when my engine is cold, i will check the oil level... it has maybe a 1/16 of oil on the diptick then i will start it then let it run for 3 minutes, then shut if off for 1 minute.... then check the oil level and it is halfway up the stick like it should be? is it just low like that before i start it because of the engine being cold??? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

In that engine, the oil can REALLY find places to hide when the bike is not running! I not only start mine up, I take it for a little spin, then turn it off and let it sit about 5 min., before checking the oil.

 

That is one thing...After a ride all the oil settles into the bottom of the engine and the bottom of the reservoir. So start the bike up and let it idle for a couple minutes...Take it for a quick rip down the road or around your yard. Then check the oil. I'm pretty sure the manual says 10-15 minutes of on-off riding.

 

thanks for the reply guys... i'll give that a shot

 

I would check it before starting it just to make sure there is something there. Then warm it up and check it again. After a while, you will get the idea of where it is supposed to be cold and where it will be after warmed up.

Remember - The oil expands as it gets hot.

Other items than can cause oil to not show up on the dipstick when cold: Quad is tipped front, rear, or on the side (moving, loading, etc.). Oil is lofted up into the upper part of the head and not drained back to the crankcase or reservoir. Oil is pumped into a cooler or an oil line and doesn't burp back down where it belongs, etc.