1980 KZ750 LTD H - Can't see oil level in sight glass after changing filter.

Hey all,
The title pretty much says it. Changed out the oil filter and oil, as I was filling I was staring at the sight glass and no oil ever showed. I stopped after about 2.5 quarts. Ran the engine idle, put it in gear and ran it for a little until it got hot. Shut it down and waited and still no oil showing up. Am I doing something wrong here? I don't want to overfill it. It is on its center stand.

Is there a stamping near the oil filler spout that tells you how much oil to use? If not, check your book. Be aware that your bike will take a little bit more oil when changing the filter. The book should give you two numbers...one with and one without.

I had to google "quart" to find that its about 946 cc so 2.5 quarts would be about 2300 or 2400 cc.

Your motor is te same as mine.

You need to add more oil. I'd say at least 500 cc or half a quart and probably more. The manual indicates about 3 litres for just an oil change and about 3.5 for oil and filter but both those figures are for completely drained motor. Add a bit at a time and keep checking the window. When it appears in the window it will come up quickly to the mid point

The capacity is 3.7 qts, so you didn't add enough oil. I add a tad less than 3.5 qts, warm up the engine, then check the oil level as per the manual. Then add more oil until the bottom of the meniscus is near the upper oil gauge line near the sight glass.

When in doubt and you fear overfilling, have a friend lean the bike to the right while you are looking at the site glass. Even with just 2 quarts, you see oil in the glass.

I don't understand. You say you stopped at 2.5 quarts. Why? My KZ650 takes 3500cc of oil, and that figure is clearly marked at the oil level window (see image below). 3500cc = 3.7 quarts. Does your KZ750 have a similar mark near the window? So assuming your KZ750 holds about the same amount of oil it is not surprising that it would be underfilled if you only put in 2.5 quarts. Ed

Also the bike needs to be vertical. On the center stand or have a friend hold it as vertical as possible while your checking the level in the sight glass.

AnnihilAnt wrote: Hey all,
The title pretty much says it. Changed out the oil filter and oil, as I was filling I was staring at the sight glass and no oil ever showed. I stopped after about 2.5 quarts. Ran the engine idle, put it in gear and ran it for a little until it got hot. Shut it down and waited and still no oil showing up. Am I doing something wrong here? I don't want to overfill it. It is on its center stand.

Here is a link to the real deal factory service manual for your bike. You got some reading to do...
www.750turbo.com/manuals/GPz750_Base%20Manual.pdf

Thanks all for messages. I didn't put enough oil in it, glad you guys are here to help.