| Author | Message | ||
     Thurstonbuell |
I've noticed that every 1500 miles or so , i am having to add oil , and my riding habits wouldn't constitute for any reason I would expect to see this . When checking , the oil is "just" touching the end of the stick , and i top off accordingly and shes good to go . I was just wondering who else , if anyone is experiencing the same ? Im not terribly concerned about it at this time , or should I be ?????? Oh , BTW I'm only at aprox 5000 miles (Message edited by Thurstonbuell on August 19, 2008) | ||
| Xb9 |
Are you doing a cold check or the hot check? Ken, I sent you a PM | ||
| Thurstonbuell |
David , nice to see you back , Im doing the hot check , as text book as I can , She's running great by the way , and i got your PM , I'll drop you a line here soon . | ||
| Hitman44139 |
I just had my bike serviced.... My oil cooler lines had a small leak. Also my radiator line lower left one had a split in the top that was leaking some too. It appears to have been installed that way possibly. I had after the track day I did, several small oil leaks in various locations. Just vibration but....... Im at around 5500 miles it that is of any help. (Message edited by hitman44139 on August 19, 2008) | ||
| Tijuanajack |
When you see it low take it to the dealer to have them annotate it in you records. After a while it might be that you are adding oil more often. I had a similar problem with a 2005 XB12R that I had. After having it done so often then gave the engine a once over and found out that the valve seals were leaking and did the repair work under warranty since it was still under warranty. Well that is just my two cents but get it added to your service record. Happy riding. | ||
| Mikellyjo |
I am heading to California tomorrow on the 11 so I'll do a little trend analysis on my way. It will give me something to do in the room during recovery. I just changed the oil last night so I have a fresh starting point.  | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I think it is due to variance in the checking procedure itself. I sometimes get different readings day to day, typically using the cold check method. I threw out the hot check awhile back. | ||
| Thurstonbuell |
Fres , thats what I thought too , but I should be over full at some point , and it's not like it's alot , but I am nearing the end of my first court of additional oil ??? | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Eh, the whole thing frustrates me...from the variance in the checking results to the mystery of what each dipstick measuring line means to the total capacity question marks....from my experience the Helicon does not use an inordinate amount of oil for a high revving performance motor. | ||
| Ccryder |
In 11,000+ miles I have not added a drop. That's in 4 oil changes too. Neil S. | ||
| Crowley |
If you get the bike a degree or two off vertical or in pitch, the level will be radically different. I stand mine in a jig I've built and checked with a spirit level. I kid you not. No oil used at all at 4k miles. | ||
| Xb9 |
Yes, a consistent method and routine of checking is key to getting accurate readings. I do it in the same spot in the garage every time, with a timer for the duration of idling and waiting after shut off. 15 - 30 seconds makes a difference too. | ||
| Thurstonbuell |
Unfortunatly Im using a similar method , same spot , same time , same stand , etc....I at some point would show over full however sloppy of a method I use . I must admit this is a tedious bike just to get a accurate reading. At 3/4 of a quart since her initial 600 mile service it's not enough for me to loose sleep over , yet... Things that make you go ....hummmm???? | ||
| Smoke |
i do mine the same way every time also. drain oil from 2 places and change filter. add 3 qts, ride 3000 miles and repeat. real easy. tim | ||
| Palerider |
I don't even want to get started again on this whole oil check, measurement topic. Like I said before, checking the oil shouldn't be as much work as changing it. | ||
| Jpfive |
I wish you guys could have experienced the oil check/consumption threads on the Aprilia Forum a few years ago - and probably still going on. This seems common to Rotax engines. The Caponord had an external tank, with a sight gauge in plain view - and a hot check procedure as arcane as ours. I could never make sense of it. I finally concluded, matching the consensus of the board, that consumption stabilized at the lower end of the operating limit. If you filled above that, you would have consumption/blow by. As far as level check. Once you determine to your satisfaction that the bike is properly filled (using the hot check), then mark that level in a more convenient way for further checks. In the case of the Aprilia, I checked the sight gauge tube when riding, which was easily visible to the rider. In the case of the 11, I check it cold. FWIW, the cold check procedure in the latest bulletin is identical to the hot check procedure - just check the level after a minimum of four hours cool down. Like Aprilia owners, we're getting too concerned about consumption, IMHO. Rotax engines are not known for using oil. Jack | ||
| Chevycummins |
Thurstonbuell, oil consumption seems to be the only thing I have not had a problem with yet. Knock on wood! Might check to see if there is oil residue in the vac hose for the slipper clutch. I think that if the diaphragm has a small leak it will suck out oil from the engine and burn it. Just a thought. | ||
| Jpfive |
I had the inner air box cover off this afternoon to change out the air filter, which was looking a little shabby at 6000 miles. I found no oil residue in the air box or throttle bodies - none. I almost always saw some in my Aprilia, and also in my Ss. I feel good about that, as I do my oil checks cold. I find my oil level stays constant in the middle of the operating range - checking it cold. Since I am seeing no oil in the airbox, I think it safe to assume there is no blow-by at that level. FWIW, there is a significant difference on the dip stick between a few degrees off center and exactly upright. Bottom line, folks - don't obsess over this. If you are seeing oil on the stick, and no oil in the airbox, then I think you can sleep well at night. Jack | ||
| Fresnobuell |
If you are seeing oil on the stick, and no oil in the airbox +1 on that. after all the oil discussion, I found the same thing. No oil in the airbox and brand new looking valves. I'm happy now, even though I think the bike might still be overfilled a bit coming back from the dealer on the 5th gear recall. | ||
| Mikellyjo |
Just reached Norht Platte Neb. From Milaca Minn. after 700 plus miles I have not noticed any loss of oil. I'll check again when I pull into Utah Tomorrow night. Of course I did find the oil that I spilled while changing the oil. Freeway speeds are great for throwing splatter on what was a "clean" exhaust. |
