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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> oil consumption
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Message started by Five_Points on 09/12/07 at 04:58:39

Title: oil consumption
Post by Five_Points on 09/12/07 at 04:58:39

It seems like my bike is eating a lot of oil. Is anyone else having an issue like this? Is it a savage trait? In the last 1000 miles, The site window went from full to no oil in the window. I have no leaks. Any ideas as to what this could be? A buddy mentioned maybe the valves need adjusted. I dunno. Anyone? I used a motorcycle grade 20W-50 at the last change

Title: Re: oil consumption
Post by DrT on 09/12/07 at 05:15:54

The oil is either blowing past the piston or it is being sucked down the valve guides. New rings ( possibly a rebore with new piston and rings) and/or new valve stem olseals should reduce consumption

Title: Re: oil consumption
Post by Savage_Greg on 09/12/07 at 05:32:06

Let's quantify this question. How much is the difference between "Full to No Oil in the Window"? That's about 1/2 quart or so isn't it?

I wouldn't be rebuilding the engine quite yet. In 1000 miles a hot old thumper engine is gonna eat a little oil too.

We often get used to the oil consumption in our modern, tight, temperature regulated automotive engines, and we forget that our bike is more than just a nostalgic piece of history. It is also old technology. If you were driving a 2007 Valverie Rune, then you could be concerned.

Instead, just add another $2 worth of oil and happily drive another 1000 miles. That's the way it was 1986.

Title: Re: oil consumption
Post by T-Mack1 on 09/12/07 at 05:50:17

Did you have the buddy ride behind to see if it smokes???

Like Greg says, a little consumption is ok. A little smoke is ok too. Smoke enough to shoo away mosquitoes isn't

Title: Re: oil consumption
Post by Savage_Greg on 09/12/07 at 06:47:37

Shoo away mosquitoes...I like that. I was doing that when I started mine after the rebuild the other day. All that engine assembly grease and oil on the valve guides and piston rings was creating a really big white cloud. No mosquitoes in my yard :P

I almost forgot...It might also be good to check the oil level during a "pre-flight" inspection at least every 500 miles too. Not quite such a long interval, just in case you really do have a problem.

Title: Re: oil consumption
Post by slavy on 09/12/07 at 07:21:48

Check Your air box for oil inside. There is a crankcase vent that goes from the right side of the head-cover to the air box. In many thumpers the "thumping action" of the piston, causes the oil to go from the crankcase in the air box. On the bottom of the air box, You will see a hose with a plug. Place an oil pan under the bike and pull the plug. If a lot of oil leaks out- there goes the missing oil. If NOT- the oil was either boiled away , or burned.

Title: Re: oil consumption
Post by Savage_Greg on 09/12/07 at 07:29:18

Why not...but of course, if you get a 1/2 quart out of that drain we'd be best to just start a whole new topic called an "Oil Bath for My Air Filter" :P

Title: Re: oil consumption
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/12/07 at 20:54:30

I keep an eye on mine with every tank. How much is needed seems to vary, I dont just keep it full, I watch & re fill when I know I cant go out of town on it & not get in trouble. It's easier to keep an eye on it & know that to ride wondering.