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Question on Oil change on Zoke Forks

826 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  RED5
I was changing the oil in my 01 Z-1 last night....how are you guys measuring your oil height? Are you using a thin tape measurer or what? I couldn't find anything that worked effectively, so I just eyeballed what looked like 50mm, and called it good. Please let me know if you guys have come up with a method that works. Thanks.
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I use an old spoke that I measure to the desired length and bend. Bending allows the spoke to be placed against the crown and go exactly to the depth I need it along one edge of the leg. I use the threaded end and usually measure it 5-10mm longer than I need. This allows me to place the oil height accurately by saying that the top of the thread is 50mm and the bottom of the spoke is 60mm and using it like an automotive dipstick I can see exactly where the oil level is by looking at the threads and where the oil has stuck to them. Once set and exact this tool allow reproducible measurements and can be kept in our toolbox for future use greatly simplifing rebuilding.
Weyvoless said:
.................. I just eyeballed what looked like 50mm, and called it good...........................
not the most scientific way, but it works for me too
With this little baby here. Picked it up when I got my Monster T, didn't want to chance making any mistakes setting up. It's made by Progressive Suspension. :D

This tool is the quickest and most accurate way to set the oil level in each fork leg. Designed for the professional or home mechanic. Works on most forks. Retails for @ 40.00, you can get them at most MX shops.

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Explain to me exactly how that gizmo works....Does the syringe measure the volume you are putting in like on a Boxxer, or does it measure oil height like on Zoke's? I think my manual for the Z-1 and Shiver also give Volume measurements, in which case that tool would be just what I need....
Well for my Monster my manual says something to the effect of...

take out springs, preload adjuster and fill to within 114mm from top. So you move the metal adjuster thingy on the medal rod to 114mm from the bottom of the rod and fill your fork up. Now you syphon out the oil into the syringe, until you've reached your limit. Simple and accurate every time. Pretty schweet, huh.
red5 said:
Well for my Monster my manual says something to the effect of...

take out springs, preload adjuster and fill to within 114mm from top. So you move the metal adjuster thingy on the medal rod to 114mm from the bottom of the rod and fill your fork up. Now you syphon out the oil into the syringe, until you've reached your limit. Simple and accurate every time. Pretty schweet, huh.
i've also use one of these (kinda) before. i just premeasured the hose length before siphoning (sp?) one without the neat little metal thing it only costs $2 ($1.50 for the syringe and .50 cents for the hose)
Very nice. I'm going to pick one up today! I need to do some tweaks on the Shiver, and this tool will come in handy. Thanks again for the info.
cardboard

Weyvoless said:
Very nice. I'm going to pick one up today! I need to do some tweaks on the Shiver, and this tool will come in handy. Thanks again for the info.
I use a very scientific and high tech method.... I cut a thin strip of cardboard, mark my oil height on it and lower it in. Its free, and it works great.
Hey Red5, do the compression rods get in the way of insterting that tool correctly? I'm assuming the internals on your Monster are similar to my Shiver.....
Weyvoless said:
Hey Red5, do the compression rods get in the way of insterting that tool correctly? I'm assuming the internals on your Monster are similar to my Shiver.....
Not really. I only insert the rod up to the first flat part on the tool (see pic), so I measure down what I need from their. If I were to try and insert it the way it was designed it would pose an issue, either way it works just the same since MTB fork are smaller. I suppose on MX forks you might need that extra 1/2" insertion of the base step.

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How deep is that oil sitting?
At the shop, i've seen them use a skinny metal ruler.
I think the common belief is "from the top."
Then again, i'm a horrible mechanic..i can change a tire though...
Padre said:
How deep is that oil sitting?
At the shop, i've seen them use a skinny metal ruler.
I think the common belief is "from the top."
Then again, i'm a horrible mechanic..i can change a tire though...
Yeah the metal ruler, cardboard trick, hell even a shoe string would work. I just happen to have the tool and since he asked I posted. The Monster T oil sits 114mm from the top with springs and preload removed.
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