Where Did My Engine Oil Go?

Francis · April 30th, 2011, 09:56 AM

Ok, so I did my first service at 1,100 km (600 miles or whatever).

I crashed it at around 1,300 but the dealership said it's fine. I just had to get the throttle cable fixed, shift lever and front left turn signal and they said it was mechanically fine.

Now I'm at 1,950 km. The bike actually feels different/weaker since I got it back.

But anyways, I noticed recently that my oil is.. kinda empty. I figured an Oil Change is necessary (but I'm only at 1,950 km). I was thinking of getting oil, filter, etc. and changing it but I figured why?

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_I_check_my_oil%3F

Mine doesn't even have any oil. Should I just add some? Note: I've checked after riding it for 15 minutes.

Should I just be safe and change it or should I just add some? But I'm still stumped on where the oil went.

edit:

btw, I'm following this. http://www.kawiforums.com/oil-lubric...rocedures.html

Do I really need to get a new drain plug washer? I was thinking of just replacing the Oil, Filter and maybe gasket (i'l buy, but I won't replace unless it looks like I need to).

And another edit, is it safe to change to full-synthetic yet? I only changed my oil once at 1,100 and I broke it in hard, as in, I was going close to 7k rpms DURING break-in period.

Cuongism · April 30th, 2011, 10:16 AM

How are you measuring your oil level. "Kinda empty" is a little vague. Is the level between the min/max in the oil sight or do you not see any oil at all? Also, did you wait a few minutes after your ride for the oil to drip back down and are you measuring it while vertical on flat ground? I would imagine your oil light will come on if it's dangerously low.

An oil change definitely wouldn't hurt but I would figure out why it's low first (leak?).

nebraskan · April 30th, 2011, 10:18 AM

i'm sure someone will chime in that knows a lot more than me. but have you been running at a lot of constant, high rpm's? like highway riding? from what i understand that will burn oil quicker than normal and adding oil can do the trick.

Francis · April 30th, 2011, 10:19 AM

They said there's no leak.

And yea, I ride the bike and I let it sit before I check. And nope, the oil light doesn't come on.

When I check the oil, there's NONE. I barely see anything.

Anyways, it IS 1,950km. So I guess it wouldn't hurt, right? Can I go synthetic now?

Cuongism · April 30th, 2011, 10:24 AM

Synthetic should be fine after 1000 miles. I also don't always trust dealers because the oil must be going somewhere. If you lean the bike more right, do you see any oil?

Francis · April 30th, 2011, 10:32 AM

I'll let you know.

In the mean time, I'm heading out to buy the stuff I need.

Oil, Oil Filter, Gasket/O-Ring. Wish me luck, bros.

setasai · April 30th, 2011, 03:10 PM

When you do the oil change, empty it into something with measurements. Our bikes take approx 1.7quarts i think so depending on how much it's off, you'll know if you have an issue. It could be just as simple as being enough so the low oil indicator isnt tripped but low enough that it's just outside of the oil sight glass. Just a guess.

EDIT: Gasket/O-ring(rubber ring thingy) should be changed each time and usually comes with the filter depending on which brand you buy. I've been using K&N and they come with the 2 rubber gaskets (1-large, 1-small). As for the drain plug washer, I havent changed it out yet but as long as you torque it correctly and dont flip it, you shouldnt have problems with leaks. I think i'll change mine out after a couple more oil changes depending on how it looks.

kkim · April 30th, 2011, 03:13 PM

I find it interesting that he gets all of his info off other forums, then comes here to ask for help? wonder why that is?

rockNroll · April 30th, 2011, 06:22 PM

Eyeball the bike real good for oil leaks. If none, do an oil change. Synthetic is fine (at any mileage). No you don't need a new sealing washer for the drain bolt. Yes, replace the filter. Make sure you fill it properly and take note on exactly where the oil lines up in the sight glass. Enjoy the motorcycle and check the oil level often. If the oil level drops enough that you can see it, take bike to bike mechanic.

Francis · April 30th, 2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

When you do the oil change, empty it into something with measurements. Our bikes take approx 1.7quarts i think so depending on how much it's off, you'll know if you have an issue. It could be just as simple as being enough so the low oil indicator isnt tripped but low enough that it's just outside of the oil sight glass. Just a guess.

EDIT: Gasket/O-ring(rubber ring thingy) should be changed each time and usually comes with the filter depending on which brand you buy. I've been using K&N and they come with the 2 rubber gaskets (1-large, 1-small). As for the drain plug washer, I havent changed it out yet but as long as you torque it correctly and dont flip it, you shouldnt have problems with leaks. I think i'll change mine out after a couple more oil changes depending on how it looks.

I got the Kawasaki one. I was gonna get the K&N at another store, but out of stock so I just went to another dealer and told them to "get me an oil filter for the 250r" lol

Seattle_Chris · May 1st, 2011, 04:58 AM

You're not checking the oil with it resting on the kick stand are you?

Sailariel · May 1st, 2011, 03:32 PM

Wow!

leed · May 1st, 2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle_Chris

You're not checking the oil with it resting on the kick stand are you?

+1

You'll find this in the Ninja250.org wiki you linked to:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninja250.org

This translates as: "Full" is the top line (near the top of the window) when the bike is held vertical and both wheels are on the ground. Keeping the oil at or close to the upper mark is desirable, but do not overfill it, as you could blow a gasket. Only add a small amount at a time.

April 30th, 2011, 09:56 AM	#1
Francis ninjette.org newbie 2,000 Name: Francis Location: Vancouver Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 160	Where Did My Engine Oil Go? Ok, so I did my first service at 1,100 km (600 miles or whatever). I crashed it at around 1,300 but the dealership said it's fine. I just had to get the throttle cable fixed, shift lever and front left turn signal and they said it was mechanically fine. Now I'm at 1,950 km. The bike actually feels different/weaker since I got it back. But anyways, I noticed recently that my oil is.. kinda empty. I figured an Oil Change is necessary (but I'm only at 1,950 km). I was thinking of getting oil, filter, etc. and changing it but I figured why? http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_I_check_my_oil%3F Mine doesn't even have any oil. Should I just add some? Note: I've checked after riding it for 15 minutes. Should I just be safe and change it or should I just add some? But I'm still stumped on where the oil went. edit: btw, I'm following this. http://www.kawiforums.com/oil-lubric...rocedures.html Do I really need to get a new drain plug washer? I was thinking of just replacing the Oil, Filter and maybe gasket (i'l buy, but I won't replace unless it looks like I need to). And another edit, is it safe to change to full-synthetic yet? I only changed my oil once at 1,100 and I broke it in hard, as in, I was going close to 7k rpms DURING break-in period.

April 30th, 2011, 10:18 AM	#3
nebraskan ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Nebraska Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 Posts: 67	i'm sure someone will chime in that knows a lot more than me. but have you been running at a lot of constant, high rpm's? like highway riding? from what i understand that will burn oil quicker than normal and adding oil can do the trick. __________________________________________________ "Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer." -- Arnold Schwarzenegger

April 30th, 2011, 06:22 PM	#9
rockNroll . Name: rock Location: greenville, south carolina Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.	Eyeball the bike real good for oil leaks. If none, do an oil change. Synthetic is fine (at any mileage). No you don't need a new sealing washer for the drain bolt. Yes, replace the filter. Make sure you fill it properly and take note on exactly where the oil lines up in the sight glass. Enjoy the motorcycle and check the oil level often. If the oil level drops enough that you can see it, take bike to bike mechanic. __________________________________________________ Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up

May 1st, 2011, 03:32 PM	#12
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Wow! __________________________________________________ Ninjette, Sold. New Bike: 2010 Honda NT-700V/VA, 73 Honda 550, 74 Honda 550

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April 30th, 2011, 10:16 AM	#2
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	How are you measuring your oil level. "Kinda empty" is a little vague. Is the level between the min/max in the oil sight or do you not see any oil at all? Also, did you wait a few minutes after your ride for the oil to drip back down and are you measuring it while vertical on flat ground? I would imagine your oil light will come on if it's dangerously low. An oil change definitely wouldn't hurt but I would figure out why it's low first (leak?).

April 30th, 2011, 10:19 AM	#4
Francis ninjette.org newbie 2,000 Name: Francis Location: Vancouver Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 160	They said there's no leak. And yea, I ride the bike and I let it sit before I check. And nope, the oil light doesn't come on. When I check the oil, there's NONE. I barely see anything. Anyways, it IS 1,950km. So I guess it wouldn't hurt, right? Can I go synthetic now?

April 30th, 2011, 10:24 AM	#5
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	Synthetic should be fine after 1000 miles. I also don't always trust dealers because the oil must be going somewhere. If you lean the bike more right, do you see any oil?

April 30th, 2011, 10:32 AM	#6
Francis ninjette.org newbie 2,000 Name: Francis Location: Vancouver Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 160	I'll let you know. In the mean time, I'm heading out to buy the stuff I need. Oil, Oil Filter, Gasket/O-Ring. Wish me luck, bros.

April 30th, 2011, 03:10 PM	#7
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	When you do the oil change, empty it into something with measurements. Our bikes take approx 1.7quarts i think so depending on how much it's off, you'll know if you have an issue. It could be just as simple as being enough so the low oil indicator isnt tripped but low enough that it's just outside of the oil sight glass. Just a guess. EDIT: Gasket/O-ring(rubber ring thingy) should be changed each time and usually comes with the filter depending on which brand you buy. I've been using K&N and they come with the 2 rubber gaskets (1-large, 1-small). As for the drain plug washer, I havent changed it out yet but as long as you torque it correctly and dont flip it, you shouldnt have problems with leaks. I think i'll change mine out after a couple more oil changes depending on how it looks.

April 30th, 2011, 03:13 PM	#8
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I find it interesting that he gets all of his info off other forums, then comes here to ask for help? wonder why that is?

May 1st, 2011, 04:58 AM	#11
Seattle_Chris Newb since 10/2009 Name: Chris Location: Seattle Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE. Slowly morphing to ADV bike. :D Posts: 182	You're not checking the oil with it resting on the kick stand are you?