xr400r help to much oil in sump problem
 

I have recently purchased a 2005 model xr400r & thought I would do the right thing by giving it an oil change. My mate has exactly the same bike so we decided to change oils at the same time. After draining the frame tank of approx two litres of oil, I removed the side sump plug & was suprised to remove a further 1-1.5 litres from the sump:confused1: . We proceeded to my mates bike tank first ok followed by the sump to which we removed approx a couple of hundred mL. I believe his bike to be correct as the sump is suppose to be dry. We proceeded to change filters & fill oil his bike took approx 1.8-2 lts, mine took approx 3 lts once again leaving oil in the sump.

If anyone can shed some light on my problem I would be most greatful.

Regards
Shoey

oil will drain down from the tank to the sump if left for a while so make sure you follow the oil-level-checking-routine religiously

on bended knee, offer a white dove then start the engine with the bike upright (both wheels on the ground rather than big wheelie or endo). let it idle for 5-10 mins then kill the engine and immediately check the oil level on the dipstick. when filling, make sure you let the new oil get warm enough to end up in the tank (ie 5-10 mins again)

sure, next day, most of it will have gone to the sump, but that's cos of the design of the gear pump without a non-return valve - depending on the position in which the pump stops the rate of oil migration will vary

the dealer I bought my two XR4s from over-filled in much the way you describe and it did no harm, but it stops the engine revving cos the crank is churning oil

Sounds like whoever changed/checked the oil last time didn't warm up the bike as Rich suggests, and just filled up the frame until the oil showed on the dipstick...

Every time I change the oil and filter on my XR400 I let it thoroughly drain from both bolts, then stick 1900ml (or a round two litres if I'm being lazy) in along with the new filter, and the level is pretty near perfect once it's warm.

xxx

shoey
 

Thanks for your replies, but I am still mythed at why the extra 1-1.5 ltrs of oil does'nt make it's way back through the scavenger pump & overfill my frame tank,as the level in the tank stays constant even though I have to much oil in total. Something to think about.

My recollection from before mine was stolen is 1.8 litres with a new oil filter, 1.7 otherwise. No need to waste oil. :)
Stephan

I agree that's what the handbook says, but what I've found is that in needs a little extra to get it to the top of the dipstick - hence the extra 100ml or so...

xxx

No threads!
 

Make sure when you measure that you DON'T THREAD IT IN, but just place it ON the threads to take the measurement. :thumbup1:

shoey
 

guys does anyone know if there is a link to a website that has a lubrication digram? as the manual I have bought is missing this vital information that I require.

I have an xr600 that seems to 'make' oil..(might be on to something, just call me sheik XR...lol)

I've found, I put 2L in then 2000kms later 3L come out..

Do you turn off your fuel when you park overnight or a few days?

I have an Acerbis 23L, the extra hydralic pressure from full tanks was pushing fuel through the engine at rest draining into the sump and mixing with the oil. Makes the oil look like coffee..brown and frothy..

Turn the petcock off every time and you get 2L in 2L out..

Took a lot of head scratching for me to work that out..

your carb needs some attention, buddy! the float valve must be sticking/leaking
I'm surprised the bike runs properly. does it stall when you brake hard?