K series R500 oil level?

[gixermark]

Hi guys,

I have a car with the standard R500 dry sump/tank set up, and would like confirmation of the oil level cold and hot to measure from the dry sump tank filler neck?

I have another car that I have a handy rod marked correctly.. And would like to make one for this car...

[V7SLR]

Measure from the bottom not the top.

Run the engine, turn off and soon afterwards check the oil in the belltank with a rod long enough to reach the bottom of the tank, you're looking for a level 10" - 10.5" from the bottom. There's not a massive difference hot to cold but preferably measure it at running temperature. Over time you should find the best measurement, too much and it'll blow into the catch tank, too little and you'll suffer some oil starvation particularly under heavy braking. In reality the belltank isn't really big enough so it's hard to state an exact level for all cars.

[fergus]

V7SLR said:

Run the engine, turn off and soon afterwards check the oil in the belltank with a rod long enough to reach the bottom of the tank, you're looking for a level 10" - 10.5" from the bottom. There's not a massive difference hot to cold but preferably measure it at running temperature. Over time you should find the best measurement, too much and it'll blow into the catch tank, too little and you'll suffer some oil starvation particularly under heavy braking. In reality the belltank isn't really big enough so it's hard to state an exact level for all cars.

I try and *slightly* overfill and let the catch tank do it's work in establishing an equilibrium level. At least this way I know that the engine has access to as much oil as the system can make use of.

[gixermark]

thanks guys....... will go with that from now - and yes air on the side of a little over rather than under.

what is the oil capacity on an R500 ? i am going to buy 4*4L anyway to have... but the dry sump tank must be fairly small given its location..

[BertBert]

Also Mark, the bottom of the tank has some bits higher and you just need to make sure the dipstick is in the lower bit. I should have thought, I still have the dipstick I made for mine in the garage which you could have had.

How's the car going?

[gixermark]

ah that's ok Graham... i'll start with my 'tool' i have for the Jedi, if that works i can make a mark on it to suit.

noted on the 'bumpy' nature of the absolute bottom of the tank.

the car...... so far have got it up off its feet in the garage.... wheels off and deep clean, new air filter ordered... new belts ordered... OIL about to order, pondering which extinguisher to go for... good news on seat - as the adjusters were able to move enough for me to fit which is one less thing to worry about... brake fluid ordered etc... so pretty much good to go after a light 'refresh' will corner weight.. and get out for a test.

oh... i have it taxed too !! haven't had a chance to sort insurance yet. but i'm not intending to use, or even start it until i drop all fluids... and put a new air filter on - as it understandably was breaking down with age.

it seems to be happy in its new home so far :-)

[BertBert]

Awesome!!

[fergus]

gixermark said:

... new air filter ordered... new belts ordered... OIL about to order, pondering which extinguisher to go for... good news on seat - as the adjusters were able to move enough for me to fit which is one less thing to worry about... brake fluid ordered etc... so pretty much good to go after a light 'refresh' will corner weight.. and get out for a test.

I'd also consider a diff and gearbox fluid change if you're giving it a full service. Re "belts" above, are these seat belts or the cam belt? If you're doing the cam belt, also consider a new tensioner.

[gixermark]

hi Fergus.......... yes, already have gearbox & diff oil.

belts - i meant race harnesses... i have asked the owner ref: timing belt change... i suspect it woudl have been done when the motor was rebuilt (3-4 years ago) and has done VERY limited miles since... but i'm unsure of aging on these belts... noted on tentioner if we do replace belt - thanks..