1978 KZ650 - can't drain all the oil!?

Hi,

Restored an old (rotten) low mileage KZ650 - after pouring lots of money in it (ignition, coils, new wheels, seat, tires, chain, sprocket, master cyclinder, new pipes etc) it finally runs great.

I've made two oil changes and according to the manual the engine holds 3.6 liter of oil, so I was expecting that I would drain and replace at least around 3.4 liter. Oil level was right in the middle. Although I drained it on center stand and replaced the oil filter and let it sit for a while, I was just able to pour in 2.5 liters and the oil level was where it should be (even after starting and test riding it). Oil goes black very fast as well, another indicator that I haven't drained everything.

What do I do wrong?

Thanks!
Holk

Oil filter replaced as well...?
Pull the oil filter out and inspect for crap, metal shavings, RTV pieces etc... Possibly it's clogged and holding oil ~ 2/3 quart.

I don't have a center stand so how I do mine is using a rear wheel/swing arm lift, raise the rear of the bike. This places the rear higher then the front so naturally, oil should flow downwards towards the oil drain plug...

I'd also want to insure oil is reaching the camshafts... henceforth oil is pumping/flowing.

Oil pressure to specifications?

Ya make sure you replaced the oil filter.but other than that it sounds ok. you can never get all the oil out. Just get as much as possible and refill and it should be ok. The oil should be up towards the top of the sight glass not the midddle. But not over the sight glass when the bike is standing straight up and down.

A large amount of gunge sediment/sludge in the oil pan may also reduce oil capacity.

Good Fortune!

Thank you! Yes, I replaced the oil filter both times. Oil flow should be okay (put 500 miles on it and head gasket is leaking a little bit).

Will remove the oil pan next time and post pics!

Also, make sure the bike is on level ground when you drain the oil. It should take more than 3 quarts when refilling, and it should fill up to but not over the upper line on the site glass. I change my oil every 1,000 miles and it still turns black very quickly. Ed

Sooo, oil change was due and I poured some Seafoam into the crankcase yesterday. Was riding the bike to work today (50 miles) and changed the oil tonight. Got something like 3.3 liter out of it - much better. Used the kickstart a couple of times to make sure everything gets out. Replaced oil filter - all good (I guess).

Thanks for the help!

TheHolk wrote: Hi,

Oil goes black very fast as well, another indicator that I haven't drained everything.

More likely:

1) blowby the rings

2) did you clean the bottom end when you worked on it? Drop the pan and clean the inside out.


If the oil is "blacking up" fast, good thing is to get some cheap gallon jugs of decent oil at WallyLand and change frequently until the sludge gets cleared out.

TheHolk wrote: Sooo, oil change was due and I poured some Seafoam into the crankcase yesterday. Was riding the bike to work today (50 miles) and changed the oil tonight. Got something like 3.3 liter out of it - much better. Used the kickstart a couple of times to make sure everything gets out.

I used to do that.... when I was much younger. make sure when you add the new oil, you "kick it up" well enough to fill the filter and pump. Kicking the engine dry empties them out.