Violet Elizabeth Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Having lost a bit of oil due to the overpulling the clutch rod (fix - a coachbolt clutch stop, if only all problems could be solved as easily ) have been wondering what the optimum level is. The sump tank has a top baffle, which I think is probably a reasonable fill level as it is about 2/3rds of the tank. With hot(ish) oil and the engine running there is oil up to this level and it is a little frothy on top. Never having looked into a working dry sump tank before...does this seem about right ? Oil pressure seems good, 50psi when on the throttle, but disconcertingly low when idling - although I am assured this is normal for a bike engine ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECR Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Don't know if there are any specific requirements for BEC's but the general idea with dry sump tanks is to have the oil level just below the top baffle so that the returning oil hits the baffle, spreads out, and de aerates Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted November 28, 2013 Author Share Posted November 28, 2013 Quoting ECR: Don't know if there are any specific requirements for BEC's but the general idea with dry sump tanks is to have the oil level just below the top baffle so that the returning oil hits the baffle, spreads out, and de aerates Thanks. Yes, that is what is happening. Return feed spills onto the top baffle and is draining down the "hole". Working as intended it seems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robmar Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 this is pretty much what I do for my busa - when running the oil is just spilling over the top baffle if I put more in it just blows it out into the catch tank rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted November 28, 2013 Author Share Posted November 28, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 On mine, I believe I was told to let the frothy oil reach the second baffle - not the top one. Maybe that's why I've never known mine to breathe into the catch tank! I'm probably talking pish with the following statement, but from memory, the top baffle is maybe two inches down the tank. The second baffle is about 2/3s from the base of the tank - and that's the one I aim to cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative bluenose Posted November 28, 2013 Area Representative Share Posted November 28, 2013 Myles I think the Westfield Megabird dry sump tank is much larger than the Caterham Blackbird one. The Caterham one takes about 4 litres. From memory the Westfield was 6 to 8 litres? Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted November 28, 2013 Author Share Posted November 28, 2013 Mine is probably 6-7 litres...(Extreme Engines/Pace DS system, not Caterham Blackbird). http://thumbsnap.com/t/437onZJT.jpg The baffle is about a third of the way from the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Bluenose - yep, that's about right from memory. Reminds me that I really ought to change the oil now that the car is laid up for the winter... Not cheap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted October 28, 2015 Author Share Posted October 28, 2015 So.... I would appear to have overfilled the oil somehow.Having recently had to empty the oil catch tank again, and then it getting half full with a couple of miles, I checked the DS tank and it was bubbling well above the top baffle. So much oil that the return was effectively "under water" rather than the oill flowing onto the top baffle and down. So I think I need to syphon out some oil.At the same time, the engine has become pretty lumpy at low revs, and is occasionally stalling. Whereas previously it was very smooth even at low rpm. Could this be caused by too much oil ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative bluenose Posted October 28, 2015 Area Representative Share Posted October 28, 2015 Could be, have you got a pipe breathing back into the airbox? I have overfilled mine before on a trackday and drained it out and had 6 litres when really 4- 4.5 litres is enough. I usually change mine regularly and put in 4 litres and it is fine without ever needing to top up. Have not found a fool proof, reliable way to check the oil level using the tank levels.Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Elizabeth Posted October 30, 2015 Author Share Posted October 30, 2015 Thanks, I might try draining it somewhat, there is clearly a LOT of oil in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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