[fabez]

Hi guys, first post here.

My 2015 Yamaha R3 is at just over 28,000kms. I did an oil change at 25,000kms at the regular interval (so done around 3,000kms on this oil).

I changed the filter as well, so I added 2.1 litres of 10W40 fully synthetic oil to the engine as I have done every other change I have done. I just went to check the oil level today, and noticed the sight glass is completely empty when cold. The oil only fills the sight glass to the correct level once it has warmed up for a while. I know to only check the oil when the engine is warm, but my friend said the oil should definitely still be visible in the sight glass when it is cold. And I cant see any oil at all when it is cold. Have I under-filled the engine with oil? Or does it not matter what is in the sight glass when it is cold? FYI the bike is upright when checking this.

Any help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[sLing]

You should warm it up first.

 

[fabez]

Cheers mate. I didn’t think anything of it because the oils in the right spot when it’s warm (photo attached is warm engine). Just had a few issues with false neutrals and incomplete shifts this oil change so thought I might’ve under filled a bit

 

[GoFaster]

Very important: You're checking the oil level with the engine not running ... right?

2.1 litres is about right if you changed the oil filter. Note the "1800cm3" marked directly on the crankcase near the viewing window ... that's the actual, correct, nominal amount.

 

[privilege15]

When the engine is cold, the oil should be visible as well. When someone says the engine should be warm for the oil to be seen, I don't see the logic what difference would it make. Even though cold oil tends to flow less, the gravity will make it's thing.

From my experience, as long as the engine is not running, whether oil is cold or warm, it should be visible through the side glass when the bike is upright regardless.

To sum it up, two conditions should be met:

1. Engine is not running
2. The bike is standing upright

Cold or warm doesn't matter for it to be just seen through the glass.

 

[Dreadwil]

Engine oil expands around 4% per 100 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on the oil) so temperate can matter. But since the R3 uses a small amount of oil, this shouldn't be too much of a concern.

 

[fabez]

When the engine is cold, the oil should be visible as well. When someone says the engine should be warm for the oil to be seen, I don't see the logic what difference would it make. Even though cold oil tends to flow less, the gravity will make it's thing.

From my experience, as long as the engine is not running, whether oil is cold or warm, it should be visible through the side glass when the bike is upright regardless.

To sum it up, two conditions should be met:

1. Engine is not running
2. The bike is standing upright

Cold or warm doesn't matter for it to be just seen through the glass.

Cheers for the in depth response mate, it’s appreciated. The oil is visible through the sight glass when cold (has to be upright however, when on kickstand it’s empty) and also visible when it’s warm of course. So I think I’m alright.

 

[fabez]

Very important: You're checking the oil level with the engine not running ... right?

2.1 litres is about right if you changed the oil filter. Note the "1800cm3" marked directly on the crankcase near the viewing window ... that's the actual, correct, nominal amount.

I warm it up to operating temps then turn it off for a few minutes so the oil can settle before I check it. After I’ve done this, the oil sits at exactly the maximum level on the sight glass.

 

[Maxpressure520]

If that bike is level you have too much oil.

 

[fabez]

If that bike is level you have too much oil.

That’s what I thought as well haha. My friend said I haven’t got anywhere enough which tripped me out completely

 

[Maxpressure520]

That’s what I thought as well haha. My friend said I haven’t got anywhere enough which tripped me out completely

Yes. When the 3rd best ranked Yamaha mechanic in the world rebuilt my bike. He filled up the sight glass at exactly half way when the bike was level.

 

[f1lupo]

yup agree & I've always used exactly 2 liters of oil with every oil & filter change to date and it's right half way between the lines. First oil change I did I put exactly 2.1 litres as per manual and the oil was right at the top line..actually slightly over ...probably won't make a difference to the engine but I prefer to stay in the middle to be safe.

 

[Faeryn]

So, I'm gathering that this is über overfilled? It's a 75°F day, I took it down the road & back, total of probably 4-5 miles. I let it settle for a couple minutes and it was completely upright when I got the picture.

 

[Dreadwil]

So, I'm gathering that this is über overfilled? It's a 75°F day, I took it down the road & back, total of probably 4-5 miles. I let it settle for a couple minutes and it was completely upright when I got the picture. View attachment 69174

Yes, it needs to be between the two indicators. But bare in mid the sight glass display is extremely sensitive to the angle of the bike, meaning you might think the bike is level but if you tilt it ever so slightly the level will go between the sight glass. I like to check the level on a bike stand setup on flat ground.

 

[Faeryn]

Yes, it needs to be between the two indicators. But bare in mid the sight glass display is extremely sensitive to the angle of the bike, meaning you might think the bike is level but if you tilt it ever so slightly the level will go between the sight glass. I like to check the level on a bike stand setup on flat ground.

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. During my reading on the topic across the forum, I saw multiple people over a number of different posts also stress the importance of checking it upright. So to make absolutely certain I was getting a good reading, I had someone get on her and stand her up. And the person is substantially taller than me and can plant both feet flat on the ground. Seemed silly but it was the only way I could make sure I wasn't leaning it over even a little. Does that seem adequate or do you think I really need a stand to get it right? Thanks again for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

 

[sLing]

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. During my reading on the topic across the forum, I saw multiple people over a number of different posts also stress the importance of checking it upright. So to make absolutely certain I was getting a good reading, I had someone get on her and stand her up. And the person is substantially taller than me and can plant both feet flat on the ground. Seemed silly but it was the only way I could make sure I wasn't leaning it over even a little. Does that seem adequate or do you think I really need a stand to get it right? Thanks again for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

The second person doesn't need to be on the bike. They can just hold the bike so it isn't tilting. And you can look at the oil glass.

Or measure exactly 2.1L when adding doing oil changes (with filter change). As long as there's no oil leak you should have the perfect amount of oil.

 

[Dreadwil]

If you're still seeing the sight glass that full when you're confident the bike is as upright as you can get it, then it's definitely too high.