How to check oil level in the primary?

[misternikko]

What is the correct way?

Thanks for your help!

[thuren67]

I drain mine then fill it with 1qt lol.

[thrstrmech]

off the side stand, level just like when draining the oil...use a wheel chock to stabilize the bike or someone to hold her up from the front, my 16 yr old son comes in handy for that:D that's how I do my check/service...the manual has a diagram of where the oil level will be after adding one quart of oil

[misternikko]

will you able to see it from the clutch inspection plate?

[Macbuell]

not a chance

[squidbuellie]

With the bike on level ground and on the side stand. Remove the clutch adjustment cover.
Look inside the primary and the bottom of the clutch basket should be submerged in oil.

Or the fool prof way...


I drain mine then fill it with 1qt lol.

[Lesley]

I drain mine then fill it with 1qt
20/50 your choice. Better safe than sorry. Yes the shavings on the plug are normal.

And Please for the love of God and all that is holy within your soul DO NOT use a torque wrench on the drain plugs.
Tighten by hand. Ride for 10 miles and recheck tightness. They do not have to be extremely tight. Snug them up and do preride inspections.

[Christer]

By hand? A little loose ain't it? I tighten to a few torques under what's specified in the manual. Not saying thats the only way... :)

[Lesley]

By hand? A little loose ain't it? using a hand wrench or socket and ratchet yes by hand. You can use a torque wrench bu it seems more people strip threads using one because the manual specs are incorrect. Thats what I was always told on here. I have a big brain and never had a need for a torque wrench on an oil drain plug. But yeah whatever. I got 38,000 miles on my bike without any mechanical failures. I like my methods best

[user_deleted]

I got 38,000 miles on my bike without any mechanical failures. I like my methods best

lesley knows how to take care of his equipment, that's for sure.

[misternikko]

u guys are getting a little ahead of yourself lol. didnt ask anything about using a torque wrench, i tighten oil plugs nice and tight, without a torque wrench, and have never had a problem....on any of my vehicles with regards to leaks lol.

the question was what is the correct way to casually check the oil level in the primary. draining it and refilling it with a new quart is just stupid and wasteful. I highly doubt that is the correct way...especially if you just wanted to check. We dont drop the oil in the swing arm every time we want to see how much comes out to check the level....we use the dip stick. I am sure there must be some procedure for checking the oil level in the primary and thats what I was asking.

- thanks squidie, I will try that. I should be able to see the bottom of the clutch basket from the clutch inspection cover correct?

[oh9bolt]

Straight up and level, not on the kickstand.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/jacogan/BUELL/Buell%20Help%20Pics/EBB3A8A2-30BC-4F04-8CD7-F2EFD9ACCB12-2877-0000018FB61F67A2.jpg

[user_deleted]

mister; jesse was kind enough to provide schematic and instructions copy as per manual. what it is saying is clutch adjustment cover removed (a.k.a. derby cover), bike upright, and primary oil should be close to or touching the bottom of the clutch hub gear teeth that you'll see directly inside the cover.