Is this an issue and what is the white discolouration?

MargeS

Just noticed this discolouration tonight. Is it an issue? It's off white coloured and on the inside.

ratracer

MargeS wrote: »

Just noticed this discolouration tonight. Is it an issue? It's off white coloured and on the inside.

Oh dear,

I'm not a qualified mechanic, but milky oil is not good, could be head gasket, some more experienced head will hopefully chime in, but I wouldn't ride it again without getting it checked asap!

Roadskill

Could be one of two things.
1. Condensation in which case should clear after a long spin and engine nice and hot
2. Coolant getting into the oil which is more serious.
If it continues best to get it checked out.

I hope it's number one for you. A mechanic might on here might have other ideas as I'm going in experience.

Jack the Stripper

Is you're bike water cooled op?

MargeS

Nope, air cooled. That was after a 25 mile run and left sitting for 2/3 hours. I had been adjusting the chain and was giving the bike a once over when I spotted this. I really don't think it's condensation.

pudzey101

when was the last time the oil was changed , and is it running hotter than usual op

MargeS

Bike is running fine, I really wouldn't have thought anything was wrong until I looked at the oil window.
No oil light on, and the temp stayed around 100, after the 25 mile run which is all completely normal for it.

Oil was changed approx 2000miles ago.

Jack the Stripper

Well we can rule out head gasket anyway. How long ago was that service?

MargeS

TBH I'm inconsistent with the servicing. Whenever stuff needs doing at this stage.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Its a poor photo, is the oil milky?. On the oil filler cap is there a thicker crud like mayo?.

Was the bike stored up over the winter or is it running regularly, and/or have you recently done an oil change?.

Ordinarily I'd say its certainly condensation, but a 25 mile run should have burned that off.

If it was an oil change I'd suggest looking at your whatever oil is left and see if you put contaminated oil into your bike.

But either way, an air cooled engine ~ do an oil change with new oil and any condensation which was left should be burned off quick enough.

A final question, have you a smokey exhaust (oil in the cylinder)?. [I suspect the answer is no]

MargeS

Otis Warm Warhead wrote: »

Its a poor photo, is the oil milky?. On the oil filler cap is there a thicker crud like mayo?.

Nope. Any oil inside the filler cap is like new.

Otis Warm Warhead wrote: »

Was the bike stored up over the winter or is it running regularly, and/or have you recently done an oil change?.

Nope not stored up and oil change was 2000 miles ago.

Otis Warm Warhead wrote: »

A final question, have you a smokey exhaust (oil in the cylinder)?. [I suspect the answer is no]

Nope. Everything appears to be normal. Now I am certainly not mechanically minded. So a trip to the mechanic is required at this stage.

Jack the Stripper

How many miles are you doing a week?

MargeS

The last few weeks, 50 - 100, it depends.

I've taken a better pic and it's definitely milky looking oil.

Roadskill

MargeS wrote: »

The last few weeks, 50 - 100, it depends.

I've taken a better pic and it's definitely milky looking oil.

I think an oil change is required. Best option imo.
Get a good quality oil and see how it goes. Sooner the better as oil is part of your cooling as well as lubrication.

MargeS

Txs all. I've contacted my mechanic and I'll let you know. I was going to get it serviced either way, this has just lit a fire under me.

Max Headroom

All I can see is normal coloured oil and a discoloured/old sight glass...

MargeS

Max Headroom wrote: »

All I can see is normal coloured oil and a discoloured/old sight glass...

There is definitely bubbles in the oil..

Max Headroom

MargeS wrote: »

There is definitely bubbles in the oil..




Just not seeing any bubbles......reckon its just condensation...

Wonda-Boy

Looks like a frickin xray ffs!!!!

Milky coloured oil and milky buildup on the cap does not automatically mean the head gasket is gone, it could very easily be condensation buildup.

Bring the bike out for a few decent rides when you get a chance and see if it dissapears. Don't bother changing the oil , if the head gasket is gone it just means you will waste new oil.


*I see you've just contacted your mechanic so you won't be fixing yourself so comment/comments not really relevant.

Max Headroom

Vincent Aggressive Rattan wrote: »

Milky coloured oil and milky buildup on the cap does not automatically mean the head gasket is gone, it could very easily be condensation buildup.

Bring the bike out for a few decent rides when you get a chance and see if it dissapears. Don't bother changing the oil , if the head gasket is gone it just means you will waste new oil.


*I see you've just contacted your mechanic so you won't be fixing yourself so comment/comments not really relevant.

We've established its not watercolooled...;)

Max Headroom

Vincent Aggressive Rattan wrote: »

Milky coloured oil and milky buildup on the cap does not automatically mean the head gasket is gone, it could very easily be condensation buildup.

Bring the bike out for a few decent rides when you get a chance and see if it dissapears. Don't bother changing the oil , if the head gasket is gone it just means you will waste new oil.


*I see you've just contacted your mechanic so you won't be fixing yourself so comment/comments not really relevant.

We've established its not watercolooled...;)

Most guys these days don't fix their own bikes....:)

cantdecide

Max Headroom wrote: »

Most guys these days don't fix their own bikes....:)

The choices are a) learn to fix it yourself, b) have a shop fix it or c) off to the Credit Union for a loan for an upgrade.

MargeS

Max Headroom wrote: »

Most guys these days don't fix their own bikes....:)

That's cause I don't have the tools or skills. If I started a job, I know I'd find myself in too deep and end up with a brick on wheels.
I can do the basics... chain, oil, etc. But diagnosing an issue is beyond me.
BTW, not only guys ride bikes.

cantdecide

Just one more question - when was the bike last serviced in terms of months?

Has had a spell of non-use in recent times? If so, have you routinely started and run it? [Starting and running it without riding is often cited as a good way to create condensation]

Is it kept in a shed or stored under a cover/ car port?

Max Headroom

MargeS wrote: »

That's cause I don't have the tools or skills. If I started a job, I know I'd find myself in too deep and end up with a brick on wheels.
I can do the basics... chain, oil, etc. But diagnosing an issue is beyond me.
BTW, not only guys ride bikes.

That's why you have manuals and Google...fault diagnosis is out of my reach too..but mechanical things tend to be easy...doll.....:D

Max Headroom

Max Headroom wrote: »

We've established its not watercolooled...;)

Most guys these days don't fix their own bikes....:)

Ok, so its most likely condensation so.

I know, its a disgrace. Most men these days cant change a lightbulb let alone anything more serious. Old lads could change the engine in a car or anything back in the day, im thankfull to mine he showed me a few things.

MargeS wrote: »

That's cause I don't have the tools or skills. If I started a job, I know I'd find myself in too deep and end up with a brick on wheels.
I can do the basics... chain, oil, etc. But diagnosing an issue is beyond me.
BTW, not only guys ride bikes.

My bad Marge , I wouldnt worry about it tbh, drive it and it should dissapear over time.

MargeS

...and it disappeared after a long run

Either way it's getting serviced.

arybvtcw0eolkf

MargeS wrote: »

...and it disappeared after a long run

Either way it's getting serviced.

Condensation

CJhaughey

Its actually surprising how long it takes for a bike engine to warm the oil fully, I have seen data from people wanting to fit oil coolers to air cooled thumpers and some of them take a good 15-20 minutes to actually get the oil warm.
Bikes that stand over winter and the owners run them for an occasional 10 minutes without actually taking them on the road are most at risk of developing condensation in the crankcase because the oil never gets hot enough to evaporate off the water.

galwaytt

MargeS wrote: »

...and it disappeared after a long run

Either way it's getting serviced.

Tbh, the new oil could do the same thing after 50 miles and a lay up.