Checking Oil-WTF?

[dobro]

I took the 2011 Rocket Touring for a ride today and when I got home I turned it off and went inside for 3 or 4 minutes then went back outside and held the bike upright and checked the oil. None-zero- showed on the dipstick. I added 2/3 of a quart then started the bike up and let it run for about 2 minutes while holding it upright then I turned it off but kept it upright. About 30 seconds later with the bike still upright I checked the dipstick and it showed oil about an inch above the high hash mark! I drew all the oil out of it that I'd just put in it and let it run for a minute then turned it off and waited about 15 seconds and checked the dipstick. It was at the high hash mark. If I did something incorrectly I'd like to know about it because I followed the manual. This is too important for gray areas or uncertainty.

 

[TURBO200R4]

let it run for a minute or so then turn it off and check it right a way. do not let it set.
when you let it set for long periods it is possible to drain back into the sump.

 

[TURBO200R4]

my 07 classic has been sitting for 7 hours and is still at the full mark.

 

[TRIIICK]

........I remember that day well back in 2005..

 

[warp9.9]

Lets talk oil Non return valves. There some on Rockets that work great like in Turbo200R4's bike and mine. There ar esome bikes whos oil non return valve has a damaged O-ring upon install. They leak down slowly. There are Rockets that do not have it installed right and if you pull the sump pan it will drop on the floor. They leak down faster. Then there have been some rockets that have been taken apart and no non return valve foubd at all. The really leak down fast. In fact I just sent one to Sal who took his 05 bike apart to find he did not have one at all. Sounds like you atleast have one Dobro, its just a mater of pulling the sump and seeing if it has a little problem. I suppose it could also have some trash in it and you need to take it apart and clean it. Its easy just a snap ring to disassemble it. Also its easy to remove after the sump plate is pulled you just pull it out no wrenches needed. Its about a hour job including draining the oil. While your at it take the sump screens out and clean the swarf out of them. Don't freak out when you see how much swarf is in them you can never get them totally cleaned out after machining the block. Once you clean them they will stay clean unless something is wrong.

 

[Wetrudgeon]

First time we checked the oil after the bike had set a while we had no oil on the stick. Did the same thing you did and added oil. Then read here of the leak down thing. But the oil leaking down out of the side tank is not life threatening. Neither is over filling the tank.

We trudge on.

 

[dobro]

Lets talk oil Non return valves. There some on Rockets that work great like in Turbo200R4's bike and mine. There ar esome bikes whos oil non return valve has a damaged O-ring upon install. They leak down slowly. There are Rockets that do not have it installed right and if you pull the sump pan it will drop on the floor. They leak down faster. Then there have been some rockets that have been taken apart and no non return valve foubd at all. The really leak down fast. In fact I just sent one to Sal who took his 05 bike apart to find he did not have one at all. Sounds like you atleast have one Dobro, its just a mater of pulling the sump and seeing if it has a little problem.

Warp9, until I fix it which way is best to get the most accurate reading? Keep it upright after turning off and check dipstick right away or some other way?

 

[dobro]

If you suspect a faulty oil non-return valve (which would allow oil to drain out of the oil tank when the engine is not running) should you check the dipstick immediately upon stopping the engine, or wait 10 seconds, or wait 30 seconds, etc. in order to get the most accurate reading? I ask because I assume that some period of time is necessary after the engine is stopped for the oil in the engine to return to the oil tank.

 

[warp9.9]

If you suspect a faulty oil non-return valve (which would allow oil to drain out of the oil tank when the engine is not running) should you check the dipstick immediately upon stopping the engine, or wait 10 seconds, or wait 30 seconds, etc. in order to get the most accurate reading? I ask because I assume that some period of time is necessary after the engine is stopped for the oil in the engine to return to the oil tank.

I sit on th ebike and sart it up let it idle for about a minute then shut her off pull the dipstick out whipe it off then stick her in and check the oil.

 

[TURBO200R4]

i would not make it a race,just shut it off and check it.
i checked mine once while it was running(not recommended) and i think it was the same as with engine off.
herman