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Should Oil be visible in sight glass while running?

14313 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  olivier, 
H
Just checking on something...

On my BMW, when the engine is running, there is no oil visible in the sight glass. Once it sits it for a few minutes it shows up for a level check.

On my Ducati even when it's running I see oil in the sight glass. It's a little less than when NOT running but still about 1/2 way up the glass and when cold and sat for a bit it's almost full.

This normal?
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O
Not still verified on 939, but normally, no. At least, it was as çà on my 4 legs Japanese.
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psyopper
No oil will be visible while the engine is running.

On a marginally related note, to check the oil level, turn off the bike and let the oil drain down for 5 minutes, then hold the bike balanced/upright (not on the side stand) or on a rear paddock stand to check that the oil is between the upper and lower lines.
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H
psyopper said:
No oil will be visible while the engine is running.

On a marginally related note, to check the oil level, turn off the bike and let the oil drain down for 5 minutes, then hold the bike balanced/upright (not on the side stand) or on a rear paddock stand to check that the oil is between the upper and lower lines.
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Ok.. so that's weird. I did an oil change and cleaned the mesh filter. Using a K&N KN-153 filter which I assume is the right one?!

I do have oil in my sight glass when running and it's about half way up.

When not running and sitting it's just about full.

So any thoughts on what's going on?
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psyopper
K&N Filters are generally discouraged for use by most professionals. They used to be the best, but there were a number of failures due to manufacturing differences when they moved manufacturing overseas. I'd switch back to a Ducati OEM filter, or another aftermarket that is better built, when you have a chance.
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Ventura17SS
Prior to purchasing my Supersport I owned a 2015 Hyperstrada with the 821 cc version of the Testastretta motor. With no fairing on that bike it was very easy to view the site glass and no oil was visible with the motor running.
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H
Ok... just went back out and checked again! At rest after sitting for a bit and centered, the oil level is just below the top of the glass.

So I started up and made sure it was balanced again and at first the oil disappears from the glass.. but then after 30 seconds or so just a little bit shows up at the bottom of the glass. It's not much at all. I think I was looking from above and probably had the bike leaned over a bit to the right (throttle side) when I was looking down and it looked like it was up halfway but it's not.

I will order a new Ducati Filter ASAP.

I'm probably just being a little paranoid perhaps... I don't know. We'll see on Wednesday after the service. :)

Thanks for the help guys!
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steeve
Chances are by fitting a non standard part you just lost your warranty. I would recommend fitting a genuine Ducati filter. There's a reason manufacturers don't use them and it not about price. Remember Ducati (etc) have to stand the warranty on the products K&N don't.
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S
I'm sure it'll be okay but it's always good to go oem with filters and the such. Just a safer method. Keep an eye on it and after you change the filter, see if it makes the difference.
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psyopper
HeartofDavid said:
Ok... just went back out and checked again! At rest after sitting for a bit and centered, the oil level is just below the top of the glass.

So I started up and made sure it was balanced again and at first the oil disappears from the glass.. but then after 30 seconds or so just a little bit shows up at the bottom of the glass. It's not much at all. I think I was looking from above and probably had the bike leaned over a bit to the right (throttle side) when I was looking down and it looked like it was up halfway but it's not.

I will order a new Ducati Filter ASAP.

I'm probably just being a little paranoid perhaps... I don't know. We'll see on Wednesday after the service. :)

Thanks for the help guys!
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Sounds like you may have a little too much oil in there. Roughly speaking, the upper fill line is 1/3 of the way from the top. The lower fill line is 1/3 up from the bottom. You aren't in any immediate danger to the engine with a little too much oil, but in reference to seeing oil in the sight glass while running, your baseline is already high, so it's not unexpected.
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H
psyopper said:
Sounds like you may have a little too much oil in there. Roughly speaking, the upper fill line is 1/3 of the way from the top. The lower fill line is 1/3 up from the bottom. You aren't in any immediate danger to the engine with a little too much oil, but in reference to seeing oil in the sight glass while running, your baseline is already high, so it's not unexpected.
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Yeah.. it may be just a touch too much! I think that's probably it. I have a Miti Vac. Is there a way I wonder to just get a little bit out? I looked into the oil fill hole and it doesn't look like there is much room in there for anything but maybe if I use the smallest tube I have I can get a bit out.
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D
I over-serviced my 1098 one time and used a squeeze bulb with a soft, flexible tube to suck some of the oil out through the filler port. The hose has to be long enough to reach the sump and you will have to thread it around a bit to get it there. Just make sure it's long enough that it can't fall in and disappear. That would definitely not be good. I think it took about 10 minutes to pull the extra oil.
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O
On all my previous engines, I always put the oil level slightly under the line of the maxi of the window of control. in cold condition, very straight motorcycle since a few seconds so that the oil has time to stabilize at the bottom of the crankcase.
I so always used a oil filter of the brand of the manufacturer of the motorcycle. Would be only to have an easy conscience and that we cannot blame me for it in case of Mechanical problem in the engine.
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