2002 Buell X1: Engine 3-31
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LUBRICATION SYSTEM 3.7
CHECKING AND ADDING OIL
Check engine oil level in oil tank at least once every 500
miles (800 km). Check level more frequently if engine uses
more oil than normal or if vehicle is operated under harsh
conditions.
CHANGING OIL AND FILTER
After a new engine has run its first 500 miles (800 km) and at
5000 mile (8000 km) intervals or annually thereafter, com-
pletely drain oil tank of used oil. Refill with fresh oil. If vehicle
is driven extremely hard, used in competition or driven on
dusty roads, change engine oil at shorter intervals. Always
change oil filter when changing engine oil.
NOTE
See 1.6 ENGINE LUBRICATION SYSTEM for more informa-
tion on checking oil level and changing oil and filter.
WINTER LUBRICATION
Normal fuel combustion in a gasoline engine produces water
vapor and carbon dioxide along with other gases and particu-
lates. When first starting and warming an engine, some of the
water vapor that gets into the engine crankcase condenses to
form liquid water. If the engine is driven long enough to thor-
oughly warm the crankcase, most of this liquid water is again
vaporized and exhausted through the crankcase breather
system.
A moderately driven vehicle making short runs may not be
able to vacate water vapors allowing liquid water to accumu-
lates in the oil tank. This is especially true if the vehicle is
operated in cold weather. In freezing weather, an accumula-
tion of water in the engine oil may become slush or ice, which
can block oil lines and lead to severe engine damage. Water
remaining in the engine oil for long periods of time can form
an acidic sludge that is corrosive to metal engine parts and
causes accelerated wear of moving components.
In winter the oil change interval should be shorter than nor-
mal. The colder the weather, the shorter the recommended
oil change interval. A vehicle used only for short runs in cold
weather must have the engine oil drained frequently.
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