| Author | Message | ||
     Mhalloc |
Hello Everyone, this is my first post. This is a great forum, I have been reading it since I got the bike last summer. Anyway, when the usual starter issues i have weren't going away and after losing all hope that the thing would start up for me I foolishly threw in a small amount (around 1/3 quart) of 10w30 synthetic for my uncles duc as a last resort, just in case low oil was the problem. Ultimately I got it running, but now it has that 10w30 mixed with the oil. The bike has run pretty badly since I bought it, I don't think that it had much love in prior lives. I know the immediate response based on the earlier post is to switch out to 15/50 or 20/50 asap with a filter change, but realistically what might happen if I didn't? The filter is pretty new and so is the rest of the oil. Being that I end up replacing a bit of oil constantly to keep up with the oil leak, will I be thickening up the mix to normal soon enough anyway? What are the dangers of a thinned oil mix? Slightly increased engine wear isn't going to deter me, this engine is definitely worn as is and probably couldn't get much clunkier (bad owners, not bad bike), but engine seizure or some other nightmare on the road would be a much bigger deal. Sorry about the long post. Thanks! | ||
| Mhalloc |
I should mention that the bike is a stock 2001 blast that I purchased with around 6500 miles on it. Since then I have only ridden it perhaps 1000 miles over the past year due to being away at college and generally really learning that I liked the ergos far less for my 6'3'' frame than I had initially anticipated. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Welcome! It seems your not happy with your Blast and although you dont care, engine deterioration does include seizure. It takes 2 quarts of oil. I'd drain it and put in nothing less than 20w-50. Leave the filter since you say its new. Even though your Blast hasnt seen much love, it may not be the junk you think it is. It might just be in need of some TLC as in maintenance that wasnt done. Thin oil will increase engine noise too. At 6'3" that Blast may be small for you but if you're running the low seat (I know tall guys that are) and stock bars its going to feel like a scooter. Lower bars and a different seat make a huge difference in how the bike feels. | ||
| Mhalloc |
Thanks for the advice. I will drain and refill with 20/50. I read in the original "oil question" that to get out the full 2 quarts you had to drain the crankcase, otherwise just drain and put in 1.5 qts. In my case is this crankcase business necessary to make sure the oil isn't "tainted" as it were? Without the full drain 2 quarts is still proper? I hate to admit it here where everyone loves their blasts, but you are right I really am not happy. I thought the height issue wouldnt be as big a deal as it has proved, despite the regular seat i have and slightly forward set bars. It is really just that it seems a new problem is always cropping up, and that combined with difficult, inconsistent throttle and brake response make riding displeasurable when I am always worried about a mechanical failure or losing engine power/etc in a turn. I bought it to learn on but now even as a less experienced rider I feel far more safe, stable, and comfortable on my uncle's japanese 600 or even his 100 hp+ ducati with a little restraint. This is a slight topic change but if anyone reads this, I wonder if other people have come to this conclusion. conceptually I love my blast and I want to love it more, but for a 6'3" rider pushing 220 lbs, trying to make it work just feels like the wrong tool for the job. I defend the blast when people call it a scooter, but deep down when I'm riding I feel like I'm on a scooter (not in the coolness sense, in the "passing car's wake nearly pushed me off the road" sense), there is no point spending money that could go into saving for a bike that naturally feels good without all the seemingly required mods just to make it feel ok, and then just barely. Thanks however for the advice...I will surely try to make the most of the bike while I still have it. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Sorry, after rereading your post, 1/3 quart isnt that much. Its cold where you live now so I'd just refill with 20w-50 as necessary and not worry about it. Knowing the way I ride I wouldnt want the oil to be compromised and I know how much faster the Blast goes through thin oil. If you were going to change it, change it all, including draining the 'new' filter. | ||
| Reuel |
Sounds like you might want to look at an XB! There's some of those for everyone, and they handle just as well, if not better than, the Blast. Just watch the throttle. I rode one for 5 miles once--XB9R. |
