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Author Topic: How do I check my fork oil level?  (Read 8512 times)

Offline Sebsi

  • ^ Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 54
How do I check my fork oil level?
« on: July 20, 2015, 10:29:22 AM »
Sorry. I've got a leak and heading out this weekend, so I'd like to know how much is in there without draining and refilling. Is it possible?
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  • Turloco CA
Sebsi

'93 K1100RS Mystic Red

Offline Snowman

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  • Aberdeen SD.
Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2015, 11:42:39 AM »
Not sure there is a way to check the level other than draining it totally and refilling with the correct amount.
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Offline Scott_

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2015, 05:34:51 PM »
Drain and refill is the only sure way to do it.
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  • My Garage
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2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
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Offline Sebsi

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2015, 04:06:13 PM »
That's the plan. Thanks.
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  • Turloco CA
Sebsi

'93 K1100RS Mystic Red

Offline bizzaro

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  • co pilot
Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2015, 10:40:05 PM »
Use Johnny's bag trick to catch fluid.http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,580.msg33715.html#msg33715 Works great.  It is down a ways in the photo set.  I modified his application of the bags a bit. I taped the bags right up to the drain plugs and around them so the only place the fluid could go was in the bag.  Gentle on the drain plugs when tightening them, it is easy to strip the threads.  Leave the fill plugs in and take the fork caps off to fill.  The fill plugs are another "can strip easily part and not necessary to remove if you do it via the caps.(mine where stripped when I got there).  What ever container you use to fill the forks, make sure you can control the flow.  I tried it with a beaker and funnel. The fluid got all over because to get it out of a beaker or open flask you have to pour quickly and the forks can't take it so you back off and the fluid runs down the face of the beaker and onto your BIKE!! :falldown: ugh! It can be slow for the fluid to drain in the forks.  Next time I am going to try a baby bottle filled with the correct amount of fluid,a funnel, and the nipple intack so I can stop the flow at will till it drains down into the forks, and doesn't spill. Surround the cap with rags just in case.  If you have done all this before..............sorry. I just made a mess of my first try at fork oil replacement. Be precise and take your time taping the bags in place.  It is well worth it. :riding:
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  • Vermont
  • Current:1994 BMW K1100LT Previous: 1982 Yamaha virago 920,1973 Honda CB550,1976 Yamaha 650 Special
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 Bizz

Offline Scott_

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2015, 10:48:14 PM »
A few years ago a got a 50cc syringe from a local pharmacy.
Allows me to A: measure what I'm putting in, and B: helps me control the speed at which it goes in as well.
Yes it's a little on the slow side, but hey.... it's less messy in the long run.
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  • My Garage
1997 K1100LT 0302488 (resurrected)
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
1995 K1100LT 0302044 (R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb

Offline bizzaro

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #6 on: July 23, 2015, 11:15:16 PM »
Yeah, that is what Johnny uses in this photo montage. Then ya got to refill it a bunch of times etc., etc.  if the baby bottle doesnt work I may go that way the next time after the next time.  I like measuring once!
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  • Vermont
  • Current:1994 BMW K1100LT Previous: 1982 Yamaha virago 920,1973 Honda CB550,1976 Yamaha 650 Special
See Ya in the Twisties,
 Bizz

Offline rbm

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #7 on: July 24, 2015, 07:28:14 AM »
I use an empty gear oil bottle reserved for the purpose to dispense fork oil.  These bottles come with a spout that is meant to be clipped off to reveal a small opening.  I can control the rate and amount of oil dispensed (by squeezing the bottle) and not get any runoff to mess up the bike.
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  • Regards, Robert
Toronto, Ontario

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Offline Sebsi

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2015, 10:00:42 AM »
Thanks all. Wow, what a mess: black and clear liquids out of both sides. The leaky side (I did the seal on that side with the change; so far, so good) spit out about 150mL from the drain hole and another 25 or so when I pulled the bolt at the end of the fork. I'm assuming the clear is water? - Blake
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  • Turloco CA
Sebsi

'93 K1100RS Mystic Red

Offline billday

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2015, 08:29:20 PM »
Quote from: Sebsi on July 24, 2015, 10:00:42 AM
I'm assuming the clear is water? - Blake

Could be gin. Or vodka.
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  • New York State, USA 10977
  • 1985 K100

Offline RobP

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2015, 02:42:47 PM »
My Clymer manual indicates to check the fork oil level with a welding rod (a 1/8" x 36" metal rod).   It might be hard to discern the oil on such a skinny rod but you could wipe sections on a clean paper towel until you hit a mark that is 'dry'.
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  • Driftwood, TX
  • 1985 K100RS

Offline TimTyler

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #11 on: July 28, 2015, 02:54:38 PM »
How high does Clymer suggest the fork oil needs to be on the stick?
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Offline RobP

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2015, 08:16:40 AM »
Quote
How high does Clymer suggest the fork oil needs to be on the stick?

Actually I have a Haynes manual.   I looked up the section again where it said to check with a welding rod and all it said was to  'ensure that both forks are equal' - no specific height measurement given.  Now that's not much help, is it? 
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  • Driftwood, TX
  • 1985 K100RS

Offline bizzaro

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Re: How do I check my fork oil level?
« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2015, 09:47:28 AM »
 :hehehe. And so typical of the Haynes/Clymer publications! Sometimes it seems like you just enough info, or bad info to get yourself introuble. AND THE INDEXING SSUUCCKKSSSSSS! but that is just my opinion. YMMV  :dunno2:
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  • Vermont
  • Current:1994 BMW K1100LT Previous: 1982 Yamaha virago 920,1973 Honda CB550,1976 Yamaha 650 Special
See Ya in the Twisties,
 Bizz
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