HOT HOT engine

[DSmithjr]

If you take a look at the manual on page 2-19, it outlines how you can do an oil pressure check on your motor. If you're afraid you're not getting proper oil circulation, that would probably be a good place to start.

From the manual:

"OIL PRESSURE CHECK
Check the oil pressure periodically. This will give a good indication of the condition of the moving parts.

OIL PRESSURE SPECIFICATION Above 30 kPa (0.3 kg/cm2, 4.3 psi) Below 70 kPa (0.7 kg/cm2, 10.0 psi)
at 3 000 r/min., Oil temp, at 60°C (140°F)

If the oil pressure is lower or higher than the specification, the following causes may be considered. LOW OIL PRESSURE
* Clogged oil filter
* Oil leakage from the oil passage
* Damaged O-ring
* Defective oil pump
* Combination of the above items
HIGH OIL PRESSURE
* Engine oil viscosity is too high
* Clogged oil passage
* Combination of the above items"

[Water Warrior 2]

Some one correct me if I am wrong so here goes. Doing this by memory.Try this quick check. Take off the filter cover(cold engine)and see if the filter is correctly installed. The filter should have the flat spot facing out with the spring between the filter and filter cover. If the filter is in backwards the oil flow will be inhibited. The oil should enter the filter through the hole in it's center and filter/flow outwards through the filter. It will then drain out of the filter area through the small internal hole in the case to the crank case. If this is the case then problem solved and hopefully little or no damage done.

[ldljll]

can I do this quick check w/o draining the oil? I thought I would have to rechange the oil if I take off the oil cover. thank you all so much for the tips & advice!

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by ldljll

can I do this quick check w/o draining the oil? I thought I would have to rechange the oil if I take off the oil cover. thank you all so much for the tips & advice!

It will be a little messy but you won't lose too much....an ounce or two.

If I remember correctly, the filter cover is on the HIGH (right) side as the bike rests on the side stand. If that is true AND you let it sit overnight before removing the cover, almost all of the oil will be drained OUT of the filter before your open it up. If the cover is on the left side, you might want to stand it straight up for a minute or two before opening.

Under the circumstances, certainly worth a look, I'd say.

..............and I just had a wild thought..........if the filter came "shrink wrapped" to a piece of cardboard........you DID get all of the plastic OFF of it, didn't you ?? :shocked:

[ldljll]

There was no plastic on it - duh! I got it from ICON Powersprots in my hometown - ALABAMA. I couldn't find it easily around here. They mailed me a new o-ring because it wasn't in stock. Speaking of the ICON Suzuki dealer there - it looked so empty like they were going out of buisness. Not a single bike there. not much other inventory for sale either. it was wierd - i aksed the guy working there if they were going out of business. He said they were swapping banks so had to turn in all the bikes. I'm going to try & stop by agian this weekend to see if they have any new merchandise. I thought MAYBE I could buy the tires there & just get them put on @ a regular tire place close by. Do tire stores know how to change motorcyle tires? Anyways, I will take off the oil cover & check that filter installation. At least I could rule that out as my problem if all is correct. I even have a few more ozs of oil to replace the spillage.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

If I remember correctly, the filter cover is on the HIGH (right) side as the bike rests on the side stand.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by ldljll

Do tire stores know how to change motorcyle tires?

Usually no. Certainly not unless YOU take the wheels off and carry them there.
Call ahead. Probably best to let the shop do it BUT check other shops too......if all you need is the tires. In our area, the BMW shop seems to have the best installed price on tires.

[ldljll]

so i finally opened my oil cover. I was ready for several ozs. to come out, but NONE leaked out. there was only a tiny bit of oil in the bottom. The filter was oily, but not dripping.. That isn't right is it?

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by ldljll

so i finally opened my oil cover. I was ready for several ozs. to come out, but NONE leaked out. there was only a tiny bit of oil in the bottom. The filter was oily, but not dripping.. That isn't right is it?

That sounds pretty reasonable. There normally is a small amount of oil left in the filter cavity but it mostly drains down through the exit hole slightly to the left of the filter as you face it. The oil enters through the center of the filter and is filtered as it is pumped from the inside to the outside. With the engine turned off whatever remains just drains down.
Whenever I changed oil on the GZ I just used a couple paper towels to mop up any oil that tried to run out and down the side of the engine.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by ldljll

so i finally opened my oil cover. I was ready for several ozs. to come out, but NONE leaked out. there was only a tiny bit of oil in the bottom. The filter was oily, but not dripping.. That isn't right is it?

If it sat overnight (or longer) then I would say that is probably normal.
I think my last filter change only leaked out a few drops and that was with a warm engine that sat only a few minutes.