Triumphrat

T'Bird2003

I've read a number of threads on the forum regarding not overfilling the thunderbird.

With my 2003 tbird on the centre stand and on level ground the oil level is nearly at the top of the inspection window, rather than midway as is stated in the manual. The level is about 2mm below the top of the glass inspection window.

It's clearly above the standard inspection level, but would that be considered as over fill and should I take some out.

Any views/thoughts?

Thanks

2 wheels good 3 better

I have never paid much heed to the 'don't overfill' warnings.
Every time I do an oil change, I always put 4 litres into the bike, it always comes up to the top of the sight glass, and runs fine.
I have covered 43000 miles pulling a sidecar around after me with no mechanical troubles at all. So far!

T'Bird2003

The niggle is that I took care in doing it all. I drained the old oil overnight and put 3.5 litres in and ran the engine for about 5 minutes to get the oil pumped round. I then let it settle for a bit before doing the final top up. It took another 0.3 litres, so 3.8 litres in total. I guess it took longer for the oil to get into the sump than I expected.

It would be interesting to know what quantity of oil is required to raise the level from the bottom to the top of the inspection window.

denny

Both wheels are supposed to be sitting on the ground when you check the oil level at the sight glass. Since the back of the bike is higher than the front when on the centerstand. Maybe have a friend hold the bike level while you look in the sight glass. It might be closer than you think.

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Cheers,Denny

2 wheels good 3 better

One thing I forgot to say was that I have noticed that parking the bike on the tiniest slope throws the apparent oil level out wildly.
I have never actually put my bike into the garage to see what the level is like on a nice flat floor!
Too busy riding the old dog.

T'Bird2003

Good point Denny. I will check it out.

Woody1911a1

i use a handheld mirror , actually my wifes , while sitting on the bike upright .

hth , Woody

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If you love it , let it go . If it comes back to you , you've highsided ;-)

Blackhead

I too have an 03 tbird with a center stand. I found by trial and error that if you raise up the front wheel using a regulation hockey puck (which is 1" thick) the bike is level. Then the oil should be half way up the sight glass.

By the way. A hockey puck has one other use. I keep it in the saddlebag and use it flat under my sidestand when the ground or asphalt is soft.

Try it you will like it.

Vertigo1

If you're into avoiding hernias, you can ride the rear wheel on the puck before hoisting it on the center stand. That extra inch makes getting her up a whole bunch easier.

Tbirdnz

I drain 4 litres out and put 4 litres in, the oil level is always slightly over-full, 75,000km on the clock.


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Ride on !