can't keep oil in 400ex

[pimpin400]

My 400ex won't keep oil in the rezzy. I changed the oil in it 4 days ago. I will start it up, let it idle for 5 min. like the service manual says, then check it and nothing happens. I know the oil is in there, but why won't it show up. I can ride it and it doesn't seize up or anything, so the oil is in there. I just can't figure out why it does not show up on the dipstick. If anyone knows why please fill me in. I have had the entire oil assembly off making sure it cycles through which it is cycling completly through the lines, oil cooler, and motor.

[Pappy]

how many quarts are you putting in?

drain all oil,,,pour in 1.4 quarst of oil,,,start the mofo up and let it run fer a minute or 2..then add the rest of the oil in quart 2 and your done....:cool:

[pimpin400]

I am putting 1.8 quarts in it. I start it up and let it idle for 5 min, so it should be cycling no matter how much i put in it.

[RideRed400StYlE]

I am pretty sure it takes more than 1.8 quarts. from last time I changed mine at least I think it was closer to 3 quarts, like 2.7 or somthing like that. try adding more oil

1.95 quarts of oil

[RideRed400StYlE]

alright, I stand corrected

[KY Woods Rider]

Originally posted by pimpin400
I am putting 1.8 quarts in it. I start it up and let it idle for 5 min, so it should be cycling no matter how much i put in it.



You are probably just low on oil and it isn't showing up on the dipstick. Even if you are just one or two tenths of quart too low, it might not be on the dipstick. So, start it up, let it idle for 5 minutes, shut it off, let it set 2 or 3 minutes and check the oil. If nothing shows up on the dipstick, then add a bit of oil, and check it again.

Also, if it is below 50 degrees outside, then you should let it idle for 10 minutes before checking the oil. If the motor isn't warm enough, then the oil will check low.

While the manual states that the 400EX needs 1.95 quarts of oil at an oil and filter change, mine actually takes about 2.1 quarts to get it right on the full mark (just enough to make me open another quart:rolleyes: ).

[MAD400EX]

It takes 2 1/2 quarts of oil

[400grl]

Mine takes just under two quarts.....and as I start getting past 1.5, I start idling the engine for a few minutes. Then shut it off...add some more - check it - add some more - check it - idle it a little - and add a little more if it needs it. I've gone just over 2.0 quarts once, when I had the case drained really well......wierd how it varies between quads - huh?:confused: :D

[BigThumper33]

Mine takes over 2.... :huh

[Pappy]

yeah mine always took the 2.2 quarts that why i asked him how much he was puttin in. i dont have a manual handy but add a lil more till it is where its supposed to be on the dipstick.

[JOEX]

Honda owners manual says the capacity is 2.3 qts... but when changing the oil add approximately 1.95 qts.

Also new oil can be very difficult to see on the dipstick, just turn it a bit to try to get a reflection of light on it. It kinda works:p

Joe

[Dustin178]

i have a honda 4trax 300 sport utility right now and im gettin a 400ex very soon and i am gonna build it race ready and on my sport utility i have had some wat of the same problem check yer motor and look around the crank case tighten up yer crank case bolts. or at least check them that was my problem and check the motor over all u could havea small hair line crack in the motor some where. u can get a crack from about anything heat related or something hittin it so check that. How long do u let it sit b4 u check the dip stick again that could b the problem?! if it is none of the above just keep addin oil and when it shows up on the stick let it sit for a day or so and check the oil and if it is low then u havea problem some where plus when u run a 4 stroke pinned alot that burns oil trust me i found out thats y im goin for a bigger fast quad:devil but good luck hope u get yer problem fixed