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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: ScooterNSticks on August 28, 2019, 09:42:52 PM

Title: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 28, 2019, 09:42:52 PM
Was looking at the oil level sight glass and saw it was completely full.  The manual calls for 3.9 quarts.  Dealer charged me for 4 quarts and I suspect they put it all in.

Should I siphon some out or would that .10 of a quart be incidental?  Bike runs fine.  Or so it seems to my newbie sensibility.  It's faster than my Vespa...
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: johnny on August 28, 2019, 10:02:23 PM
greetings...

an overfilled engine will blow the rear main seal if the crankcase breather hose is clogged...

the goal is to fill to the top edge of the sightglass after oil has migrated to the sump while on centerstand with engine off after a warm up...

then add when the level getts down to half on the sightglass...

the problem with measuring it in is you do not know how much was left in there when they buttoned it up...

something as routine as an oil change... caints even trust oe dealers to do that right... pathetic...

j o
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 28, 2019, 10:03:36 PM
Thanks.  I'll siphon some out until I can see the oil level in the glass.

It's always something.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: rbm on August 29, 2019, 07:18:57 AM
Top of the sight glass is absolute maximum level; any more could possibly cause engine damage as Johnny points out.  Preferred level is halfway up the sight glass when the bike is on the centre stand on level ground.  Absolute minimum level is at the bottom of the sight glass.  I would recommend drain to the halfway mark.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 29, 2019, 08:08:33 AM
Top of the sight glass is absolute maximum level; any more could possibly cause engine damage as Johnny points out.  Preferred level is halfway up the sight glass when the bike is on the centre stand on level ground.  Absolute minimum level is at the bottom of the sight glass.  I would recommend drain to the halfway mark.

After my breakfast of champions, a walk with the dogs and some time to gauge all the shit I have to do today -- I'll remove some oil to the halfway point.  Have a big syringe.  Need to find the tubing for the end of it.  Worked on the Vespa.  Should deal with the K75 in the same primitive manner.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: rbm on August 29, 2019, 08:15:23 AM
Or use the drain plug, and drain into a pan.  Not much is needed to be removed.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Chaos on August 29, 2019, 08:25:43 AM
Siphon not good idea, difficult route for hose.  Drain plug messier but easy.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 29, 2019, 08:38:30 AM
Siphon not good idea, difficult route for hose.  Drain plug messier but easy.

Damn.  And I already took my weekly shower!
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Laitch on August 29, 2019, 08:47:03 AM
Siphon not good idea, difficult route for hose.  Drain plug messier but easy.
Damn.  And I already took my weekly shower!
Slightly loosen the oil filter cover bolts and let it dribble from the edge of the cover. I wear this gear for oil changes.

(http://www.motobrick.com/gallery/1/1601-240119103101.png)
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 29, 2019, 10:49:13 AM
Slightly loosen the oil filter cover bolts and let it dribble from the edge of the cover. I wear this gear for oil changes.

(http://www.motobrick.com/gallery/1/1601-240119103101.png)

It's just shaping up to be a bad day.  I never had days like this when the Vespa was the only thing in the garage.

So I ordered the suit on Amazon in preparation for letting some oil dribble out.  I've notified the fire department and was told I first need a permit.  And to get the permit an inspector has to look at the property.  The earliest they can schedule is the day before Christmas.

However, while closely inspecting the oil level window in the bright light of day, sober, clear-headed and grateful to be alive, I see the level is just slightly below the maximum level.

QUESTION:  Do I cancel the order for the space suit or do I continue to drain some oil?
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Laitch on August 29, 2019, 11:42:30 AM
You order the suit to keep you safe when you're stir-frying. Right now you take a ride on the Brick, if you can.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: herseyb on August 29, 2019, 11:44:44 AM
that's good.  now go do 300 miles on the interstate at top revs and see how much is left.  then you can plan consumption for long range travels.

 My k75 didn't drink too much putzing around the neighborhood but would go from top of the glass to the bottom when ripping all day with my camping gear on top.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Scott on August 29, 2019, 11:57:07 AM
Dealers, not just M/C shops, often seem to overfill engines with oil.  My dad had a Tundra oil change at a well known dealer and it was over by more than a quart.  I drained it off and did the oil changes for him from then on.  I think the expert mechanics are working on the real mechanical problems, and they give the oil changes to unqualified helpers.  I do as much as I can for that reason.  That's my theory at least.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Gibson on August 29, 2019, 12:37:57 PM
So the correct oil level is the dot in the center of the glass?
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Scott on August 29, 2019, 12:48:11 PM
So the correct oil level is the dot in the center of the glass?
The owners manual says anywhere within the red circle, (600cc) is okay, top being maximum, and the bottom is the minimum allowed.  People all have their opinions to where is the optimum level.  For me, on oil changes i usually put the level at 5mm or so from maximum, and if it goes down below the bottom third I add oil to bring it back the top third of the window. As long as you can see the level, according to BMW, all is good.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Laitch on August 29, 2019, 01:02:04 PM
For me, on oil changes i usually put the level at 5mm or so from maximum, and if it goes down below the bottom third I add oil to bring it back the top third of the window. As long as you can see the level, according to BMW, all is good.
That's a sensible approach stripped from the bonds of obsession. :-)
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 29, 2019, 01:28:53 PM
that's good.  now go do 300 miles on the interstate at top revs and see how much is left.  then you can plan consumption for long range travels.

 My k75 didn't drink too much putzing around the neighborhood but would go from top of the glass to the bottom when ripping all day with my camping gear on top.

Tomorrow I go for the long ride.  I'm going to put the side cases on to see how it is to ride with them. Maybe some expressway riding but mostly wandering through the wilderness.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Chaos on August 29, 2019, 03:07:59 PM
Correct oil level is subjective.  Mine usually smokes on startup, always has.  Filling to bottom of circle seems to minimize it.  So I fill to top of circle during misquito season.  Besides, it's old enough now to smoke if it wants to.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: alabrew on August 29, 2019, 03:11:55 PM
Conventional thought on the problem with accidentally overfilling is a hold over from traditional engines with the crank at the bottom in the oil pan and the crank splashes the oil and causes foaming.

This engine's crank is not in the oil pan to cause foaming. When the engine is running, the oil is below the sight glass and the crank is at least 5" above the oil level. It can accommodate up to an extra quart w/o issue.

I always put in 4 qts. with a new filter.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Gibson on August 29, 2019, 03:24:02 PM
I think for the same reason, you do not want the balance shaft in the oil. Over filling may do that with the K75. I just did a change last night only 6k miles on my bike.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 29, 2019, 06:19:22 PM
Correct oil level is subjective.  Mine usually smokes on startup, always has.  Filling to bottom of circle seems to minimize it.  So I fill to top of circle during misquito season.  Besides, it's old enough now to smoke if it wants to.

I've left my on the side stand and it won't smoke.  I feel as if I've bought a lemon.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Laitch on August 29, 2019, 06:40:13 PM
I feel as if I've bought a lemon.
Break out the gris-gris. You're tempting fate.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: johnny on August 29, 2019, 06:43:27 PM
greetings...

putts a bottle of marvel mystery oil in the tank and fill it up with no corn ethyl... it will smoke...

j o
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 29, 2019, 09:55:17 PM
greetings...

putts a bottle of marvel mystery oil in the tank and fill it up with no corn ethyl... it will smoke...

j o

Ah, thanks for the suggestion.  I'll write it down and put it on the refrigerator...
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Chaos on August 30, 2019, 08:44:34 PM
Let the bike idle for a while on the sidestand then shut it off.  Let it sit overnight, starting the next day should bring tears to your eyes.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on August 31, 2019, 09:33:19 AM
Let the bike idle for a while on the sidestand then shut it off.  Let it sit overnight, starting the next day should bring tears to your eyes.

Another task for a rainy day.  I think for now I'll just be grateful the engine was not overfilled with oil, the bike starts instantly without smoke, and it's damn fun to ride!
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: stokester on August 31, 2019, 01:58:20 PM
Top of the sight glass is absolute maximum level; any more could possibly cause engine damage as Johnny points out.  Preferred level is halfway up the sight glass when the bike is on the centre stand on level ground.  Absolute minimum level is at the bottom of the sight glass.  I would recommend drain to the halfway mark.
When changing oil I always add until the sight glass is at the top then start the engine and add any if necessary until it reaches the dot after shutdown and allowing time for drain.  Smoking at startup is a result of using the side stand and where the engine is on the cycle - it's a common thing and I only have it intermittently just like on my airheads.  Nothing to be concerned about.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Nine80seven on September 01, 2019, 12:32:35 AM
Why make it smoke when it can be avoided?  Use the center stand.  IMHO.  Smoke means there is oil in combustion chambers.  Which means dirty combustion chambers.  My '84 KRS never smokes but I keep a pack of Camels in the tank bag.  In the case of an economic meltdown.  Can be used to trade for gas on way to bugout.  Two scents.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Laitch on September 01, 2019, 06:26:37 AM
. . . IMHO . . .
Although I don't consider an O to be H when it's published on the Internet, you give wise advise. I keep a couple of vape cartridges in my go-bag for the same reason—angling for more suggestible trading partners if they're available. I also have a pack of menthols, just in case.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Chaos on September 01, 2019, 08:37:20 AM
Stupid me, I just stash a couple 20's in the tool tray for emergencies.  Bartering smokes rocks!
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on September 01, 2019, 09:00:21 AM
Why make it smoke when it can be avoided?  Use the center stand.  IMHO.  Smoke means there is oil in combustion chambers.  Which means dirty combustion chambers.  My '84 KRS never smokes but I keep a pack of Camels in the tank bag.  In the case of an economic meltdown.  Can be used to trade for gas on way to bugout.  Two scents.

What started as a simple question about oil levels has devolved, or perhaps evolved, into lessons for the apocalypse.  And it all makes my riding concerns more complicated.  Cigarettes to trade for gas.  I suppose some kind of weapon is necessary as well.  A Glock?  Or maybe a sword of some sort -- more efficient in the long run if zombies are involved.  Invading space aliens opens a completely different set of concerns.

Life was so much simpler before I got a K75...
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on September 01, 2019, 09:01:09 AM
Although I don't consider an O to be H when it's published on the Internet, you give wise advise. I keep a couple of vape cartridges in my go-bag for the same reason—angling for more suggestible trading partners if they're available. I also have a pack of menthols, just in case.

The internet is an ongoing exercise in humility.

IMHO.
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: Hilltopper46 on September 01, 2019, 03:18:09 PM
Life was so much simpler before I got a K75...

Or, at least until you registered at Motobrick.com......
Title: Re: K75 Oil Level -- 3.9 or 4 quarts
Post by: ScooterNSticks on September 01, 2019, 06:43:54 PM
Or, at least until you registered at Motobrick.com......

Yeah, it's confusing at times.  I don't speak the language and I can't find a glossary for some of the terms.  Mostly though, the lack of simplicity is self-inflicted.