Checking the oil level in 2001 f650 gs

artoisss · Jul 8, 2013

Hello everybody
I'm new to the singke cylinder, as I had a twin before and I guess it had a different engine oil system, so I'd like to ask a question and hopefully avoid a problem.
I changed the oil myself with the help of a friend, and as we were filling it up, it kept disappearing, so i guess we ended up overfilling it.
I am not sure as to how much more we put into it, i guess around 300 ml more.
As I was talking to another bmw owner, he recommended I take out the excess oil, as it would damage the valves.
So I did take out the oil, and as the manual said, i checked it at operating temp: ran the engine untill the fan came on, ran it another minute after the fan stopped, and checked the oil level. Still above the middle of the clear round window.
So, should it be right at the middle or less?
If i set the bike on the centerstand and the engine is cold, you can hardly see the oil level, as it is that low.
And another thing that scares me: it foams up. Not much, just a hair, and I can see the bubbles forming as I take off the oil cap.
Is it permanent damage, or is it because of the excess oil?
Thanks in advance team!

UpsideDown · Jul 8, 2013

The manual says run engine hot, idle for one minute, turn off & check oil level. It's foamy because it's just been through the pump to get up to the top tank. It's important to refill with a measured amount of oil when you service them.

artoisss · Jul 8, 2013

Thanks Upsidedown..
When you say" run engine hot" , do you mean run it untill the cooling fan starts, right?

UpsideDown · Jul 8, 2013

Not necessarily, take it for a 10 minute ride. Fan comes on when it's hotter than it wants to be. Fan will normally only come on when there's no airflow.

iacubovici · Jul 9, 2013

if the problem persists, check the oil probe/bulb and it's contacts

UpsideDown · Jul 9, 2013

What the heck has this got to do with checking the oil level ?

The Wilbur · Jul 9, 2013

As you have a 2001 F650GS, I have moved this thread from the G650GS section.

Neil650 · Jul 9, 2013

2.3 liters is all it needs. Only around 1.7 liters in the tank and the balance in the sump. On start-up, the oil gets sucked into the sump. I find that a 8-10 mile run and then 30 seconds of idle will bring the level back-up. If over-filled, it will keep on pumping into the tank until it over-flows. Bottom line is, measure when doing an oil change

artoisss · Jul 9, 2013

thanks a lot for the advice.
i'll take it for a ride and then recheck it.
Is it normal to see the oil beeking sucked down as you hit the throttle? I guess it is, right?

Neil650 · Jul 9, 2013

Hi artoisss , yes it is. The oil level had me worried for ages, so I only check it after a bit of a run and a short idle. If you don't measure after an oil change, it will just let you keep on adding oil .....

Checking the oil level in 2001 f650 gs

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