Eating oil (2)

[skiri251]

Hello,

This is a sequel to my previous thread: https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=9808

After careful inspection, I found a leak from cylinder head cover gaskets. So I put RTV silicone there and now I think the engine is really oil tight.
Meanwhile I had my friend follow me and observe the exhaust. He says that black/grey smoke came out under heavy acceleration (I did zero to near red zone) but no blue/white smoke like two stroke. This (black smoke), I noticed myself when I rev'ed the engine in the garage. Not sure what it is. I don't think it's rich mixture, maybe just soot in mufflers?

I put 183 miles of 90% freeway ride after the oil change and currently oil level looks like this:

I think it's improved but still getting low.

So... what should I do?

What's involved in inspecting/replacing the rings? I see old wing engine doesn't have cylinder barrels (?), that means I need to split the crank case to get there?

What about snake oil like Microlon? Is it worth a try or waste of money?

 

[zman]

A compression test will help decide, yes you need to split the cases.Black is carburation and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong, most all bikes will puff some carbon under heavy acceleration, sometimes its only carbon buildup burning off.
I think I would maybe use some marvel mystery oil in the crankcase and run that one change cycle, 12-16 oz is all you need. I dont know about other additives, you have to be careful about what you add to the oil due to the clutch plates, many motor oils and additives have friction modifiers that can impregnate your clutch plates with slippery stuff.

 

[mcgovern61]

Forgive me, but the picture looks like the oil level being checked while on the side stand? If so, put it on the centerstand and the oil level should be about even or just above the screw for the wiper. Any higher and it will burn off because it is overfilled.

 

[skiri251]

zman » Tue Jun 09, 2015 8:56 am[/url]":2471ywwf]
A compression test will help decide, yes you need to split the cases.Black is carburation and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong, most all bikes will puff some carbon under heavy acceleration, sometimes its only carbon buildup burning off.
I think I would maybe use some marvel mystery oil in the crankcase and run that one change cycle, 12-16 oz is all you need. I dont know about other additives, you have to be careful about what you add to the oil due to the clutch plates, many motor oils and additives have friction modifiers that can impregnate your clutch plates with slippery stuff.

Thanks.

As in my original thread, compression test came out okay (170~175 PSI on all 4).
I already went through ATF in the oil cleanup. But yes, I happen to have MMO so I can try that.
According to Microlon web page, it doesn't harm wet clutches.

Wow, splitting the case, is it?
I guess I should try chemical treatment before that...

 

[skiri251]

mcgovern61 » Tue Jun 09, 2015 9:04 am[/url]":2yoxftda]
Forgive me, but the picture looks like the oil level being checked while on the side stand? If so, put it on the centerstand and the oil level should be about even or just above the screw for the wiper. Any higher and it will burn off because it is overfilled.

It is on the centerstand.
The left half of the site glass is not oil but the wiper. It doesn't turn with the screw so I cannot move it from where it is.

 

[zman]

skiri251 » Tue Jun 09, 2015 9:10 am[/url]":12chb76g]

zman » Tue Jun 09, 2015 8:56 am[/url]":12chb76g]
A compression test will help decide, yes you need to split the cases.Black is carburation and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong, most all bikes will puff some carbon under heavy acceleration, sometimes its only carbon buildup burning off.
I think I would maybe use some marvel mystery oil in the crankcase and run that one change cycle, 12-16 oz is all you need. I dont know about other additives, you have to be careful about what you add to the oil due to the clutch plates, many motor oils and additives have friction modifiers that can impregnate your clutch plates with slippery stuff.

Thanks.

As in my original thread, compression test came out okay (170~175 PSI on all 4).
I already went through ATF in the oil cleanup. But yes, I happen to have MMO so I can try that.
According to Microlon web page, it doesn't harm wet clutches.

Wow, splitting the case, is it?
I guess I should try chemical treatment before that...

With those Comp. readings you do not need rings so I wouldn't spend any time thinking about that, you may or may not need valve stem seals, can pull in oil vapors, carburation is the likely culprit.

 

[joedrum]

seems like black soot is rich condition....seems if motor is using oil ...its in the from of washing oil from clylinder walls from the rich condition....probably not real harmful as cil slash is continuous...didnt read much so reply is all this is ...guessing

 

[Ansimp]

My oil level runs a little lower than where you are and stays fairly constant. When filled to the top mark it quickly returns to the middle of the road. It does go slightly lower than the center by the time it is due for an oil change :yes:

 

[skiri251]

I just filled up MMO to the top level (10 oz or so) so I will see how it goes.

 

[slabghost]

As mentioned oil level stabilizes low on most of these motors. I'd run it and keep checking. Once it gets to just a bit showing at the bottom of the sight glass it may be stabilized. If it is and remains there I'd run it there.

 

[Ansimp]

slabghost » Wed Jun 10, 2015 9:08 am[/url]":2of9epq9]
As mentioned oil level stabilizes low on most of these motors. I'd run it and keep checking. Once it gets to just a bit showing at the bottom of the sight glass it may be stabilized. If it is and remains there I'd run it there.

+1 With the Subaru flat 4s I notice too much oil and they consume it, it seems the same to me with the Gls

 

[OldWrench]

I agree with the above posts, mine will use oil till about mid way on the sight glass, then stay right there. Agreed rings are good, if she is still using oil, I would guess valve guide seals.

 

[skiri251]

Thanks all!

I will just ride and see how far oil level goes down.
If it reaches lower limit, I guess I need to replace guide seals.