Checking engine oil level

[Knapdog]

I drained the oil from the engine, removed the oil filter and took off the filler cap.
As I  bought new oil and filter online I had to wait a week, due to weekend and Bank Holiday.
I also tilted the bike a little to the right whilst it rested on a block. In other words, it's had a good drain out.
Once everything arrived I filled up with 4 US Quarts, which equates to 3.7 litres in my part of the world.
General opinion is that I should start it up for a couple of minutes then let it rest for a couple of minutes.
When I checked the dipstick there was no oil showing so I had to put in more than the usual 4 quarts.
I can't be all that accurate but I must have, eventually,  put an extra 300 ml in before it reached the top mark.
Another thing I've noticed is that one side of the dipstick shows a different level to the other side.  How can that be?
I'm wondering whether I should rotate the dipstick anti clockwise to get an even reading.
Any thoughts on my findings regarding amount of oil I've filled up with and dipstick reading?
Also how important is it to wait a couple of minutes as the level changes the moment you switch the engine off until it eventually completely settles? I say this as the one and a half minute level is different to two and a half minutes, and so on.
Can't see why Honda didn't design a dipstick to check oil level when engine is cold, with all oil having completely settled.

[sandy]

After an oil change, you should run it a bit. Let stand for a minute and check it. The bike should be level, not on the side stand and you don't screw the dipstick in. Just insert it and pull it. Four quarts should have filled it full.

[Valker]

What Sandy said. You overfilled it.

[Knapdog]

After an oil change, you should run it a bit. Let stand for a minute and check it. The bike should be level, not on the side stand and you don't screw the dipstick in. Just insert it and pull it. Four quarts should have filled it full.

Agree with all of that yet when I ran it for two minutes and turned off for two minutes it was below Minimum in the dipstick.
I filled it with 3.7 litres, which equates with 4 US Quarts.
I'll leave it overnight and check in the morning to see if I've now overfilled it.
Thank you.

[Challenger]

Like Sandy said, "Bike level" not on side stand.

[Knapdog]

Like Sandy said, "Bike level" not on side stand.

Worth mentioning but I'm not that daft.

[Chrisj CMA]

If you put in 4 qts, why in the world would you add more?  Overfilling like that is not ideal for your engine.

After a fresh oil change and as you said a good drain and add a gallon, wherever it hits on the dip stick is correct. What you have now is an unknown.

Drain and measure in 4 qts and then sort out the method you need to use to check it while you know you have the correct amount of oil inside.

[98valk]

are u using the standard sized oil filter or one of the oversize ones that fit?  I always use the largest filter an oversize purolator PL14459 which requires more than 4 qts.

[Knapdog]

If you put in 4 qts, why in the world would you add more?  Overfilling like that is not ideal for your engine.

After a fresh oil change and as you said a good drain and add a gallon, wherever it hits on the dip stick is correct. What you have now is an unknown.

Drain and measure in 4 qts and then sort out the method you need to use to check it while you know you have the correct amount of oil inside.

Everything you say here makes complete sense, but I can only repeat what happened.
I meticulously put in 3.7 litres and started up the engine for the oil to circulate around the engine and filter.
I ran it for two mins then waited for 2 mins.
Sitting on the bike, upright, I checked the dipstick and there was no level showing at all. Perplexed, I did this procedure a second time, with only the slightest smidgen showing on the dipstick, so that's why I added more oil.
I'm wondering that rather than just starting the bike up I should have taken it for a spin.
Anyway, I'll take it out in the morning ( It's nearly 10pm, as I write) and check again when I get back.
I'll report back with my findings though I've already got this feeling I may be dropping some oil through the drain plug.
Thank you all.

[Knapdog]

are u using the standard sized oil filter or one of the oversize ones that fit?  I always use the largest filter an oversize purolator PL14459 which requires more than 4 qts.

Good question. No it's standard size. Hiflow 303.

[Valker]

How about the dipstick? If it's not a stock Honda one, that could be the issue. Four quarts is correct regardless what the dipstick shows.

[Jess from VA]

I used to have a chromey aftermarket dip, but the thing was wildly inaccurate, so I only checked with the OE dip.  Later I threw the chromey one away. 

[Knapdog]

Followed the recommended "oil level check" procedure in the garage this morning and the level was spot on..



However, when I then took it for a 10 mile run and checked it again,  the level was around double the above.
So, yes, I've overfilled it. You are right. It needs ( in my language) 3.7 litres and no more, despite it not registering, initially, on the dipstick.
I've learned that I need to take the bike for a run before I can check it properly.

[h13man]

Having the aftermarket chrome stick, I remarked it at the same level as stock using a dial caliper for measurement. Just changed my oil and 3.9 qts. as per OEM manual, perfect level. Also I use the long filter @ 3" lg. compared to stock @ 2.5" lg.

[98valk]

Followed the recommended "oil level check" procedure in the garage this morning and the level was spot on..



However, when I then took it for a 10 mile run and checked it again,  the level was around double the above.
So, yes, I've overfilled it. You are right. It needs ( in my language) 3.7 litres and no more, despite it not registering, initially, on the dipstick.
I've learned that I need to take the bike for a run before I can check it properly.

""I've learned that I need to take the bike for a run before I can check it properly.""

nope, for then the oil will expand from the heat and give a false reading.

see page 80 for correct procedure
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1005557/Honda-1997-Gl1500c-Valkirie.html?page=80#manual

[Knapdog]

Thanks, 98Valk.
I've let the bike sit for four hours in the garage and tried again. I interpreted "several" minutes as "three".
The reading is bang on, as above picture,  the upper mark.
As you know, I put
more than 4 quarts (3.7l) in.
I can only come to the conclusion that as I allowed the bike to drain for a week, plus tilted a little to the right, it just about emptied the engine of every last drop, which is why l needed to put a little more than 4 quarts in. Thus the level now rests on the Upper Mark.
Please correct me if I'm deluded.  

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks, 98Valk.
I've let the bike sit for four hours in the garage and tried again. I interpreted "several" minutes as "three".
The reading is bang on, as above picture,  the upper mark.
As you know, I put
more than 4 quarts (3.7l) in.
I can only come to the conclusion that as I allowed the bike to drain for a week, plus tilted a little to the right, it just about emptied the engine of every last drop, which is why l needed to put a little more than 4 quarts in. Thus the level now rests on the Upper Mark.
Please correct me if I'm deluded.  

Your reasoning is sound and I agree with you ONLY if your bike still has the OEM Honda dip stick. If aftermarket dipstick than you may have too much oil on board.

[98valk]

Thanks, 98Valk.
I've let the bike sit for four hours in the garage and tried again. I interpreted "several" minutes as "three".
The reading is bang on, as above picture,  the upper mark.
As you know, I put
more than 4 quarts (3.7l) in.
I can only come to the conclusion that as I allowed the bike to drain for a week, plus tilted a little to the right, it just about emptied the engine of every last drop, which is why l needed to put a little more than 4 quarts in. Thus the level now rests on the Upper Mark.
Please correct me if I'm deluded.  

some oil always left in the engine, mainly in clutch area
OIL CAPACITY: 3.7 liters (3.9 US qt, 3.3 Imp qt)
after draining/filter change
4.3 liters (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp q.t)
at disassembly
pg 3-10 service manual

[Knapdog]

Thanks, 98Valk.
I've let the bike sit for four hours in the garage and tried again. I interpreted "several" minutes as "three".
The reading is bang on, as above picture,  the upper mark.
As you know, I put
more than 4 quarts (3.7l) in.
I can only come to the conclusion that as I allowed the bike to drain for a week, plus tilted a little to the right, it just about emptied the engine of every last drop, which is why l needed to put a little more than 4 quarts in. Thus the level now rests on the Upper Mark.
Please correct me if I'm deluded.  

some oil always left in the engine, mainly in clutch area
OIL CAPACITY: 3.7 liters (3.9 US qt, 3.3 Imp qt)
after draining/filter change
4.3 liters (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp q.t)
at disassembly
pg 3-10 service manual

Thanks.
I reckon I've put in around 3.9 litres.
If my oil level is at the Upper Mark then surely I have to be happy with that..
However, on my next change, I'll drain it normally and refill it with the recommended amount.

[Willow]

That is not an OEM dip stick.  Those are incredibly inaccurate.  Some even allow adjustment to match the level they should.

I use aftermarket dipsticks but I mark them by correct level.  If you put four quarts in make your stick match that as correct.

You're a long way off but I have extra OEM sticks if you need one.

[Jess from VA]

I use aftermarket dipsticks but I mark them by correct level.

That's what I did with aftermarket dips.

Put in four quarts, check it with an OE dipstick, stick the aftermarket dip in, pull it out and drag a fine file across the oil level mark.  Now the aftermarket dip is accurate. 

[Knapdog]

That is not an OEM dip stick.  Those are incredibly inaccurate.  Some even allow adjustment to match the level they should.

I use aftermarket dipsticks but I mark them by correct level.  If you put four quarts in make your stick match that as correct.

You're a long way off but I have extra OEM sticks if you need one.

Thank you, Willow.

Mine is , in total, 11 and 1/4"



Up to rubber o- ring it's... very close to 9"





So, is this oem?.....and if not, would you be happy to post to Wales, GB? I wouldn't see you out of pocket.

Min to Max reading is about 1/2"

[Chrisj CMA]

That looks OEM to me 

[98valk]

That looks OEM to me 

[Knapdog]

Thank you. As I thought, it's an OEM dipstick.

Just wondering then, after a 4 quart oil change (exactly), where is the oil level showing on YOUR oem dipsticks, after running from cold for a couple of minutes and then waiting for two or three minutes before checking.
Just curious.

[0leman]

I changed my oil a couple of days ago.  Started it up and ran it for several minutes.  I haven't had time to go for ride since then.  I just checked my oil level.  The oil is at the mid mark.  Yes, engine was cold, and I had her upright like one should.  Don't know if this help or not.

[Knapdog]

I changed my oil a couple of days ago.  Started it up and ran it for several minutes.  I haven't had time to go for ride since then.  I just checked my oil level.  The oil is at the mid mark.  Yes, engine was cold, and I had her upright like one should.  Don't know if this help or not.

Thanks.
As you may have read, I put MORE oil in than the recommended amount and yet my confirmed OEM dipstick  shows a virtual zero reading, when checking in the conventional way.
I'm happy to listen to seasoned members who assure me that 4 Quarts is perfect but I can tell you there's something disconcerting about setting off on a ride with the oil level on dipstick below the Minimum.
The level is on maximum when I come back from a ride and check it after resting for 3 mins, but as I said, this is not the case when starting from cold in the mornings.
...but I can live with it. 

[Chrisj CMA]

Thank you. As I thought, it's an OEM dipstick.

Just wondering then, after a 4 quart oil change (exactly), where is the oil level showing on YOUR oem dipsticks, after running from cold for a couple of minutes and then waiting for two or three minutes before checking.
Just curious.

I'm no help on this question. I have an aftermarket (cobra) stick and I check the oil on the side stand with my wood block to protect the family room floor and it gets about an eighth inch on the tip of the stick after a fresh change with four qts and almost to the full line when the bike is upright. I typically check it with the dipstick one time during a batch of oil about six months after changing and then the rest of the time I check oil by looking for leaks.  No leaks it's all still in there.

[Willow]

That looks OEM to me 

I went by the color in the original photo.  My OEMs are not silver.  The handle should be black plastic.

Thank you, Willow.

Mine is , in total, 11 and 1/4"

Up to rubber o- ring it's... very close to 9"

So, is this oem?.....and if not, would you be happy to post to Wales, GB? I wouldn't see you out of pocket.

Min to Max reading is about 1/2"

I measured mine.  Total length or to the O-ring is not valid.

From the base of the threads to the acceptable mark is 8.25 inches.  To the end of the stick is 9 inches even.  Mon to max is .75 inches.

As stated, the point on the stick is not what is important.  If you put in 3.9 quarts with a standard sized oil filter it is full.

Running the engine before measuring, in my opinion, is a bad idea.  Running the engine pumps oil into the upper engine.  It will take time for most of it to settle down.  I measure as soon as I fill.  I use a slightly longer filter so I put in four full quarts.

I would like to get to the bottom of this.  I don't think we talked about your filter size.

I would be happy to ship to you if there is a question on your stick being OEM.

[Challenger]

Getting to the bottom of this would be a good idea indeed.  A buddy of mine bought a five quart jug of oil thinking it was a gallon. Put the whole thing in his Valk. Luckily he had a Temperature dip stick. Oil was over 250° in less than 7 miles. Engine and trans don't like being over filled.

[Willow]

This is what OEM dipsticks look like.

[0leman]

Havning own my Valk since 2008, I am beginning to think that my dip stick is not OEM.  It is not black as shown in last post. 

Yesterday when I did check and report the findings, the oil level was on the mid mark.  So probably not a OEM stick.  Never thought about it before.  I don't usually check the oil regularly as I am not showing any oil leaking and no signs of burning it, yet. 

[Knapdog]

We have a situation where owners are changing their oil and either refilling with exactly 4 US Quarts (3.7 litres), which is the recommended amount or, like me, refilling up to the maximum mark on the dipstick.
The problem I then had was once I started up the engine and let it run for a few minutes and then turned off for several minutes, nothing showed on my dipstick so I put MORE oil in, up to the maximum mark.
To add more confusion, it appears that some don't have an oem dipstick, so the markings are inaccurate.
All I can say is that when my engine is cold, the oil level is on Maximum, with bike obviously upright.
I have an OEM dipstick.
Nevertheless, quite simply, as many seasoned forum members state, just put exactly 4 Quarts in and forget about it as it's unlikely that your Valk will use any oil until your next oil change.

[Jess from VA]

Nevertheless, quite simply, as many seasoned forum members state, just put exactly 4 Quarts in and forget about it as it's unlikely that your Valk will use any oil until your next oil change.

Yes.

The manual says 3.9 quarts, but if you get the oil HOT before draining, and let it drain for a while well leaned over (the wrong way from the kickstand), it will take 4 quarts and be correct on the dip. 

And unlike all my new and used cars and trucks, I cannot remember ever needing to add any oil (before the next oil change).  Of course, this leads to a rather lackadaisical attitude about checking the oil from time to time. 

Have you drained the drool tube?

[Knapdog]

Have you drained the drool tube?

Yes, Jess.
Thanks for your help.