I have 06 250ex that has recently started to burn a little oil when cold. This has checking oil levels more regularly now. I have noticed that when I change oil and put the 1.7 quarts of new oil recommended in the owner's and shop manuals that the dip stick reads:

l l
l l<- oil level
l l
l l
l l
HIGH
X
X
X
LOW

The dip stick is the original and the fact that it reads so high has me rather confused. Does anyone know why this is happening?

 

depending on when it was last run/how long your letting it drain you may not be getting it all out. i always check mine on my recon several times after changing to be sure its ok. if your burning oil, it may be time for a top end rebuild and more frequent oil changes.

 

The atv hadn't burned any oil up until two months ago when after a short ride the main card inlet jet got stuck open, and due to a clogged drain tube it filled the crank case with gas. I've talked to several mechanics and they've said the rings got cleaned off and that they should reseal themselves in 20-50 hours. In every motor I've seen with a screw in dip stick to check the oil you remove, wipe clean, reseat it, then remove and check the reading. I'm guessing it's the same for this motor, right?

 

Hmmm...hopefully you'll be ok then if the rings didn't sustain much damage from the gas/running dry. as far as the checking, your right, it's just as simple as anything else. i was thinking about it after reading your post last night and depending how much oil sits in your cooler (assuming you have one like me) that will affect how much drains out. i always put in a little over a quart, check it, start it for 30 seconds or so and check again. Don't wanna overfill and waste good oil draining it back out.

 

After you change your oil, run your engine, let it set for a few minutes and check the oil WITHOUT screwing the dipstick back in.
That is the proper way to check the oil on the 250ex and the 400ex.