I just picked up a new '04 wolverine about a week ago. When I got it home I ran it through a couple of heat cycles before going for my first ride. I let the engine cool completely and checked the oil before I drove it. The oil level looked good.

I took the quad for a couple 5-10 minute rides and put her to bed (it was getting late and I had plans). The next day I went for a three hour ride at a relaxed pace (making sure to stop once in a while to let the engine cool). The bike ran really well and I ended the day feeling great about my purchase.

That night I broke out the manual for a quick read and noticed that it specifies that you should start the engine and let it get to running temp, then shut the engine down and let the quad sit for several minutes before checking the oil. The next day before going for a ride a followed these directions and just about crapped myself. When I first
checked the oil level (just a few moments after stopping the engine) it was hardly touching the dip stick! I let it sit for about 10 mins and checked again, this time the level was upto around the min. mark. Now I'm thinking the bike is burning too much oil.

I went to the dealer and talked to the mechanic about it and he said not to worry, I probably didn't let the bike sit long enough before checking the oil. He said that it is better to check the oil level when the engine is cold.

I picked up some Yamalube and went home to check the oil level with a cold engine. The level was about mid way between min. and max. At this point I'm still thinking the bike shouldn't have burned that much oil after about 3.5 hours but I'm not quite so nervous. I filled the oil up to the max. level then started the bike and got the engine up to running temp. I shut down the engine and started checking the oil every few minutes. Every time I checked it had a different reading. The first reading was around the min.
mark and after about 20 minutes it seemed to settle out at about 3/4. So now I don't have a clue how much oil I actually have! If the mechanic is wrong about how to check
the oil level (and he used his method to check the oil before I got the bike) it probably means that I started out with the min. amount of oil in the first place!

This whole exercise has raised a few questions:

- What is the correct procedure for checking the oil?
- Why does Yamaha recommend running the engine for a while before checking the oil level? (does this have something to do with the oil cooler?)
- Have I been running by bike with too little oil?

Sorry for the long post, I hope someone can help me!

Thanks in advance.

 

Per 2003 Yamaha Wolverine Service Manual

1. Place machine on a level surface
2. Inspect: Engine oil level. Oil level should be between maximum and minimum marks.
Oil level low - Add oil to proper level.
Note: Do not screw dipstick in when inspecting oil level.

3. Start the engine and let it warm up for several minutes.
4. Stop the engine and inspect the oil level once again.
Note: Wait a few minutes until the oil settles before inspecting the oil level.

Warning: Never remove the dipstick just after high speed operation. The heated oil could spout out, causing danger. Wait intil the oil cools down.

All of the above was directly from the manual... I'll let you deciper it and do with it what you will.

For my machine, I check it cold. Do not screw the dipstick back in. If the level is at least to the minimum mark, I am confident as the oil will expand when it warms, making it look as if there is more in it.

Hope this helps.

 

As wolverine95 said, if you check it cold, expect the level to be near the 'MIN" mark. Oil expands as it warms up. I have 2 vehicles with 6 quarts oil pans. The difference between hot and cold level is about 1/2 quart. Expect about 1/2 that on a Quad. Also, you say you "warm it up a couple minutes, then check". Well, idling a cold engine a "couple minutes" will not even get you close to normal operating temps. Look how long it takes a car to get to temp, probably 15 minutes idling, or about 5 minutes driving. Take it for a ride before checking with the "hot" method. Then make sure to give the oil 5-10 minutes to drain into the bottom of the case before checking. I seriously doubt you did nay damage to your new engine. Sounds like you are being more carefull than most while breaking in. Enjoy the Wolvy!

 

I agree with weas.

peace
scaboy

 

Hey guys, thanks very much for the replies. It sounds like weasle95 is right, I probably am being a little more cautious than most breaking in the new wolvy. I just want to make sure the quad lasts! From now on I'm just going to check the oil when it is cold and make sure that the level is between the min. and max. level. I didn't realize that oil expanded enough to effect the level reading...that's good to know [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I was able to get out quite a bit this weekend and am very impressed. I have been a Honda guy for the past several years (Yamaha being a close second for me) so have been a little apprehensive buying anything other than a Honda. So far I do not regret my decision. I am still taking it easy on the bike but it has easily handled everything I have thrown at it. Some of the Honda 300/350's in the group were quite impressed at how little effort I needed to go through some of the tougher sections and how the wolvy can maneuver in tight spots. It's nice to get great comments from the guys that were giving me a hard time for considering a Yamaha [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Anyway...thanks again guys!