I have just changed the oil and filter on my 2002 Monster 750ie and have hit a snag. The oil level window usually has a slight cloudiness above the actual oil level which disappears after a long journey and it is usually possible to check the level without any problem. When it came to refilling the oil I measured out 3 litres (as suggested in the Haynes manual) and poured it in and waited for it to register in the level window before topping up to the correct level. However, the window went totally opaque and it wasn’t possible to see the correct level. Thinking it must be below the minimum level, I added a further 300ml (Ducati handbook says capacity is 3300ml) but still no sign of a readable level in the window. Thinking I had perhaps over-filled it, I used a syringe to remove about 100ml and then went for a run to get the engine up to temperature thinking that this might clear the window. It didn’t help in the slightest and I’m now in the position where I don’t know what the oil level actually is. I have left the bike in the garage with the oil filler cap off to let any water vapour out but don’t know what to do next. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have considered emptying out the oil, measuring it again and pouring it back in but that’s perhaps a daft idea.
Can you see any difference between on-the-side-stand level (should be a clear window) and bike-upright level? Your suggestion of draining and refilling doesn't sound silly to me if your window is opaque. You could, of course, replace the window... https://www.bike-parts-ducati.com/d...750_IE/Monster-750-IE/CLUTCH-COVER/96/19/0/96 Item 4
sadly as above, total drain and refill with measured quantity is only safe option - have you got an oil cooler?
Is that the oil quantity as added to a completely dry, going down the production line, engine ? or the quantity at oil service time? When you drain the oil at service time and put in new oil there can be 3-500ml difference between oil required to service and the total desired oil capacity. If it were me, based upon how much you’ve added so far, I’d drain the oil into a completely clean receptacle, measure it, you should have about 3.2 ltrs out, then add back into the engine about 2.8ltrs, run it for at least one complete heat cycle or better still take it out for a decent run, in this weather it should get nice and hot, then leave it to settle for 30mins or so and see where the level’s at then. Get some to help you lean the bike to the right and left until you can see the level appear/disappear.
I guess that the 3300ml figure in the hand book is the bone dry quantity. You certainly don't need that much to bring the level up to max. Following Keith_P's advice regarding putting the bike on its side-stand and seeing if the level in the window is visible, I did this and, lo and behold, it was. Obviously there was way too much oil in the sump so this morning I got my syringe and plastic tube out again and started removing the surplus - 20ml at a time. It took a fair amount of time but eventually the level started showing in the window. I kept going until it was 5mm below the max indication then went out for a run in the sunshine to get the oil nice and hot. The level had stayed the same when I returned so all is well. I have made a note to only use about 2500ml next time before checking the level and also to fit a new oil level window so that I can see the level more clearly. Thanks again to everyone who replied with advice.
