Too Much Oil In A Motorcycle (All The Effects!)

Last Updated on January 2, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

Pouring too much oil into a motorcycle can create various problems. Having too much oil can cause the crankshaft to become submerged. It will then reduce the engine performance as well as increase the oil consumption. Moreover, your motorcycle will start to leak oil.

Key Takeaways

• Having too much oil will make the spark plug dirty and your bike will have a smoky exhaust
• Too much oil can cause the pump to suck in air and it will result in loss of oil pressure and potential engine damage
• Pouring too much oil will increase the motorcycle’s weight so the top speed will be decreased
• You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil level for your motorcycle to get the maximum performance

Synthetic Oil – Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
1. Provides a high level of resistance to chemical degradation and oxidation   2. The level of resistance to extreme temperatures is excellent (heat and cold)   3. At low temperatures, this oil flows excellently	1. It is a much more expensive option than other oils available on the market   2. The possibility of precipitation or separation of the additives is considerable   3. Fuel efficiency at high speed is lower compared to other oils

How To Put Oil In The Motorcycle?

Just like any other vehicle, a motorcycle needs an oil change every few months. It is one of the main components for the different engine components to work properly.

The oil allows the engine components to be properly lubricated. In turn, the oil wears out over time. To change the oil in your motorcycle, the following steps must be taken.

1. Warm Up The Engine

Most motorcycle experts recommend that you warm up an engine for a few minutes before changing the oil. This way, you will be able to change the oil in a much simpler and faster way. So, after a few minutes that the engine is running, you can start the procedure.

Some manufacturers claim that you need an operating temperature on your motorcycle to do this. This could mean that you need to ride for about 30 minutes and then change the oil. However, this amount of time may vary depending on the model and specific power of your bike.

On the other hand, if you have an air-cooled motorcycle, a different procedure is recommended. Here, experts assure you that you should not start the vehicle. You should leave your motorcycle idling for about 30 minutes. Otherwise, you could damage a specific component of the vehicle.

2. Cleaning The Area

Cleaning the specific area is another necessary step if you want to do a complete job. To be able to do a fast and efficient job, you will need to have specific support. Here, the important thing is to keep your motorcycle stable and still in one place. This in turn allows you to apply a much more efficient cleaning of all the components.

You should use a clean rag for the specific area of the engine you are going to work on. So, you should clean the drain plug and the entire area around the oil filter. In particular, this may provide you with the more proper operation when you continue to use your motorcycle.

3. Draining The Old Oil

If you do not want to make a floor covering, you must have a drainage tray. Here, you must open the plug to release all the old oil. So, you can place the drain pan just below the drain plug. In turn, you can unscrew the plug by hand. Your arm mustn’t be just under the oil drop.

So, keep in mind that it is not easy to clean the oil from your body. After that, you will have to wait a few minutes for all the oil to be released from the bike. In particular, this may take a few minutes, so be patient. If you do not wait for all the oil to be released, then the new oil will mix with the old.

You can also use the old oil for recycling or use it in some other household application. Today, there are a lot of places that receive old oil to use it in the same way. So, knowing some of these places as a mechanical workshops will be very useful. At least the old oil can be used instead of simply discarded.

4. Remove The Old Filter

To perform this step you will need an oil filter wrench or a strap wrench. So, you will need to proceed to remove the oil filter to continue with the procedure. You will have to wait until the oil flow has stopped. In this case, you will know that there is no longer any old oil inside the vehicle.

Using this tool will help you quickly unscrew the filter. Once the filter is loose enough you can use your hand to remove it. Also, you should throw the oil from the filter into the same drainage tray. You must have a new filter to perform a complete procedure.

Professional riders know that the oil should be changed, as well as the oil filter. The oil filter wears out like any other component. So, it is a replacement that you must necessarily do.

Otherwise, your motorcycle will not be able to provide a high level of efficiency. Some failures or defects in your vehicle could occur if you do not change the oil filter. So, when you remove the old oil filter, you will be able to continue with the procedure.

5. Installing The New Oil Filter

You can use some of the old oil before starting to install this component. The old oil will be useful when applying it to the O-ring of the new filter you want to install. Therefore, this will allow you to perform a much more lubricated and efficient installation. You will even be able to achieve an excellent seal by sliding the filter smoothly and accurately.

It may also be useful to use some oil in the new filter. Here, using just a little oil will be more than sufficient. So, you can prevent the engine from drying out completely the moment you start your bike. At first, you could use your hand to start installing the new oil filter.

Once you run into some resistance, you should use the old tool. Of course, you should not over-tighten the new oil filter. Over-tightening the seal could cause damage in some way. So, when you feel a little resistance, just turn the filter half a turn more. It is important to carry out this step with due care.

6. Changing The Seal Washer

Another component that should be replaced is the sealing washer. You should check the condition of this component after you have cleaned the drain plug. Of course, it is not always necessary to replace this component. However, the owner’s manual may tell you the most appropriate time to make this replacement.

If you have a washing machine, you can check the possibility of reusing this part. In some cases, it may be sufficient to turn the sealing washer over and use it in the drain plug. On some motorcycles, you will find a different part instead of a washer. Some Harley-Davidson models use an O-ring.

So, it is highly recommended to have a set of replacement O-rings if needed. In this case, it is necessary to replace O-rings every time you change the oil filter and oil. Besides, it is not ideal to reuse the O-rings as it could be hazardous to the integrity of the rest of the components.

7. Placing The Drain Plug

First, you must tighten the bolts by hand to avoid damage to the threads. Once you have tasted this most appropriately you can also tighten the drain plug with your wrench.

As with other components, it is recommended that you tighten the drain plug just enough. Keep in mind that this particular component is often very expensive in the store.

If you use a torque wrench, you will be able to do a safer and more efficient job. Here, you should expect a torque of 14 or 16 pound-feet. However, you should check what the owner’s manual says.

8. Finishing The Job

Here, you can see the oil you have purchased for your motorcycle. You should check the most appropriate amount and type of oil for your motorcycle. After that, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. You can visually inspect the drain plug or oil filter for leaks.

Also, check the oil levels for proper drainage. As mentioned, now is the time to take your used oil and old oil filter to an auto parts store. This way, you will allow these used components to be recycled. After that, you’ll be done, and your bike will be properly maintained.

References:

https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/what-to-do-when-your-engine-oil-is-overfilled/

https://www.cycleworld.com/2013/08/09/ask-kevin-can-adding-too-much-oil-lead-to-engine-damage/