New Guy from Ohio

[subvet]

Hello from Washington Court House Ohio! Took a quick ride today, but broke down. Had oil leaking (see pic) and bike wouldn't start. Any suggestions?

 

[dan filipi]

That container is a vapor/condensate collector from the crankcase.
It shouldn't be leaking oil, if that is in fact what's happening.

What happened when you broke down. Need details.

 

[Steve83]

Hello, and welcome from Southern California! Sorry 'bout your breakdown...we're gonna need more information on the starting issue. The plastic container in your pics is the crankcase vent drain, and should be emptied regularly. It's mostly moisture and maybe some oil that's been pushed out by blow-by. You should start another thread on the starting problem, giving any info you can...did it quit while riding, does it crank normally, any odd sounds or vibrations...

Edit: D'oh, redundant post! Dan's faster than I am. :BigGrin:

 

[Ansimp]

Welcome from Oz

 

[slabghost]

When was the last time you had it out? Could be bad gas. Fuel off. Bumped kill switch. Clogged carb jets. Electrical issues. You've got to be a lot more descriptive we aren't there to see, smell, hear, or touch. Welcome to the fun.

 

[subvet]

The plastic container felt like it was cracked, how do you drain it/ The bike would crank but not turn over. I ride it every day to work (52 miles round trip), did smell gas also. I changed the plugs a couple of weeks ago, I think oil is getting into the motor and fouling the plugs

 

[brianinpa]

Welcome to Classics from PA!

 

[slabghost]

subvet » Fri Dec 25, 2015 9:25 am[/url]":3i5rdz8i]
The plastic container felt like it was cracked, how do you drain it/ The bike would crank but not turn over. I ride it every day to work (52 miles round trip), did smell gas also. I changed the plugs a couple of weeks ago, I think oil is getting into the motor and fouling the plugs

Better smell the oil in the crankcase. Sounds like you may have carb problems and fuel is displacing oil. Your motor may be hydro locked. Or if the condition has existed long enough you may have damaged crank or rod bearings. Gasoline is a lousy lubricant. Here is a link to the canister maintenance.
gallery/image_page.php?album_id=1148&image_id=11498

 

[subvet]

Didn't smell gas from the oil, I think it was flooded. Does the motor have a low oil pressure switch that won't let let it start?

 

[joedrum]

no

 

[slabghost]

subvet » Fri Dec 25, 2015 1:49 pm[/url]":524iush9]
Didn't smell gas from the oil, I think it was flooded. Does the motor have a low oil pressure switch that won't let let it start?

Did it turn over or just stop with starter engaged? If it just stopped pull the plugs and engage the starter. Do not stand inline with plug holes. There may be a good bit of fuel spray out so turn the kill switch.
I know it's a lot to write but be as descriptive as you can it will help us provide useful suggestions.

 

[subvet]

It cranks but will not turn over, if it does start it dies after a few seconds of running. I had the same problem a few weeks ago and changed the plugs and it seemed to fix it. That is why I am thinking it could be oil fouling the plugs and not running. If I empty the overflow for the crankcase and it starts I am thinking about riding it back home

 

[slabghost]

Dry the plugs and it may start. If it does turn off the gas and run until it sputters then turn it back on. Turn off the fuel a minute or two before shutting the bike off. It sounds like you leave the fuel on. The carbs can't hold fuel back after shut down under certain conditions.

 

[subvet]

You were right about turning off the fuel. I turned it off before we left it. went back today and it fired right up. The crankcase breather is cracked and overflowing. What causes the oil to go there anyway? I drove it home and it took 3 quarts of oil to get it home. any idea where I can get a new crankcase breather?

 

[slabghost]

If the breather is getting filled with oil something is wrong inside the motor. Possibly rings or cylinder walls too glazed for rings to seal. I'd do a few compression tests. Cold, warmed and with oil added. I suspect you'll find compression is very low.

 

[subvet]

Well crap, I was hoping it was something simple. I'll get my techs on it. hopefully it won't be to expensive. Thanks for the help and hope everyone had a merry Christmas and have a great new year!

 

[joedrum]

might not be super bad...if gas is thinning the oil enough and overfilling crankcase it can do this ..hopefully carbs are the problem

 

[dan filipi]

3 quarts of oil to get it home?
Is it burning any oil as in smoking out the exhaust, or only leaking it?