[ninhalo5]

Hi everyone I actually have 2 questions about the oil on the 400ex

First, I'm curious how in the heck do you properly check the oil level?
Every time I pull out the dipstick it gives different readings. When I first go to warm it up I check the oil level and it only has a drop on the stick, the second it reads over full, the third its in the center of the stick.
I know the difference is probably due to the oil pump pushing oil into the engine at different intervals.
With it doing this I have no idea if I need to add some oil or not.


Second, I was told when changing the oil because of the pump you have to fill it and drive it then add more to it to circulate the oil, get it up in the cooler and engine etc., and the same goes for draining it. drain it out then run it and drain it out again. is this the correct method?

I did try that, I was hesitant of course but after the oil stopped draining out I fired up the engine then after I shut it down I got close to another quart out of it.

I think all the different readings has to be because of the pump. 1 time I read it the oil cooler might be full and the tank close to empty, the next time I read it the cooler or engine might be empty and the tank will be full. does this make sense?

I would believe that when the quad is shut off all the oil should drain back into the tank, but being the tank is separate and there is no gravity flow from the engine to the tank has me wondering.


Thank you

 

[Redracer]

Welcome to the site... someone will get you taken care of shortly...

 

[Helmut]

Welcome to the forums.

 

[MLR Synthetics]

Steps from Owners Manual

1. Park on level surface.
2. Start Engine let idle for 5 min. If below 50 Deg F let idle extra 5 min. If the engine is not warm it will give you inaccurate readings.
3. Remove dipstick, wipe clean.
4. Insert the dipstick WITHOUT screwing it in then remove. Oil level should be between the upper and lower oil mark. Add up to the upper make but do not overfill.

 

[MLR Synthetics]

Second, I was told when changing the oil because of the pump you have to fill it and drive it then add more to it to circulate the oil, get it up in the cooler and engine etc., and the same goes for draining it. drain it out then run it and drain it out again. is this the correct method?

Unfortunately there is not fill for the crankcase you have to put the oil in the oil tank and run for short time then check fluid level. I would not drain the oil then run the motor because you would not have any oil in the motor. There is a drain for the motor and the oil tank to get all the oil out. If you warm the motor up for 3-5 min before you drain it will come out easier. Just be carful the oil will be hot.

Also, make sure you are using oil the is wet clutch compatible. I sell AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Synthetic Motor Oil. This is a great synthetic oil for your quad. Let me know if I can help with anything else.

 

[ninhalo5]

Great, thank you Mark!!

Do you have any idea what is causing the fluctuation in the oil levels?

I can idle it 3 times for 5 minutes each shut it off and have 3 different readings.

I'm not blowing any smoke so I figure my rings are fine and I'm not losing oil on top of the pistons.
Only thing I can figure is the oil is getting blocked somehow returning to the oil tank, and staying somewhere.

Don't these models have a little oil sprayer in the bottom of the engine that sprays the lower part of the pistons from time to time? If that's the case perhaps I just get lucky and check the oil after a good spray.

 

[Helmut]

Maybe the oil screen or oil strainer in the hose that runs from the tank to the engine is almost stopped up. Here is a diagram that shows the oil strainer.

 

[Helmut]

 

[Helmut]

Here is something else to check.

 

[submarine 300]

Welcome to the forums!

 

[tomgodd]

They have got you taken care of!
Welcome to the Family!

 

[ninhalo5]

Sweet, thanks a lot for the diagrams that really helps. and thanks for all the welcomes.

 

[Helmut]

Sweet, thanks a lot for the diagrams that really helps. and thanks for all the welcomes.

You're welcome.