Stupid oil level question

[Nessism]

My '81 GS450EX has a dip stick instead of a sightglass to check oil level. The owners manual does not specify whether or not the dip stick should be screwed into the cover before checking oil level or if it should only be inserted it into the side case without screwing it in like Honda specifies.

Anyone know the proper proceedure for Suzuki?

Thanks.

Ed

[jgordon]

My '81 GS450EX has a dip stick instead of a sightglass to check oil level. The owners manual does not specify whether or not the dip stick should be screwed into the cover before checking oil level or if it should only be inserted it into the side case without screwing it in like Honda specifies.

Anyone know the proper proceedure for Suzuki?

Thanks.

Ed

Screw it in....

[cfcubed]

Actually, don't screw in the dipstick when checking.

Screw it in....

Actually, from my official Suzuki 450 Service Manual (1979/81), you are not to screw in the dipstick when checking the level:

* ... supported on the center stand.
...
* Start up the engine and allow it to run for several seconds at idling speed.
* Turn off the engine and wait about 1 minute, then check the level with the filler cap dipstick. Do not screw in the cap when making this check. If the level is below the mark "F", supply oil to that level.

Without reading this, based on other types of engines, I too would have thought to screw it in. And from reading about alternator/stators around here, the proper oil level seems pretty important.

Good luck,
Chris

[jgordon]

Actually, from my official Suzuki 450 Service Manual (1979/81), you are not to screw in the dipstick when checking the level:

* ... supported on the center stand.
...
* Start up the engine and allow it to run for several seconds at idling speed.
* Turn off the engine and wait about 1 minute, then check the level with the filler cap dipstick. Do not screw in the cap when making this check. If the level is below the mark "F", supply oil to that level.

Without reading this, based on other types of engines, I too would have thought to screw it in. And from reading about alternator/stators around here, the proper oil level seems pretty important.

Good luck,
Chris

Measure your threads and put another mark on your dipstick the same length up higher and screw it in to check it.

Make sure that you are on a level surface...

You get more accurate readings like that and even if you don't raise your mark you will not do any damage to your motor.

[Nessism]

Actually, from my official Suzuki 450 Service Manual (1979/81), you are not to screw in the dipstick when checking the level:

* ... supported on the center stand.
...
* Start up the engine and allow it to run for several seconds at idling speed.
* Turn off the engine and wait about 1 minute, then check the level with the filler cap dipstick. Do not screw in the cap when making this check. If the level is below the mark "F", supply oil to that level.

Without reading this, based on other types of engines, I too would have thought to screw it in. And from reading about alternator/stators around here, the proper oil level seems pretty important.

Good luck,
Chris

Thanks! It's actually easier to check the oil without screwing in the dip stick; extract dip stick, wipe it off, stick back into crankcase, remove and check.

[JayH]

You've got that right. Keep it topped off and your air cooled GS engine will thank you for it.

Big SNIP

Without reading this, based on other types of engines, I too would have thought to screw it in. And from reading about alternator/stators around here, the proper oil level seems pretty important.

Good luck,
Chris

[SqDancerLynn1]

What ever way you check your oil. Next time you change the oil & filter
make sure to add the correct amount & see what the dipstick reads