how to measure level in Left Fork while on Bike

[Anthony]

i found out that my F6C had a leak in the left front fork, a week after coming home from the 3rd European Inzane. 

i didn't have any issues during the trip, the front wheel was clean, it only had been leaking / dripping in the garage.

i did the 35mm photo film trick, and it appears the leak has stopped. 

there was a puddle of oil leaked, so i need to refill it.
i know the manual says oil level should be 142mm from top, fork fully compressed.

my question : how can i check this,whith the forks on the bike ?
i have the bike on the lift, i opened up the fork cap, and lowered the bike back on the front wheel so that the cap comes up, instead of being pulled down.

i can see the lock nut, that requires the special tool.
does it have to come out ?

can i measure the level like this, or do i have to start taking things futher apart ?

TiA,
Anthony

[Steve K (IA)]

I was able to use a long plastic Zip Tie (Tie Wrap, Wire Tie)...not sure what you call them over there.  I had my forks off and was able to move that rod enough to find a spot where I could slip it past the rod to get a measurement. 
Did you remove both caps so that the forks will fully compress?  I think it would be hard to get an accurate measure with the forks on the bike because of the angle.
Good luck.

[Anthony]

I saw a post before, probably yours, about the zip tie, (thanks for the tip ! )
and was able to check the height on the right like that.

but i have problems on the left fork finding a measuring spot.
is there one on the left fork, without removing the lock nut ?

Anthony

[Steve K (IA)]

but i have problems on the left fork finding a measuring spot.
is there one on the left fork, without removing the lock nut ?


Yes.  Just push that rod from side to side...front to back while trying to stick the zip tie down along side the rod.  It will go down in there but you have to find the "spot".