Suzuki DR-Z400 oil checking procedure
Tim
My questions are about the Suzuki DR-Z400 models, specifically oil level
checking.
I understand about the dry sump and the need to run the bike for a few
minutes and then let it sit with the engine off for a few minutes before
checking oil.
Two things I am not clear on...
1. Bike should be standing vertically, NOT on side stand when checking the
oil level?
The manual says vertically but the oil filler hole is straight up and down
when the bike is on the side stand (on level ground). I understand that
vertical is universal no matter what, while the angle of the bike on the
stand is dependant on the local terrain.
2. Oil filler cap/dipstick should or should not be screwed in when checking
the level?
I'll look again when I get home but I don't recall the owners manual stating
whether the stick should be screwed in or not to check level. I have seen it
done both ways on different engines.
If the bike has already been ridden, and is hot, can you shut it off, wait 3
minutes and then check the oil?
Including a sight glass in the reservoir would have been much nicer.
Concerning the resevoir...
If you check too soon after the engine is shut off the oil level will read
too high?
If you check too long after the engine is shut off the oil level will read
too low?
They need a sight glass in the side of the case for cold oil level checking
and one in the resevoir for checking while hot.
last question, what's the best oil to use? Ha Ha just kidding.
thanks
PS Just looked up the price of an air filter for this bike. $46??? I'm
reading the wrong column no doubt. No freaking piece of foam could possibly
cost $46... right?
Tim
XR650L_Dave
Dry-sump in general is checked immed. after running, bike vertical,
dipstick probably not screwed in (that's almost a standard). The XRL is
very sensitive to how long the engine has been run, and how soon after
running you check the oil level, and the DRZ is likely just as
sensitive.
DDave
IdaSpode
>My questions are about the Suzuki DR-Z400 models, specifically oil level
>checking.
>
>I understand about the dry sump and the need to run the bike for a few
>minutes and then let it sit with the engine off for a few minutes before
>checking oil.
Manual sez: "start engine, allow to idle for 3 minutes, shut off
engine, wait 3 minutes, check level"
>Two things I am not clear on...
>
>1. Bike should be standing vertically, NOT on side stand when checking the
>oil level?
>The manual says vertically but the oil filler hole is straight up and down
>when the bike is on the side stand (on level ground). I understand that
>vertical is universal no matter what, while the angle of the bike on the
>stand is dependant on the local terrain.
Manual sez: "hold motorcycle vertical"
No, the filler will not be vertical.
>2. Oil filler cap/dipstick should or should not be screwed in when checking
>the level?
>I'll look again when I get home but I don't recall the owners manual stating
>whether the stick should be screwed in or not to check level. I have seen it
>done both ways on different engines.
Manual sez: "insert dipstick until threads touch filler neck, do not
screw in"
>If the bike has already been ridden, and is hot, can you shut it off, wait 3
>minutes and then check the oil?
Manual sez: "check and adjust the engine oil level when the engine oil
is not hot"
<snip stuff I don't have an answer for>
>Tim
DJ
Tim
> very sensitive to how long the engine has been run, and how soon after
> running you check the oil level, and the DRZ is likely just as
> sensitive.
Thanks Dave
That would explain why I have heard that, once you find the correct
procedure for doing this, you should do it the same way each time to get
consistent readings. So evidently, time between the steps is important.
thanks
Tim
I also like the idea of changing oil and filter and dumping in 2 quarts! ( I
hope no one is reading this and shaking their head or anything...)
"XR650L_Dave" <spamT...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1157468211....@m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
>
> Tim wrote:
> > My questions are about the Suzuki DR-Z400 models, specifically oil level
> > checking.
> >
Tim
Well I DID read it and I swear I didn't see that. I'll try it again sober.
Seriously, I read it but didn't see that.
thanks
Tim
"IdaSpode" <not@home_watching.tv> wrote in message
news:ao3rf2t4ob05nlmq7...@4ax.com...
Marc
>> reading the wrong column no doubt. No freaking piece of foam could possibly
>> cost $46... right?
ReadyFilter. $10 or so. Doesn't NoToil have a competitive ready-to-go
filter? Maybe it's some other company... I've had good results reusing
the ReadyFilters a few times without issue.
XR650L_Dave wrote:
> Dry-sump in general is checked immed. after running, bike vertical,
> dipstick probably not screwed in (that's almost a standard). The XRL is
> very sensitive to how long the engine has been run, and how soon after
> running you check the oil level, and the DRZ is likely just as
> sensitive.
I have always been led to believe that a little more oil than necessary
is ok in a dry sump engine (within reason...) since it's always pumped
up and held in the upper tank anyway. Problems could arise on start-up
I suppose, after all oil has settled if there's *really* too much...
What does the rmd jury have to say about that?
The DRZ's also got an oil level inspection plug for when the engine is
cold and has been shut down for a good while so that all oil is down in
the cases. It's just a bolt you back out and oil does or doesn't come
out if there's too much/not enough.
Cheers,
Marc
'01 DRZ-400E
XR650L_Dave
Marc wrote:
> I have always been led to believe that a little more oil than necessary
> is ok in a dry sump engine (within reason...) since it's always pumped
> up and held in the upper tank anyway. Problems could arise on start-up
> I suppose, after all oil has settled if there's *really* too much...
> What does the rmd jury have to say about that?
>
> The DRZ's also got an oil level inspection plug for when the engine is
> cold and has been shut down for a good while so that all oil is down in
> the cases. It's just a bolt you back out and oil does or doesn't come
> out if there's too much/not enough.
>
> Cheers,
> Marc
>
> '01 DRZ-400E
Once again, comparing to the XRL:
Too much oil only happens when there is no room in the upper tank,
meaning oil will pool (while running) in the sump and/or cases,
depending on how the scavenger pump is designed. Results are the same
as a wet-sump with too much oil, oil comes out the breather and maybe
some seals get blown (out).
On the XRL the inspection bolt near the sump is checked while the
engine is running, and tells if there is the proper oil level in the
sump.
DDave
scr...@mindspring.com
Marc wrote:
> ReadyFilter. $10 or so. Doesn't NoToil have a competitive ready-to-go
> filter? Maybe it's some other company... I've had good results reusing
> the ReadyFilters a few times without issue.
Yes, they do. The Fast3Filter. I had three of eight fall apart on me
this past weekend. I'm really starting to hate all the cheap filters.
TwinAir makes a biodegradable oil now that if I'm reading their Website
correctly, can be used on their standard filters.
JayC
> checking.
I have an XR400, which is basically the same thing as a DRZ when it
comes to oil checking. You can get reasonably consistant readings
within a few minutes after running and shutting down the motor, but I
think it's a complete pain in the ass. The suck part the run time
required - if you're letting your bike sit and warm up anyway while you
gear up, it's no big deal, but my bike likes to be ridden around slowly
to warm up without stalling. That makes it too much of a pain. That
being said, after 8 years with the thing, I've just about completely
given up on checking the oil.
Personally, I buy the cheapest oil I can get (Wal Mart SuperTech brand)
and change the oil every couple of rides. I drain and dump a little
less than 2 quarts (I leave enough to fill up my chainsaw bar oil tank
- which fits into the "close enough" category for correct fill volume)
and ride. Unless I crack my case, or find a puddle under my bike, I
know that there is enough oil in there. When I do check the oil, I
don't worry about exactly consistant readings and only wait a few
seconds for the splashing to settle down to check the oil - just about
the time required to unscrew and wipe off the dipstick - there is a
whole lot of room for error in that sump - regardless of your exact
techique, if the motor has been run and there is oil on the stick, I
know there is plenty in there to do the job.
Jay
The Real Bev
>>> PS Just looked up the price of an air filter for this bike. $46??? I'm
>>> reading the wrong column no doubt. No freaking piece of foam could possibly
>>> cost $46... right?
>
> ReadyFilter. $10 or so. Doesn't NoToil have a competitive ready-to-go
> filter? Maybe it's some other company... I've had good results reusing
> the ReadyFilters a few times without issue.
Any chance you can buy some foam and sew one yourself? Dental floss
makes fine thread.
--
Cheers, Bev
===============================================================
Never try to extort more than it would cost to have you killed.
