airbox. No more oil seems to be coming into the airbox through the breather. will check in another hour or so to make sure.

Switched carbs over to 'off' a bit before home as i do have a troublesome float valve in 3. Carbs seem dry and no more oil or fuel seems to be leaking.

problem was i asked z-power and they said cold and centre stand. phil C said he always done it warm after being run hench my confusion.

also managed to burn my arm on the alternator cover whilst checking for oil...bugger

[bakey]

btw will... i could not for a minute believe it was your fault thats why i was panicking. thinking fuel had gotten through the rings etc and had risen the level of the oil quite a bit - you could hardly see the bubble until you tipped the bike over to the left.

smelt the oil i removed and this was definately not the case.

only conclusion we can draw is that will is shit with bikes

only kiddin mate - you know your great

[Ginger Bear]

Bakey,
I'm sure I've read a post on here before from Steve Debben, suggesting that the oil level should be kept nearer the bottom (low) mark, rather than the top (High) mark, to reduce crankcase pressure & stop it blowing back through the airbox, seem's you have yours sorted now. Well done.

[Steve Cooke]

I'd agree with Rich, allow five minutes after running to let it settle although that should be the same as on a cold engine as long as the cold oil hasn't been turned around the engine at all, also Steve Debben advised not to fill to the upper mark, I would take that as sound advice.

[Z1B Alan]

Bakey I had a similar problem last year after an oil change. I used the sight glass as a level to refill the oil. I was shocked after a short ride to find oil over the rear of the engine and on the back tyre. The best method is to check the oil with the engine warm on the centre stand and on level ground. I now run my bike with the oil level just above 3/4 full on the sight glass with no problems.