Oil viewing window on XJ750

OK. So now I know there's no dipstick on the XJ750, and the oil level has to be viewed using the viewing window. But is there any way to check the condition of the oil itself? It looks very dark through the viewing window but it hasn't been that long since I've done an oil change so it really shouldn't be that dark. Does the viewing window make the oil appear darker than it actually is?

 

Oil deposits will darken both the window and the metal viewing strip that sits behind it. Use a flashlight to help you see the oil better, and don,t be too concerned about the color. Color is an OK guide, but it's not a definitave indicator as to the state of your oil (even dark oils can test as being in spec when sent for analysis). Dose the oil with Seafoam to help clean the residue off of the sight glass, or wait until you have to change the clutch plates and clean the glass by hand.

 

Thanks. Cool tip about the flashlight. Is there no way to take a long piece of lint-free cloth and put it down into the oil fill hole?

 

The clutch basket prevents that, and the metal backing plate for the sight glass is cage-like. There just isn't room to get anything in there without removing the cover.

 

Thanks. I'll have to just go by the time/mileage factor. The thing is, on this new 83 that I got from Brenny's I have to trust their statement that the oil had been changed before they sold me the bike. The thing is, the mechanic who cleaned the carbs said the oil was dirty. My hunch is he only looked at the oil level window, saw it was dark, and assumed the oil was dirty. It looks exactly the same on my 82 XJ750 and I KNOW that bike only has around 1000 miles post oil change.

 

on your oil pan there's a shelf/ledge type thing about 4 inches wide or so and about 1/2 inch above the bottom of the pan, i don't know why it's there.
it seems to collect sludge back under it. when i had it apart for the starter clutch, i took the shelf off and cleaned all the sludge out.
now the oil stays looking clean much longer

 

Change it!!
Not knocking Brenny's, but many shops will say yes , they did but they didn't!!

 

Oil has detergents to clean the engine.
The engine has many little pockets that hold oil even when draining the oil. A second oil change after a few hundred miles will help clean that out.

 

Yeah. That's my thinking as well. And this way, I'll know for sure when the oil was changed, what oil was used, and when I need to change it next. This oil change will be almost right at the 30,000 mark, so it's an even number and I'll start the clock from there.

 

That ledge in the oil pan is part of a baffle. It helps make sure that the oil pump isn't starved when the bike is being ridden in a sporting manner.

 

that's a nice way of putting it

 

Down the fill hole you can fit vinyl tubing. I have used that plus a syringe to pull oil out when I over filled. You could get a sample that way for what it's worth

 

That's a good idea. It would at least show the color/condition of the oil. But now that I'll have the bike on a known schedule it shouldn't be that much of an issue. I was a little surprised to see the 2500 mile oil schedule recommendation. On my Magna I only do it every 3000-3500 miles. But that's a water cooled engine.

 

You could add a few ounces of seafoam to oil run it at idle and drain your oil and refill with fresh oil might help clean out some of the crud.

 

what is the best oil to use for a 85 xj700

 

Oil thread in my signature.