Ran the engine for a few minutes per the manual, let the bike sit for a few minutes per the manual. Added oil to between the H and L per the manual. Took a ride and got back with oil all over my rear tire and muffler. Checked the level and way above the H. Seems to me that checking the oil level after a ride is better than checking before a ride.
Checking oil level
- Thread starter MJD999
- Start date
A short run a week ago. Interesting that it was almost exactly a pint I added.
ashman
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Seem your bike could be a wet sumper even after a short stop, maybe you didn't let it run long enough for the oil to pump back into the tank when you checked it, a good motor shouldn't need topping up between oil changes as mind don't but it will slowly drain down into the crank if let sit for a few months, if my oil tank is down when I check the oil I just drain the sump before I go for a ride that's if it's been sitting for awhile, the motor is normally harder to kick over when the crank is full of oil, you also got to be careful if it has a belly full of oil and you go to start it you could blow out the main crank oil seal in the primary case, it only takes a few minutes to drain the sump while checking tyre pressures and everything else before a ride.
lazyeye6
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Better than no oil as reported by others recently on this forum. Drain the sump. Then correct the oil tank level to about half full on the dip stick. Then tell us what’s going on. If, indeed, your oil pump is passing lots of oil, then you need to open the timing side cover and inspect the
oil pump to outer cover seal, and maybe disassemble and refresh the oil pump internals. That’s the base line.
oil pump to outer cover seal, and maybe disassemble and refresh the oil pump internals. That’s the base line.
htown16
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Always check the level hot, immediately after a ride. Then check again before the next start. If the level has dropped significantly, like below the level of the dipstick, the missing volume will be in the engine sump. As others have mentioned, drain the sump into a clean container and return to oil tank. If the oil level is down but still some remains in the tank, it's generally okay to start the bike. Just make sure to check that the oil is returning to the tank. When you get tired of doing this do a search on AMR mod. Does anyone have an up to date contact for AMR.
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When my Norton hasn't been ridden for an extended period, I look in the oil tank. If there is oil above the feed (to the engine) fitting, I start the bike. If not, I drain the oil from the sump/put it back in the tank before starting.
When my Norton hasn't been ridden for an extended period, i don't look in the oil tank, i don't drain the oil from the sump and put it back in the tank, i just start it and ride because i have a Holland Norton Works anti wet sumping valve fitted. I can't believe the lengths that some Norton owners go to, just to go for a ride! It's gotta be easy as well as fun! Graham.
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None of the "concerns" that have been invented on the internet existed back when we actually RODE these bikes. I never heard of wet sumping until around 2006. I rode a Commando for years as my only transportation and all I did to prepare for a ride was put on a helmet and gloves, start the bike and ride off...
Once in a while I'd check the oil level!
Once in a while I'd check the oil level!
marshg246
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Tough question as there are two factory dipsticks and unknown aftermarket. Look here: https://andover-norton.co.uk/files/ec7/WEBSHOP VERSION Norton Commando Oil tank dipsticks AN.pdf
For either factory dipstick, halfway between high and low will work out OK. It's important to not be too high and being above the 06.1449's high mark is way too high.
BTW, the Commando tank has a LOT of oil below the pickup (basically never used). If you look in the tank after the bike has been sitting and can clearly see the top of the screen, the oil is too low - the pickup is in the middle of the screen. Otherwise, it's fine to start the engine.
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Andover Norton - MAGNETIC CRANKCASE (SUMP) FILTER KIT Suitable for all Norton 500-850 twins (except some1972/3 models) - 06.7281
MAGNETIC CRANKCASE (SUMP) FILTER KIT Suitable for all Norton 500-850 twins (except some1972/3 models)
andover-norton.co.uk
Edfury828
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I opted for the NYC Norton Reed Valve.
nycnorton.com
There are others available, such as JS Motorsport Reed Valve.
share.google
They are a little spendy, so you may prefer to fabricate your own for cheap. Either way, they offer many other benefits and are a nice upgrade.
Reed Breather Kit
The Norton twin cylinder engine creates a serious amount of pressure in the crankcase as the motor spins. Over the years the factory attempted several methods to reduce this pressure – from a timed breather off the end of the cam on earlier motors, to a crude straight pipe from the timing chest on
nycnorton.com
There are others available, such as JS Motorsport Reed Valve.
Sump reed valve breather
Replace your sump plug with this one way reed valve breather to reduce oil leaks and pump out excess wet sump oil on start up. Fits all Norton Twins with a large screened sump plug.
share.google
They are a little spendy, so you may prefer to fabricate your own for cheap. Either way, they offer many other benefits and are a nice upgrade.
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Run the engine until the return flow is intermittent before checking the oil level.
