Sight glass oil level...running vs static

[BigD_83]

I was going through some exhaust fixing today and noticed something I hadn't before on my 650GD.

Is it normal for the oil level to drop out of sight in the window when the engine is running and come back to F when the engine is shut down? I get that the level will drop a little, but it seems a little extreme to me that I wouldn't be able to see it at all.

If it is not normal, what should I be considering?

More info: I have recently checked the shims, and there is a (new) slight oil leak at one of the cover bolts over top of the #2 exhaust port. It is also newly changed 20/50 (diesel) oil.

[JEEPRUSTY]

This is normal. The oil bleeds down out of the upper end of the engine when the engine is shut off.

[Nessism]

Sounds like you need a new gasket too.

[BigD_83]

Sounds like you need a new gasket too.

I certainly do need a new gasket, but I'll make do with it the way it is (or use one of the great stop gap solutions found on the forum) until I pull the head to weld to and turn or drill the 4 offending exhaust header bolts.

So to confirm, it is completely normal for the oil level to drop out of the sight glass when running? I shouldn't be worried that I have a pressure leak apart from the wee one in the cam cover?

[tkent02]

Completely normal.

[BigD_83]

Thank you, all!

It's nice when something turns out to NOT be a problem with these bikes. Actually, so far it's been a real hoot working on my GS. I'm lucky I had a pretty strong runner to start, and now I'm into the gravy phase...

[SqDancerLynn1]

Be careful with using 20/50!! It's Ok but the clutch may grab when it is cold

[BigD_83]

Be careful with using 20/50!! It's Ok but the clutch may grab when it is cold

Fortunately it never gets very cold in Vancouver. We can keep the bikes on the road all year here, and as long as we don't head too far north or east, we generally see the thermometer stay above 10C (~ 50F)

How cold do you reckon it would have to get for a 20W50 diesel oil to cause clutch issues? I know there is one megathread on here somewhere debating this.

Have you had a personal experience with the clutch grabbing with 20W50?