Oil Change Quantity? (2011)

Got close to 200 miles on the rebuild, so thought I'd change oil. Made 25 mile run, pulled block off the timing side to drain the tank, removed oil filter, sump. Let it all drain out for over an hour. I guess I should have pulled the large banjo at the bottom of the tank, but didn't. Cleaned it up, new gasket on oil block, new filter, cleaned sump, there were a few little pieces of Hylomar in the gauze. Put 2 quarts in the tank, thought I'd have to put in more after I ran it, crank it up, run it for about 5 minutes, everything looks good, but the oil level is about 3/4 the way between the H and L marks, to the high side. I know I put 3 quarts in it after rebuilding and that came to half way between H and L. Is there a quart of oil hanging around in the engine and lines even after draining everything? How much oil do people put in during a change with filter? I just don't remember what I used to do, it's been too long. I don't know if the side tanks hold more or less than the central oil tanks.

Dave
69S

Its been too long since I put in single qt's instead chug a luging from two gallon jug. But definitely between 2 and 3 gt and closer to 2.5 or just messes seeking its natural level - barely showing on tip of dip stick in 750's.

Just for you Dave I finished an oil and filter change 5 min. ago. Actually it was 1500 miles and time. Took exactly 3 qts. to put the dipstick at halfway between L & H. This was after circulating for about 5 min. Took that long for the return oil to start (filter is really big for the small oil flow). Interestingly enough 3 qts or 6 pints (american) is exactly what the manual says.

Forgot to mention mine is a 74-850. Of course with side tank.

What? I thought it was just supposed to leak out on a regular basis & be replaced that same way. Y'all do something measured?

Changed mine with filter 2 weeks ago. Took 2.5 litres which put the level a 1/4 the distance above L to H. Any more and it spits it out

Is there a difference in Commandos's oil tank capacity year to year?

All the workshop manual and owners manuals I have read all say 3 quarts.

That's what I have been putting in for 40 years with no issues.

Is there a difference in Commandos's oil tank capacity year to year?

Click to expand...

Duh nope, just the dip stick length to fool the novices like me the messy way that any more than ~2.5 qt/l is just excess pollution to clean up.
An oil filter plus hoses adds its volume to this base line. Cdo oil level concern is quite over blown as they only need more than a qt in case of leaks and intervals of riding in same direction as the wind in dead heat of dry summer air. If there is not enough oil it just heats up more, not starve engine.

Duh Hobot, in your above post you state that a Commando "only needs more than a quart" of oil.

Please elaborate, educate me, Norton, and my guess ten of thousands of Commando owners, that really we only need a bit more than a quart. Apparently, once again, you know better than "conventional wisdom" or in this case the factory, me, and well frankly just about everyone I can think of.

So, based on your vast experience of many years and miles, please present your research methodology on this.
Thank you

I like these old threads. Just changed the oil on my brothers 70 commando,central oil tank. About 700 miles after a rebuild. Sump plug out,made a cardboard funnel for bottom tank banjo bolt,tipped over to get maximum out. Left the spin on filter, will change next time.
Now head scratching time, oil in the pan will not fill a pint pot!!
Took just over 4 pints to fill back up. Oil level was correct 700 miles ago.
Bike is running well, will have to keep an eye on it,no idea where it’s gone.

On a new engine, indeed on any engine, I would be checking the oil before leaving and after riding. It only takes a minute or two
and best to know all is well than hope it is.