I seem to have a major mystery on my hands and no idea where to go with this. I seem to be losing oil from somewhere and not sure what the cause. I haven't rode the bike much cause of the prior issues I had but when I did it was less than 250-500 miles total in 2 weekends. The bike sits in the garage during the week. However I seems to be losing 1/2 to 1 qt every 2 weekends.

Here is the checklist:

1. I know it's not smoking out of the tailpipe,so doubt it be a ring issue.
2. I have checked the air filter to make sure it's not blowing it out through the intake or carb. Checks clean.
3. Checked the primary for extra oil. Nothing there out of the ordinary.
4. There is no leaks on the garage floor so doubting the gaskets anywhere is leaking where visible.
5. The bike does have 60 to 65k miles,not sure if that helps.

I ran through anything obvious that could lose oil but can think of anything at my technical level. I can use more direction on where else to check or an idea on the cause. I know I am stumped.

 

How many miles have you been riding? 250-500 still?

 

That just 2 weekends worth and rest of the time sitting.

 

You can burn oil without it being detected (blue smoke) out of the pipes, at 65k I think you're probably just burning it off, assuming you have no leaks worn rings or valve guides would be the cause.
One way to slow it would be using a heavier grade oil, personally if I had 65k on my motor I'd more than likely run straight 50 weight but that's just me.

Another possibility would be sumping, when oil drains into the crankcase..There's a lot of threads on that.

 

How are you checking the oil level? Do you start the engine and warm it up first? It may just be draining into the sump.

Dan

 

Do you have a son? Does he have the keys?

 

No I do not check it with warm engine. I do check before the first start of the day on the kick stand.

Yes I do he's 3 years old and sometimes runs off with keys.

 

Then you're not getting a true accurate indication of the level, as it is "wet sumping".

If you check the oil after its warmed up and before the oil is allowed to run to the sump, you'll get a more accurate indication.

Have you actually been adding that amount?


I always fill it up to the 3/4 mark max, ...any higher and it tends to spit oil out the breathers.

 

Check it before you take it on a ride then check it as soon as you get back so you will get a better idea of what is going on.

 

Didn't think of that one. I usually check before I take it out but never thought of checking when I put the bike up.