Does anyone have a picture of mirror to see oil level.

[electriccruiser]

Does anyone have a picture of placement of mirror to see oil level? I like that idea. I have a plywood side stand platform of 3 different steps, and I want to experiment if I can try the different levels for oil level check, and the mirror sure sounds like the ticket. At least I could get use to seeing level, on the right step that gets it to center of sight glass. Placement and mirror idea would be appreciated. Do you cut a 1inch square of mirror?

[cranky]

.. I sit on the bike, don't trust it otherwise... and slap my left ankle
with a @3x5" walmart plastic standard vanity mirror... I also hold
a flashlight that I carry in the left console pocket I shine down
at the mirror to see where to look... takes a couple seconds
to find it and it is always at 3/4 level.. have NEVER used a drop
of oil.....

Took a pic..

... and measured, its 5x7 and it hangs right by my scoot....

[vxiirider]

I used to make mirrors that I sold at our rallies to do just that. The mirror is approximately 1" square and is attached to the back of the side stand safety switch with double-sided tape. A flashlight pointed down on the mirror illuminates the site glass and you can observe the oil level from a standing position. I still have a half dozen or so left and I will be more than glad to send you one, free if you would like it. Just let me know where to send it. John Ramsay

[electriccruiser]

Great ideas fellow riders. Thank you for ideas. I am the guy that likes to see level before a ride.

This forum is great!

Scott

[mayhem8]

Hmmmm, just wondering if people normally have a problem with these bikes consuming oil? My oil level didn't move at all over the course of my first season. Then again, I only put about 3K on it this season.

[Nails]

It seems most of us just add the recommended volume and then ignore it until the next change. This seems more reliable than screwing with the various kinds of "level"; and I've read that the sight-glass isn't all that accurate anyway.

Search here for that volume -- I don't remember it because I have a dedicated pitcher unit that's already marked.

[electriccruiser]

I put 3500 miles on a Colorado trip and seemed it went down about a half a quart. I put AMSOil in it, and the bike had 16;000 miles on at the time b fore trip, so it went down that much and I wasn’t to happy with that. Could of switching to AMSOil do that if it never had it In? My friend told me to try it 3 oil changes and if it still uses some, go back to Dino oil. Any opinions on this?

[Barry]

Don't trust the site glass! I had one of those mirrors years ago. I always park on the center stand. Some days would show low or no oil. Other days it would show over full. I tried to maintain the level at the middle of the glass. Don't do that! Just put in 3 quarts 22 ounces and don't give it a second thought. These bikes don't use any oil, unless they were totally neglected & abused.

[cushman eagle]

I do trust the site glass,but the bike has to be setting a couple hours for all the oil to drain back down to the sump,and since the site glass is not in the exact center of the sump the bike has to be level both directions.
We have to teach our truck drivers to understand that the position of the truck can make a +or- one gallon difference on the dipstick also.
As for using Amsoil,I have been using Shell Rotella t-6 5W-40 for 69,800 miles since I bought it 11 years ago with 22,000 on it,and it may use 1/4 cup of oil in my 4,000 mile changes.
I did an experiment in a 1956 tractor I bought ,using sythetic oil,and found it did use oil until the sythetic cleaned out the sludge ,which my be what electriccruiser is experiencing.

[Nails]

You must've done a heck of a rebuild on that 1020 to feed it synthetic. My 1010 just gets dog food.

[cushman eagle]

Ah,yes Nails,I did not rebuild it ,and it is not a 1020,but it is a Farmall 400 Diesel.
I do not know if you are familiar with those engines,but you start them on gasoline,then when they warm up you switch them over to diesel.
That was International's method of starting,Cat and John Deere,used starting engines for diesels during the early diesel years.
I bought it about 9 years ago with unknown service records,it has been a fun play toy.

[Nails]

I meant 2010. I still have one in very rough condition. Would like to find a dozer to rebuild.

My 1010 is the worst option (diesel) of the worst version (industrial) of the worst model (1010) of the worst tractor JD ever made. But if I can start it, it'll plow the snow.

[cushman eagle]

Yes,Nails,the 1010/2010 JDs do have a bad reputation,but I have a friend who had a 2010 diesel he traded on a 2510 diesel,and told me the 2010 never caused him the trouble the 2510 did.
I do think the 1010/2010 needed more operator patience in starting,warming up,and cooling down with their precombustion chamber design, than later direct injection heads.

[Nails]

With my 1010, I apply my patience by the scoop shovel.
That and jet fuel from the local airport generally does the cold-weather deed.

[erock]

I used to make mirrors that I sold at our rallies to do just that. The mirror is approximately 1" square and is attached to the back of the side stand safety switch with double-sided tape. A flashlight pointed down on the mirror illuminates the site glass and you can observe the oil level from a standing position. I still have a half dozen or so left and I will be more than glad to send you one, free if you would like it. Just let me know where to send it. John Ramsay

I would appreciate one of those as well !! Could you send one my way please?
Eric Luce
2510 Chapel Road
Jefferson, Ohio 44047

Thanks so much, and have a Blessed New Year !!