QuestionSimilar to a previous question... I overfilled the oil on my 97 Suzuki Marauder 800: I put in a quart and looked at the window and saw nothing, so I added another. After 6 quarts of oil, I realized the bike was not level. Not knowing the normal capacity for this motorcycle, I cranked up and got lots of white smoke after running for about 30 seconds. I drained all oil and let sit for a couple of days, but don't know how best to proceed. I'm going to refill the oil (2.6 quarts only) and want to know "what next". Can I ride it and expect excess oil to burn off? if so, how long shoud last take? Do you recommend synthetic or motorcycle oil? What weight? 20w50 CAR oil has been recommended by a friend.
Thanks, JJTaylor
AnswerHi JJ,
Follow the Owner's Manual or Service Manual procedures for servicing the lubrication system.
Add oil until the oil appears between the lines on the peep window. Allow a small air bubble to appear above the upper line when the motorcycle is positioned level on level ground.
Check the airbox and airbox drain tube for pressence of oil. Clean and drain accordingly.
The enigine should return to normal very soon. Add the proper amount of oil and ride.
I recommend synthetic oil, but natural oil is fine. I prefer "Amsoil" brand synthetic oil. If you decide upon a sythetic, select a brand designed for use with motorcycle clutches. Otherwise, use premium brand oil designed for cars and/or MC's. Valvoline, Quaker State, Kendall, Mobil, Castrol, etc... all are premium brands.
I recommend you use the viscosity (weight) designed for use with your Marauder. Which viscosity to use depends upon the temperatures of the riding environment.
If you want to learn more about oils and which oil to use, send me an email address as requested. I'll return tech files that will explain the science of oil, what the "W" means in "10W40", and what the API & SAE seals on oil containers means.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
