Author Topic: Correct way to check engine oil level? (Read 18095 times)

77CB750K · « **on:** January 16, 2010, 10:16:00 AM »

1977 CB750K

Can anyone tell me the correct way to check the engine oil level?

Screw the dipstick in or just insert dipstick without screwing it in?

There's a huge difference depending on which method I use.

The owner's manual doesn't specify.

Thank You,

Rod

crazypj · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2010, 10:19:32 AM »

dont screw it in

PJ

Ryan 550k · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2010, 10:20:18 AM »

Make sure bike is on center stand if it has one, otherwise just make sure it's upright. I was taught to screw dipstick in and that makes sense to me.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2010, 10:47:54 AM »

for some bikes, it's one way or the other. On the 350, you don't screw it in, but on my 650, if I don't screw it in, it apparently is 'overfull' and leaks.

mystic_1 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2010, 10:59:31 AM »

The CB750 K8/F3 manual states:

Quote

Remove the right side cover and check the oil level with the filler cap dipstick. Do not screw the cap in when making this check.

mystic_1

77CB750K · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2010, 11:16:53 AM »

Got it!

Thank You,

Rod

Ryan 550k · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2010, 01:55:02 PM »

Quote from: mystic_1 on January 16, 2010, 10:59:31 AM

The CB750 K8/F3 manual states:

Quote
Remove the right side cover and check the oil level with the filler cap dipstick. Do not screw the cap in when making this check.

mystic_1

oooooooh........Thanks mystic

I actually appreciate the correction

MCRider · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2010, 02:03:32 PM »

Quote from: mystic_1 on January 16, 2010, 10:59:31 AM

The CB750 K8/F3 manual states:

Quote
Remove the right side cover and check the oil level with the filler cap dipstick. Do not screw the cap in when making this check.

mystic_1

Confirming "don't screw it in" on a CB750. On the CB750, the dipstick won't go much deeper into the tank if you were to screw it in anyway as the cap only turns 1/4+ turn or so. But on many wet sump bikes with the dipstick in the filler plug which has several turns of threads, it could make a big difference.

I guess that begs this clarification: I don't screw it in, but I do allow it to drop to its lowest point in the tank's filler neck. What you say to that, Mystic or others?

While it may be true on some bikes that one should screw it in, all bikes that have ever been in my stable are of the "don't screw it in" variety.

Ryan 550k · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2010, 02:17:01 PM »

Just checked the CB550 manual for confirmation and it go's along with Mystic's 750 info.
Check the oil with the dipstick gauge without screwing it into the case.

It's the little things man, the little things that can make all the difference

Ross Davis · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2010, 07:58:19 AM »

All Hondas that have dip sticks are checked with dip stick setting on top of threads.

cookindaddy · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2010, 08:07:11 AM »

What makes more difference in the level is WHEN you check it which should be immediately after you shut the bike off. If you check it cold after its been sitting for a while or even a short time after you turn it off, some of the oil drains out of the tank back down into the sump causing you to get a lower reading.

spammasher · « **Reply #11 on:** January 25, 2011, 06:25:53 AM »

My sons cb500 is blowing a bit of blue smoke out of only one of the cylinders and a friend suggested the oil may be too full. Would over filling the oil cause the bike to burn oil. And why would it happen only from one cylinder or is it simply a rings problem.Any theories as its something i need to address. Regards Don.

MCRider · « **Reply #12 on:** January 25, 2011, 06:33:18 AM »

Quote from: spammasher on January 25, 2011, 06:25:53 AM

My sons cb500 is blowing a bit of blue smoke out of only one of the cylinders and a friend suggested the oil may be too full. Would over filling the oil cause the bike to burn oil. And why would it happen only from one cylinder or is it simply a rings problem.Any theories as its something i need to address. Regards Don.

Overfilling may exacerbate an existing problem. But the existing problem...exists. usually old hard valve stem seal(s) and/or rings. Could be just one cylinder, no reason not. If its rings, you likely could get some blow out the breather. Stems seals too but not so much.

I'd try some SeaFoam or Marvels Mystery Oil, can't hurt.

Radam · « **Reply #13 on:** January 25, 2011, 06:39:30 AM »

How much SeaFoam is ok to put in? When I was reading the bottle it says that the bottle is good for 5-30gal or something like that. What would happen if you put in too much?

spammasher · « **Reply #14 on:** January 25, 2011, 06:42:10 AM »

Thanks MC with 6294 posts to your name i'll take your advice and look into it, Regards Don.

MCRider · « **Reply #15 on:** January 25, 2011, 06:54:04 AM »

Radam: For crankcases it should say 1.5 oz per quart. For gas its 1 oz per gallon of regular gas.
http://www.seafoamsales.com/tech-info-gas-engines/

Spammaster: You're welcome, but I talk (write) alot. Listen to others too.

ekpent · « **Reply #16 on:** January 25, 2011, 06:58:35 AM »

+1 on the wet sump 750's about checking it after it has ran. The check valves in the tank - pump area often do not work correctly,people go out and check them after they have been sitting for a long period,see practically nothing on the stick and start dumping oil in leading to an overfill problem.

bollingball · « **Reply #17 on:** January 25, 2011, 07:20:35 AM »

Wait just a minute I have a 750K8 should be same as a 750K7 dip stick threads only measure .279 inches 1/4 in.. Distance from high to low marks 2.097 in. 2 1/2 to 3 turns to get it out. I don't think a 1/4 inch of threads is a concern. +1 on center stand +1 on checking just after shut off to avoid overfill. We are talking about a 750 yes some others are talking about 550 maybe there dipsticks are different I do not know about the 550. Also you do not need to remove the side cover on a 77 or 78 750K. Your HUGE difference must be in your oil pump check valve or your method of checking IE checking after sitting and it is draining to sump or you are checking on side stand. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong I am a humble man

Really? · « **Reply #18 on:** January 25, 2011, 07:40:55 AM »

Quote from: Radam on January 25, 2011, 06:39:30 AM

How much SeaFoam is ok to put in? When I was reading the bottle it says that the bottle is good for 5-30gal or something like that. What would happen if you put in too much?

I know people that use seafoam to clean the carbs while still on the bike. They use 100% seafoam. Basically, they emtpy the carb bowls and load em up. Leave them sit for 24 hours and then drain. Seems to make a lot of difference.

So, my point is you can run more than the can says. If you are riding at the same time, permormance may decrease. So choose the amount per the instructions. I tend to add a bit more.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2011, 08:57:47 AM »

Quote from: R550 on January 16, 2010, 10:20:18 AM

Make sure bike is on center stand if it has one, otherwise just make sure it's upright. I was taught to screw dipstick in and that makes sense to me.

I've always been a bit paranoid about the oil level. I always check when I return from a day of riding, usually on the center stand. I once, after checking, put it on the side stand and rechecked to see the difference. The difference was about 1/8th inch. It's not always convenient to check it on the center stand when on the road, so I took a small jeweler's file and marked the side of the dip stick to show "full" even on the side stand. Now I can satisfy my paranoia either way.

mick750F · « **Reply #20 on:** January 25, 2011, 09:01:43 AM »

You crafty devil Bob...

Mike

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #21 on:** January 25, 2011, 09:08:41 AM »

At least you spared me being called a crafty old f@rt.

Skunk Stripe · « **Reply #22 on:** January 25, 2011, 09:21:49 AM »

Quote

Confirming "don't screw it in" on a CB750. On the CB750, the dipstick won't go much deeper into the tank if you were to screw it in anyway as the cap only turns 1/4+ turn or so.

My 78 stick make s a few turns before it is sealed. I would say the difference between sitting on the threads and sealed is at least 1/4 inch if not 3/8ths.

All in all though, is it THAT big a deal? Think about it, you have a RANGE that is marked on the dipstick. As long as you are in this range, you have enough oil. You do not want to go above or below this range but this range is around 1/2 inch at least. So sidestand or center stand I dont think is really an issue at least on the 750.

bollingball · « **Reply #23 on:** January 25, 2011, 09:33:01 AM »

Skunk I measured the stick it is over 2in min to max. +1 no big deal.

Skunk Stripe · « **Reply #24 on:** January 25, 2011, 09:47:35 AM »

That far huh. yeah no biggie. I suppose if anything, keep in the upper range, if a person is paranoid.

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Author Topic: Correct way to check engine oil level? (Read 18095 times)

77CB750K

Ryan 550k

77CB750K

Ryan 550k

Ryan 550k

bollingball

bollingball