| Author |
Message |
    
Wabuell
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 02:56 am: | 
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Just got a 98 Thunderbolt S3T from my brother in laws garage. Bike sat for quite awhile. Checking the fluid levels and noticed the oil was empty so I filled it back up. Read later that the oil will drain into the motor if the bike sat for a long time. Did I just make my first big mistake? If so, what now? |
Ocbueller
| | Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2018 - 06:22 pm: |
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Yes, you most likely overfilled. Drain and refill with Two to two and a half quarts. Always check level when hot and just shut off. Should be just about near the bottom of the stick. Oil will drain out of oil bag to the bottom of the sump over time. A good battery is imperative for the injected models. Lots of info on this site if you have any other questions. My S3T has become my favorite bike.
SteveH |
Wabuell
| | Posted on Friday, August 24, 2018 - 04:13 pm: |
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Thanks, I must be looking in the wrong places because I can't find a whole lot of information about the 98 thunderbolt. Need to find a service manual because no one in my area will work on it. (Western Washington)
Any other tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.. |
Ocbueller
| | Posted on Friday, August 24, 2018 - 06:33 pm: |
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98 thunderbolt should be fuel injected and therefore should run similar ecm and related injection gear and tuning as X1's.Factory race ecm tune seems to give the best results. All the usual stuff that applies to most tube frame era Buells will apply to the Thunderbolt. Most info in Old School or Knowledge Vault of this site. Feel free to ask questions if you can't find what you need. This site can be tricky to navigate.
SteveH |
Nhtuber
| | Posted on Friday, August 24, 2018 - 07:07 pm: |
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I thought 1999 was the first year for FI. |
Screamer
| | Posted on Friday, August 24, 2018 - 10:38 pm: |
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1998 would still be carbureted. |
Ocbueller
| | Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2018 - 05:19 pm: |
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I stand corrected. Thanks. That makes it easier to maintain. Jetting info in Knowledge Vault.
SteveH |
Wabuell
| | Posted on Saturday, August 25, 2018 - 05:33 pm: |
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Correct. My 98 Thunderbolt is carbureted. Replaced battery, fresh fuel, drained extra oil (as mentioned above) thanks Ocbueller for the info. That would have been messy. After fuel got through the carb she started right up. |
Ocbueller
| | Posted on Sunday, August 26, 2018 - 06:14 pm: |
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Cool beans! I found that primary chain tension, and belt tension need to be correct. The intake manifold gaskets will occasionally need replacement and the exhaust system inspected periodically. Otherwise Buells are pretty low maintenance. I have owned a Ducati and it can be the opposite.
Enjoy
SteveH |
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