91 XTZ660 oil level

[jack]

Hi all, i recently brought a 91 XTZ660 and as stupid as it may sound, im having problems checking the oil level.. When i check it by just looking on the dip stick there is absolutly nothing, after starting it up and running it for a few seconds and then checking again, it shows there is oil. Then after cleaning the dipstick and checking again, it dry??? Is this right, could somebody please help.
Cheers

[SteveC#222]

I don't know the XTZ but i assume it's a dry sump (ie seperate oil tank) like the XBR500.  If so, on the XBR, you need to let the engine warm up and then let it tick over for about 3 minutes before dipping the tank to get the correct level( even then it's not easy to judge).  If you dip the XBR from cold it shows no oil on the stick. I would guess the XTZ is pretty similar.

[jack]

Ya it has a dry sump. Obviously you would check it after it has warmed up and engine is not running?

[SteveC#222]

Yep,  forgot to mention that bit!    once it's warmed up and been ticking over switch it off and then dip it.

[jack]

Cheers mate, will give it a go.

[themoudie]

Aye Jack,

Just a couple of things to add to SteveC#222 info, from Yamaha SRX experience [same sort of motor].

Make sure you dip the tank with the dipstick resting on the mouth of the tank, not screwed in.

Before starting the motor ensure there is a wee bit of oil on the bottom of the dip stick. If not, give it 250ml. Then start the motor and warm through for 2 - 3 minutes, leave to tick over for a minute with the bike upright. Stop the motor and check dipstick, if the oil sits at the bottom of the marked FxxxxxxxE zone on the stick, adding ~250ml of oil should see the oil level return to the top of the FxxxxxxxE zone.

Some of the SZR and MZ owners will be along soon to either agree or chastise me about this!

My regards, Bill.

[jack]

Thanks for that Bill.
I think i have got it right, i added a bit too much oil but have now drained some out and it seems to be just up by the full mark after running it for a while.
Cheers mate.

[Andy M]

IMHO the trick is to be consistant. Change the oil, measure the right amount in, then do the start-stop-distick routine on a surface you know. If you can repeat the process you can spot the changes.

My Triumph has a ****y window in the side of the crank case. Taking a reading with the sidecar wheel parked on a single thickness of plywood can make it look overfull, look less than half an hour after the engine stopped and it's empty. React to the wrong reading (it's easy to panic when it shows no oil) and you've soon got an empty tank or oil coming out the breather pipe. Ask me how I know 

Andy