I feel like a bit of a dipstick myself!

[berg]

I plan my oil and filter changes for every 3000k. Today my oil light came on @ the 3000k interval since the last change, so it's right on schedule. I took a warm dip reading on the center stand and observed 1/8th of an inch on the stick but when I drained the oil I drained a full 2 (1900mls) liters which is max capacity.

Hmmmm... I'm happy that the engine didn't consume what it first appeared to have and any event it's changed now but I wonder why the dip read so low?

Maybe my eyes.

Has anyone had this problem and or aware of an aftermarket dip for pre 07 AN400's that is light colored and easier to read?

Or an alternative way to the dip to measure oil levels?

[Chet_Benson]

When it is vertical on two wheels you get a closer reading. The 2005 I had I would check the oil by using the side stand, clean the stick, put the scooter vertical long enough to have the oil wet the stick, back on the side stand and remove stick to get a reading.

Did you check your owners manual?

[berg]

Thanks Chet,

yes, this is how it reads:

• Place the motorcycle on the center stand.
• Start up the engine and allow it to run for several minutes at
idling speed.
• Turn off the engine and wait about one minute, then check the
oil level by removing the filler cap
4. If the level is below mark
“L”, add oil to “F” level.
If the level is above mark “F”, drain oil to “F” level.

[Chet_Benson]

If you know for a fact the right amount of oil is in the engine, I would fine the best way to check the oil doing it your own way.

Another thing that will effect the reading, is did you screw the dip stick into the hole? Did you wait long enough for the oil to drain down?

What I would not do is dump oil into the engine until I got a good reading on the dip stick. Just as you indicated you got a low reading and yet it had the right amount of oil.

then check the oil level by removing the filler cap

That means it was checked with the dip stick screwed into the hole. Interesting. I found my own way to check the oil and it worked. And that was not using the center stand as the book stated.

Again:
If you know for a fact the right amount of oil is in the engine, I would fine the best way to check the oil doing it your own way. You may get about a dozen different opinions of how you should check your oil.


What I also find of interest is on the 2009 the instructions say take it off of the center stand and look at the sight glass. Which works for me.

[InfernoST]

I would wait at least 5 minutes before checking the oil after the motor has been running. It takes a bit for the oil to drain back down into the crankcase.

[Chet_Benson]

Right!

The oil can be checked when the engine is cold too.

[berg]

Thanks for weighing in guys. I think I must have checked it too soon after riding and got the weird reading. Anyway I keep a pretty close eye on the oil level and thought it was odd that it read so low. (To check the dip I do screw the cap all the way in, then out) I was quite relieved when I drained the crankcase and reclaimed 2 liters!

So far anyway my pre 07 does not lose oil at high speed operation as some other pre 07 owners have reported here.

[oakcreekeric]

ok... i just did a search and this was the first one that looked like what i was talking about..

so.. i felt like the biggest fool the other day...

i've had this feeling i was checking my oil incorrectly and thought it would be in my best interest to go to a suzuki dealership and ask for instructions on the proper way to check oil on my year and model (2003 AN400)... through research, i thought the correct way was to hold the bike level on both tires and check the oil... i also have read that my model tends to "consume" oil at an aggressive pace... so, every couple of gas fill ups.. i have been checking it, and to my surprise, i have been having to add about 1/4 to 1/2 quart of oil.. i don't like this as it doesn't seem correct, but from what i have read in this very forum its common in the pre-2007 AN400...

so.. i go to the dealership and the first thing he did was put it up on the center stand (which i've never done) and unscrewed the cap... well, oil began to gush out.. we got everything cleaned up and i explained to him that i thought i was supposed to check it while the bike was level on both tires... we went to the shop and he looked it up in the book and it really didn't help much...

the best i got out of the dealership was... "we charge $10 (plus parts) for an oil change, not sure why you're even doing this yourself"

i left there even more confused than ever... can some one who has a 2003 AN400 PLEASE tell me the best way to check my oil..

thanks

[billmeek]

I centerstand mine. Since I was the first to learn the disastrous, and rather spectacular, consequences of not checking the oil level on a regular basis, I've become a bit paranoid about the oil level. Although Suzuki (stupidly) says you should, "Check the oil before each ride", checking the oil each time you fill up is adequate.

[Ralph M]

Wile the book says hold it vertical wile its on it's wheels then check the level, I
personally check it wile its on the centre stand as I have found that there's
less chance of getting a false reading that way, as long as you pick a level bit of
ground to check it on.

[normanmeyers]

Hi,
The Suzuki manual for my AN400 K4 states:
...do not run the threads in.

So it's on the center stand; a few minutes to drain down; unscrew the oil stick; clean it off; dip it in the engine WITHOUT TURNING IT IN; read the oil level.
Norm

[berg]

So the plot thickens

Norm says: The Suzuki manual for my AN400 K4 states:
...do not run the threads in. So it's on the center stand; a few minutes to drain down; unscrew the oil stick; clean it off; dip it in the engine WITHOUT TURNING IT IN; read the oil level.

Today I placed the bike on the center stand, warmed up the oil for about 2-3 minutes let it sit then took two readings. 1st with thread all the way in and 2nd by placing the dip cap on the access hole without screwing it in. I found very little difference in the two readings. Maybe a fraction of a mm but really too close to worry about. That was a surprise to me.

I've concluded that Suzuki's method is the very best and easiest way to check the engine oil level on the pre 2007 AN400.

[oakcreekeric]

I have a quick question as it pertains to dipsticks..

Does anyone know how much oil to add when the oil level is on the bottom part of the dipstick??

It would make it easier to have a rough idea, rather than to keep adding and checking... If I knew, I could at least start with an amount and go from there.. I can't imagine its too much, see as the scooter only holds 2 quarts, but it would be nice to know..

Also.. where does the oil go?

I have read about the oil consumption on these scooters and understand engines "use" oil.. but I have no leaks, no smoke blowing out the exhaust.. Just curious to know where all this oil goes, seeing as I have no visible markers to inspect.

Thanks