'82 Maxim 550, where's the oil level???

Hey all,,, I'd like to say first that I'm honored to be in the presence of such greatness. ( OK, more BS and pant-leg passion later).

I have just picked up an old sweetie. She's ugly as can be, I think that's why I like it so much.

Cutting to the chase,, giving her a once over, I can't see where the oil level should be. If there was a view window, it's gone. T One of the former owners went tire to tire with a couple of cans of flat black. When I open the oil cap, there's no indicator.
Should I just fill it up to near the top?

Thanks in advance to all who share their wisdom and experience with me.

 

The oil sightglass (view window) is on the right side just below the rear brake pedal.

Proper oil level should be near the top of the sightglass. That's 2.3 quarts or 2.6 quarts with a filter change.

If the PO spray painted over the sightglass, I'd say they were an idiot and wouldn't trust any maintenance they may have done. I'd suggest at the very least that you change the oil and lube the chain, just for your own peace of mind.

 

I think you are correct on all accounts. PO w/spray can,,, well,,, let's just keep it clean.
I'll look again, but I looked pretty hard earlier today and couldn't see it.

I'm definitely scheduling it for service, for same reason.

Hey, thanks I appreciate it.

 

Welcome to the site Carlsnet.
There is no indicator attached to the oil fill plug as you found out and most definitely do not fill the oil to near the top of the fill plug.

The following info is taken from a XJ550J owners manual found on the XJCD.....

Oil level measurement.

1. Place the motorcycle on the centerstand. Warm up the engine for several minutes.
Note: Be sure the motorcycle is positioned straight up when checking the oil level; a slight tilt toward the side can produce false readings.
2. With the engine stopped, check the oil level through the level window located at the lower part of the right side crackcase cover.
Note: Wait a few minutes until the oil level settles before checking.
3. The oil level should be between maximum and minimum marks. If the level is lower, add sufficient oil to raise it to the proper level.

 

Welcome to XJ ownership Carlsnet. Your in for some fun.
If you are very careful, you can clean the paint off of the sight glass with a chisel tipped X-acto knife. Just like cleaning overspray off of windows, just a little smaller.
Or you could take some mineral spirits and scrub the glass.
Goof-Off makes a great citrus orange paint remover that won't harm glass (Home Despot, Lowes, Ace, etc...).
Got some options. Clean the glass, then follow up with Nick's advise.

 

What type of oil should i use for my maxim 550, 10w-40 or 20-50?
Thanks in advance!!