Quick Oil Change Question

[TightLines]

Did my first oil change yesterday on my 695.

The guy at the duc shop gave me the wrong size crush washers so I just flipped the old ones around.  No big deal from what I've read.

I filled it up with new oil and the bike took 3 full quarts and it seems that this was more than enough (above the max line in the sight glass).

I'm not sure that they bike had the oil changed (750 miles when I got it) previously but if it had I'm certain it was done by a duc dealership.  Either way the oil, when warm and at level would completely fill the sight glass.

Bottom line (and I hope I haven't confused you yet):

Before the oil change the oil sightglass was full when warm.

Put only 3 quarts in for the oil change and now the oil is above the max line but not filling the sight glass when at idle.

Anything to be worried about as far as level or the fact that the bike only took 3 quarts?

Thanks in advance.

[Scotzman]

I would think that the oil level would be off with it running because its cycling through the bike. I think the non running level is what to look for.

[64duc]

  Oil should be at or below the max level with the engine off and the bike upright. Not on the sidestand.

[TightLines]

I understand without the bike running but should it be warm when checking right?

The bike with previous oil level either from the factory or from a ducati shop change was always above the max.

Now it looks like I may need advice on siphoning some off.

[DarkStaR]

Just drain some oil out of the drain plug. 

Just be sure you can get the plug back on before all of the oil drains out.

[TightLines]

As far as the oil drain plug, that what i was thinking, just a little sloppy.

Any comments on the bike only taking 3 quarts and that being too much?

Should the oil level be taken with the engine warm or cold?

[TAftonomos]

I'm unfamiliar with the 696's engine case, but on a testastretta bike there are a few places you can drain the oil from.

If only 3 qts came out, I'd suspect you missed the correct drain plug and didn't get all the old oil out.

I drain the oil hot (helps with it all draining).  You'll check the oil before a ride each time, so check it when it's cold.
NOT on the sidestand, but with the bike upright.  Overfilling can result in oil spillage out of the breather into the airbox and slightly reduced power due to "windage" in the crankcase.

[TightLines]

I'm unfamiliar with the 696's engine case, but on a testastretta bike there are a few places you can drain the oil from.

If only 3 qts came out, I'd suspect you missed the correct drain plug and didn't get all the old oil out.

I drain the oil hot (helps with it all draining).  You'll check the oil before a ride each time, so check it when it's cold.
NOT on the sidestand, but with the bike upright.  Overfilling can result in oil spillage out of the breather into the airbox and slightly reduced power due to "windage" in the crankcase.

Thanks for your input.

Its actually a 695.  As far as the drain plug used it was on the bottom of the engine case right behind the filter and just under the oil screen.  I'm certain this was the correct drain plug.

I'm going to keep the same questions out there...

Any comments on the bike only taking 3 quarts and that being too much?

Should the oil level be taken with the engine warm or cold?

[IdZer0]

Level should be checked when warm, that's what the manual says (after waiting a couple of minutes to let it settle).

+1 on getting the plug back in on time. I had the exact same thing happen to me, tried to let some oil out but couldn't get the plug back in on time (oil is warm remember). Had to refill it completely again. Of course I didn't have Eng left from last time and the shop was closed, so I had to wait till next day to get some more

I didn't get a measurement  but 3qts sounds about right.

[Mr Earl]

With a big plastic syringe (Harbor Freight) or a turkey baster, plus a length of tubing stuck to the end, you can suck excess oil out through the fill hole.  Works sweet and no worries about getting the plug screwed in while oil flows out.

[dlearl476]

Any comments on the bike only taking 3 quarts and that being too much?

You changed the filter, too. Right?

[caperix]

I think spec. on a 695 is only 3.2 quarts.  They never seam to take that much when refilling.  Every bike I've ever changed oil on seams to take about .5 quarts less than spec to refill.
Your bike sould have 2 separate drain plugs on the bottom, I don't think it matters too much when draining, I usually remove them both.

[TightLines]

Wow guys thanks for all of the help.

Turkey baster is a great idea that I will definitely use next time.

I did also change the oil filter, thanks for looking out for me.

Great piece of mind knowing the bike realistically will only take 3 quarts or even just a bit shy (now that I dumped some).

I understand that the oil level should be taken when warm but should the bike be idling or turned off?  This makes a big difference in the oil level on my bike.

I'd check the manual myself but I'm out of town and have a long commute home tonight.

Thanks again.

[Mr Earl]

Bike should be off, but warm, and perfectly vertical.

[ducpainter]

If you didn't pull the plug for the screen you may not have gotten all the oil out.