Topic: Quantity of oil behind gear change cover

[Born to be mild]

I need to remove the cover which fits over the gear change shaft to give it a respray, is there much oil behind there? ie do I need to drop the oil out before taking it off?

[Stev-o]

I'll assume you have a CB750, there is no oil contained behind that cover. 

List your bike model for accurate info.

Regardless, plan to replace the gasket when reinstalling.

Good luck.

[Bodi]

You can check that with the dipstick - hold it beside the engine at the angle and height it would be in it's check position (not screwed in). See where the full line is. That's the full oil level in the engine. The ones I have looked at, full level was well above the bottom of the side cover. They had to have the oil drained to avoid a big spill on cover removal.
You could tip the bike way over to the opposite side: OK if a just quick internal check, repair, or adjustment is needed but draining the oil is a lot better if the cover has to be off a while to clean and paint it.

[Born to be mild]

Sorry, stupid of me Stev-O, yes it's a cb750 f2, '77 model. I expected to lose some when I take the cover off but it was a matter of how much. My own fault as my last riding boots had metal eyelets for the laces !

[pjlogue]

Normally it will be about 1/4-1/2 cup of oil depending on how you park your bile.  (side stand vs center stand)   This area drains down into the oil pan area but some gets trapped, but not a lot.

-P.

[robvangulik]

You can check that with the dipstick - hold it beside the engine at the angle and height it would be in it's check position (not screwed in). See where the full line is. That's the full oil level in the engine. The ones I have looked at, full level was well above the bottom of the side cover. They had to have the oil drained to avoid a big spill on cover removal.
You could tip the bike way over to the opposite side: OK if a just quick internal check, repair, or adjustment is needed but draining the oil is a lot better if the cover has to be off a while to clean and paint it.

That dipstick from the oiltank?

[Bodi]

The previous answer was only useful for a 750, and the model was then unknown. I should have specified "wet sump engines".

[PeWe]

I have removed it several times.  Bike leaned to the other side as against a wall. 1st gear in so bike will stay.
Cover does not need to be removed for oil seal replacement if that is what you intend to do.
Pedal off, thread a wooden screw into the seal, pull it out with a plier. New seal in.

[Born to be mild]

Thanks guys, in the end I drained the sump [ but not the sump pan ] and after that there was still about a half cup in there, not a Starbucks Grande worth though, I mean an English teacup because I'm in the UK of course. Anyway, job done and thanks for all of the advice.