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Message started by WKD on 06/26/06 at 15:57:24

Title: Burning oil?
Post by WKD on 06/26/06 at 15:57:24

As I stated before I am a newb with respect to bikes and I have no point of reference since this is my first bike. I was wondering is it normal to have added almost a litre of oil after 1700 km (just over 1000 miles)? The bike is 20 years old so it could be the age too I guess, but should I be worried about that? ???

Oh and I have had the bike for 3 months but only recently been putting some heavier mileage on it.

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by Reelthing on 06/26/06 at 16:10:45

That is quite a bit oil, but since you know it uses some it easy enough to check before you ride it and "top it off" to a bit above the top line on the sight glass. Might want to give 20w-50 a go as well.

how many miles does it have on it? although that's not really the heavy issue - how often was the oil changed in the past is more important.

If the the rings and cylinder are worn that much you most likely could use a new cam chain as well

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by WKD on 06/26/06 at 16:42:33

The bike has 39,000 km on it (or about 24,000 miles). As for the regularity of maintenance I don't know that for sure. I have been using 10w40 as per the shops suggestion. You think 20w50 would be better?

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by 911radioman on 06/26/06 at 16:59:46

I think the heavier weight of oil very well could slow your rate of consumption, unless the engine is just worn from abuse or there is an internal flaw in the engine. I like to run a heavier weight of oil in hotter temperatures personally.

Not saying you're abusing the bike, but it could have had a difficult existence prior to your obtaining it. Given the age of the bike, there could be any number of things causing the oil consumption.

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by WKD on 06/26/06 at 17:15:22

I am just hoping that I don't have any major issues with it this season, being a new rider I just want to ride...lots and then this winter tinker some with the bike making sure it is ready for next year ;D

I would think if it were something major I would see other symptoms, hard starting, rough running, poor power, but other than the common backfire when I stop it has been no problem whatsoever. It never has a problem starting and to me it sounds pretty good running.

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by 911radioman on 06/26/06 at 17:17:33

Is it smoking out the muffler? Or is it just "drinking" it up?

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by WKD on 06/26/06 at 17:20:58

It seems to be just drinking it up which confuses me, with a car it either comes out the tailpipe or ends up on the floor of the garage. This just seems to disappear, but the exhaust is a nice golden hue which I am lead to believe that I have a good burn, not too lean not too rich.

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by Brewbrother on 06/26/06 at 17:29:20

WKD wrote:

Just curious is it smoking or leaking? Do you have oil coming out of your exhaust? Thats almost half your oil capacity. I think you should do some investigating. PDQ.

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by MacAttack on 06/27/06 at 10:40:19

I wonder if your crankcase vent is plugged up.

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by WKD on 06/29/06 at 03:51:16

That would be too easy wouldn't it? Is that something I can get to easily to check? If you can reference it in the Clymer manual I happen to have one, it's not jumping of the page at me.

Title: Re: Burning oil?
Post by Reelthing on 06/29/06 at 04:15:23

there's a black soft tube that runs from the top right (starboard) of the engine back to air box on the left (port) side - if you take this off from air box and start it this should be puffing on the down strokes and sucking on the up strokes -