Triumphrat

pz1 · 06-24-2007

my oil level is at the high mark by the sight glass, is that a problem or should i drain a small amount out. changed it out and put what i would call a gallon size jug with oil in filter too.

GOZO · 06-24-2007

If you've just changed your oil let the bike run for a couple of minutes and then let it settle, the filter should then have filled up and you should be OK.
If you've done that and its still high I recommend you empty some oil.
Too much is sometimes just as bad as too little.

mecscc · 06-24-2007

If you can see any air at the top of the glass it will be fine. The problem is that if you fill to the recommended amount you will overfill it. It actually holds several ounces less, even after you prefill the filter.

Next time start with about 3 1/2 quarts, run it a while, let it settle and fill to the middle of the sight glass. Let it settle after you top it off. It takes a while for all the oil to run down. Its a pain but the only way I know to get it accurate, unless you pour out precisely the amount into another container before you fill it, which is an even bigger pain. I long for the good old days before they discovered sight glasses. Only time I really miss a "dipstick."

Monte :-D

Stealth · 06-24-2007

Is it on the main stand? If so take it off and check the level,

Normandy · 06-24-2007

I have always kept my oil on the high side (top of the glass) as I believe a little more is good. It is not critical to be exactly half the window. With a new filter (prefilled) mine takes a jug with a few ounces left in the jug and I have never had oil in the air box.
There is over fill and OVERFILL. :-D

Colonel_Dorkus · 06-24-2007

I just use a 4 quart,gallon jug. Use it all. Never had a problem overfilling. Oil level sits right where it's supposed to in the sight glass.

-Aaron

mecscc · 06-24-2007

That's interesting, Aaron. Mine will simply not take a full gallon, or anywhere close, without going way over the sight glass, either on the center stand or standing vertical both wheels on the floor. I can't account for the discrepancy. Any ideas?

Monte

Colonel_Dorkus · 06-24-2007

I haven't had any problems. I don't have a center stand, but when it's on a lift, the level is right by the top line. Same with my old 790 I crashed last year. You're getting me worried I have too much oil in there. Better go check it!

-Aaron

Colonel_Dorkus · 06-24-2007

Looks to be a bit over the line. Very close though. Is there no bubble showing when you use the whole gallon?

-Aaron

mecscc · 06-24-2007

Hey, Aaron, I'm certainly not trying to worry you. If you have never had any problems with 4 quarts then don't worry about it.

The only accurate way to measure it takes either two people or, awkwardly, a mirror on one of those collapsible poles. I have one of them but it is really hard to see it an hold the bike vertical. Better to have someone (in my case, me) sit on it and get it absolutely vertical and another (in my case, Sue, who is tiny and has no problem getting down there with a flashlight to read it) to read the sight glass. ALL of it is a real PIA as far as I am concerned. And why they ever got away from using a simple dipstick totally eludes me!

If it will help you sleep better, the Owner's Manual calls for 1.03 gallons, with filter. What I think happens is that there is quite a bit of oil trapped in the sump that never drains out, even after 20 minutes and leaning the bike from side to side, which I do. But hey, if it isn't bothering your bike, nor the prior one, don't worry about it. I'm serious. Triumph has probably engineered some slack in the system to allow for minor overfilling.

Monte.