Discussion
It may not be the bargain of the century, but I'd splash out and get a dry sump tank dipstick if Radical still make them - if not, hopefully you could get someone (with the same dry sump tank as they aren't all the same) with one to trace round it (including level marks / notches (usually three) and make yourself one out of a strip of ally.
With a dry sump, you definitely need to be checking the level when the oil is pretty well upto temp AND never ever start the engine with the dry sump tank cap off ....... we did that once on the SR4, oh my gosh what a bloody mess! We still owe FOB about two miles of paper towelling - never again.
Actually, checking the dry sump tank on the SR4 was not at all easy; because of the fixed bodywork behind the roll hoop, you couldn't see in the tank at all and in fact, even with the proper Radical dipstick, it was darn difficult to get the dipstick in and out cleanly - we found the best way was to give it ten seconds at 4000rpm to purge the sump and get the correct proportion of oil into the dry sump tank, kill the engine and check it instantly before the oil started to seep back into the sump. If you tried to check the level with the engine running, what with the oil splashing about (and catching it on the neck while taking it out), it was impossible to confidently read an accurate level. That said, I recollect that everything is much more visible & generally accessible on a Clubsport.
Funnily enough our 10 secs at 4000rpm. kill and immdiately check has become factory practice on the SR3 RS ........... I'm about to start a new thread!
With a dry sump, you definitely need to be checking the level when the oil is pretty well upto temp AND never ever start the engine with the dry sump tank cap off ....... we did that once on the SR4, oh my gosh what a bloody mess! We still owe FOB about two miles of paper towelling - never again.
Actually, checking the dry sump tank on the SR4 was not at all easy; because of the fixed bodywork behind the roll hoop, you couldn't see in the tank at all and in fact, even with the proper Radical dipstick, it was darn difficult to get the dipstick in and out cleanly - we found the best way was to give it ten seconds at 4000rpm to purge the sump and get the correct proportion of oil into the dry sump tank, kill the engine and check it instantly before the oil started to seep back into the sump. If you tried to check the level with the engine running, what with the oil splashing about (and catching it on the neck while taking it out), it was impossible to confidently read an accurate level. That said, I recollect that everything is much more visible & generally accessible on a Clubsport.
Funnily enough our 10 secs at 4000rpm. kill and immdiately check has become factory practice on the SR3 RS ........... I'm about to start a new thread!
doctordave said:
thanks guys,have had it running for 20 mins turned it off and the oil was about 3/4 up the tank,next day looked in the tank and there was only 3 or 4 inch off oil in the tank,that is why i asked how to check the level,was wondering where all that oil has gone? dave.
Now you know Dave ...... gone back to Sleepy Hollow (aka the sump) 
SportsLibre said:
doctordave said:
can't believe all that oil all fits in that little engine without causing some kind of flooding if you know where i am trying to come from?
assuming it is not all over your garage floor,there is nowhere else it could be 
Technical overload now......
Make up a dispstick...a cheap steel rule or similar with a right angle bend at top ( make sure it can fall in )...
on the basis the car is original then at next oil and filter change put in the exact amount as recomended by Powerted, and then after running up etc mesure on your new fan dabby dozy stick.....etch the stick accordingly and and engine expert you become.....if it all goes bang it wasn't me that said it !
gone away........
Make up a dispstick...a cheap steel rule or similar with a right angle bend at top ( make sure it can fall in )...
on the basis the car is original then at next oil and filter change put in the exact amount as recomended by Powerted, and then after running up etc mesure on your new fan dabby dozy stick.....etch the stick accordingly and and engine expert you become.....if it all goes bang it wasn't me that said it !
gone away........
double d racing said:
( make sure it can fall in )...
That could be an expensive typo?You're happy with steel, I (like the Big R) prefer ally, but there's a chance some bright spark will be along soon with a preference for carbon fibre ............ now taking bets on who it'll be
Hope you saw I hadn't forgotten the IOU for the paper towelling @ Dony
Considering I was always terrified that the stick would fall in it was a freudian ( I think ) slip.....as for steel I also said "or similar".....as for the IOU on paper towels........ last time I looked they were cutting down Sherwood Forest to replenish my paper stock...hee hee !
See you Thursday...
DD FOB
See you Thursday...
DD FOB
splitpin said:
You're happy with steel, I (like the Big R) prefer ally, but there's a chance some bright spark will be along soon with a preference for carbon fibre ............ now taking bets on who it'll be
Carbon is SOOOOOOO last week! 
I'm going for a Kevlar one ..................
LCM said:
Carbon is SOOOOOOO last week!
I'm going for a Kevlar one ..................
When you've finally had enough of destroying your grey cells with unmentionable G Forces (and lard and red wine), can I suggest a spot of fishing?I'm going for a Kevlar one ..................
I reckon you could be top dog at that too; that's a perfect bait, beautifully cast and presented.
Let's hope you're able to make a good strike real soon
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