How to Check the Oil in a Scooter
by Chris Gilliland
Whether your scooter is powered by a, two-stroke motor or four-stroke motor, it relies on oil to lubricate its internal moving components. This requires your scooter to contain a certain amount of oil, that if left to diminish will create premature engine wear. Most scooter manufacturers have provided amenities to help you check the oil level.
Step 1
Start the motor and let it warm up to provide an accurate reading of the oil level. Turn the motor off once the scooter has warmed up.
Step 2
Lift the scooter into an upright, vertical position. Place the scooter on its center stand, if it is equipped.
Step 3
Remove oil filler cap and wipe the dip stick clean with a clean towel or rag. Take note of the oil level indicators marked on the dip stick, these will be used to tell if the oil is correctly filled or if more oil is required.
Step 4
Reinsert the dip stick into the oil tank and pull it back out immediately. Take note of where the oil level is in relation to the indicators on the dip stick. In most cases, the oil should be half- to three-quarters of the way up the dip stick.
Step 5
Add more oil as necessary, using a funnel to slowly pour oil into the engine. Check the oil level again and repeat as necessary.
Step 6
Replace the oil filler cap, tightening it securely to prevent it from vibrating loose.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; The Professional Career Development Institute; 2000
- Jack's Scooter Shop: General Honda Scooter Information
- iScootNY: Scooter FAQ
Tips
- Some scooters use a sight glass to indicate engine oil levels. To check oil level using a sight glass, stand the scooter upright and allow the sight glass to fill with oil. The markings on the sight glass will indicate a full or empty oil reserve. Add oil as needed using the method shown above.
- Refer to your scooter's owners manual for more information.
Things You'll Need
- Towel or rag
- Engine oil
- Funnel
Warnings
- Do not add engine oil to a cold motor. A cold motor will not give an accurate oil level reading, which can cause an over-fill that will impair the scooter's performance.
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
