| Author | Message | ||
     Valguard |
1998 S1W with 18,000 I have a slight bit of smoke coming out of the oil return line into the tank. Enough that the oil cap will pop up to relieve the build up of pressure during riding. Additionally, after about 30 min of riding, the oil light will start to flicker at idle. (The idle is set just at 1000). So, I'm thinking the piston rings are bad which causes the smoke to get into the oil which then causes to oil to overheat, thinning it, and causing the pressure to drop at idle. Is this proper thinking? Other solutions? Anyone have an issue like this? Is it ridable till the issue is fixed? Tests? Thanks for all the help guys. I've looked through the archives but couldn't find anything related to my problem. (I might be bad at looking.) If you know of a related thread, please send a link. | ||
| Akbuell |
'Smoke" in the oil tank is normal. Actually a mist of oil vapor; same thing happens in your car. Just take the oil filler cap off when the car's engine is hot. The usual reason for an oil tank cap to pop off on a tuber is the oil tank is overfilled. A compression test will settle the piston ring question. Better still, a leak-down test. In any case, if it is running fine and you do not have black, greasy stains around the inside of the exhaust outlet, or a cloud of blue smoke behind you, they are probably fine. The flickering oil light May Be caused by a loose connection or chaffed wire. Did that once on my X-1 by almost pulling the wire to the oil pressure sender off while giving the bike a bath. Also would be wise to pull the oil pump and look at the oil pump drive gear. They have been known to wear/fail on some tubers. There is a new, improved heavy duty gear for that. hope this helps, Dave | ||
| Oopezoo |
Only time my S1 pops the filler cap is when it's overfilled......and by overfilled, I mean over half way up the dip stick. When I keep it between the lower fill line and half way, all is well. | ||
| Valguard |
Thanks, Dave. That is helpful. Calms my mind a bit. There is not any blue smoke, or other signs oil is burning, from the exhaust. The oil pump drive gear is good. I looked at it 100 miles ago and it looked almost new. The oil pump is also the upgraded one. I fill the oil to just over the 1/2 level while the bike is running. I'll stand it up with it running and check the level. If I shine a flash light inside, I can see that "smoke" coming out of the oil return. When I put the oil cap back on, I can watch it pop back up. It doesn't explode off or anything, just slowly moves until it pops up enough for air to escape. I'll have to do a compression/leak down sooner than later. I don't have tools for it, but plan on buying some. Is there anywhere to look to see what the proper compression/leak should be? Hope that helps describe it better. Let me know if there are any other theories out there. Thanks! | ||
| Hughlysses |
It seems like the best way to accurately determine the "correct" oil level for these bikes is after an oil change. Assuming you have a stock oil filter, drain the oil, change the filter, and put exactly 2.5 quarts of oil back in (including filter pre-fill and tank fill). Ride/run the bike until the engine is at operating temperature, THEN check the oil level. Whatever shows on the dipstick is the "correct" oil level for your bike, and it's almost always at the halfway mark or a little lower. If you add oil above this level, it will eventually blow it out, or force the dipstick out as is happening on your bike. |
