First Oil Change

[Erilflynn]

Made my switch to Rotella in my Voyager with 4,0000 miles. Swear it took a good 5 quarts plus. So much for the manual and 4.5 qts w/filter.

[TX1700]

You have to much in it if you put 5+ qts in it. You need to take a reading when you have the engine fully warmed up. Then let the bike set 3 to 5 minutes then take a reading. You are suppose to screw the oil stick back in for the reading. I believe this is why you read about many people having leaking seals so early in their ownership of a m/c.

[Erilflynn]

I did all of that including waiting three minutes before I put the dip stick completely in while the bike was perpendicular to the ground. The manual states that when the engine is completely dry it will take 5.3 qts and I took my time while I was draining it as I was changing to synthetic. Sure looked like 5+ qts came out. Anyway thanks for the heads up and will recheck after next ride.

[recumbentbob]

Checking your oil should not be this complicated.

[buckey1313]

Yes it will take five quarts like he said if you let it drain shake the bike when standing it up and just wait wait wait for it to stop dripping it will take five. I always walk away no rush when draining oil and it takes it all with filter change and just letting it drain till not a drop more comes out.

[BobBear]

Originally Posted by recumbentbob

Checking your oil should not be this complicated.

I used to love having the oil sight glass on my old 1500 Nomad. It made life so much simpler.

[Erilflynn]

Originally Posted by BobBear

I used to love having the oil sight glass on my old 1500 Nomad. It made life so much simpler.

Same here on my 1600. This is nuts.

[recumbentbob]

Originally Posted by Erilflynn

Same here on my 1600. This is nuts.

I know, some people complained about the sight glass but I liked it. sure was easy to check the oil....

[Erilflynn]

So warmed it up for 15 minutes this morning, leveled it for three minutes with engine off, inserted dipstick all the way in and voila about 3/4 up the stick. Bike feels a little better with the Rotella too.

[woodthumb]

whats the weight of that rotella ? do they just make one type oil ?

[recumbentbob]

Originally Posted by woodthumb

whats the weight of that rotella ? do they just make one type oil ?

Rotella T, 15W40 conventional oil
Rotella T1, straight grade conventional oil
Rotella T5, 15w40 semi synthetic
Rotell T6, 5W40 full synthetic

[Erilflynn]

I don't believe all of them have the motorcycle rating though. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

[TX1700]

Originally Posted by Erilflynn

I don't believe all of them have the motorcycle rating though. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Your correct the T 15w-40 and the T6 5w-40 are the only ones motorcycle rated. In the future I will wait until I get 5 qts out of the bike before I put new oil in. I never liked the idea of a qt of dirty oil still being in the engine somewhere.

[terryd]

Originally Posted by buckey1313

Yes it will take five quarts like he said if you let it drain shake the bike when standing it up and just wait wait wait for it to stop dripping it will take five. I always walk away no rush when draining oil and it takes it all with filter change and just letting it drain till not a drop more comes out.

Did my first oil change a couple weeks ago and found the same thing. Had to run and get an oil filter wrench that fit while it drained for at least an hour. It took 5+ quarts to get it to the middle of the dip stick.

[hlknvlcn60]

They do take a lot of oil with that semi-dry sump system. Every time I change, with the bike upright perfectly leveled, and using a brand new K&N oil filter, the Vaq takes right about almost 5 quarts to get the fill in the middle on the stick between the high and low marks. And that is after putting in 4 quarts and running the bike for a couple of minutes, then letting it settle. And yes, you do have to screw the stick down all the way and back out to get the right reading. I have been using Kawasaki performance 20/50 lube with great results.