Oil level low, not sure why

[storiadellarte]

1996 r1100rs, 69xxx miles. Had a 6k tuneup two months ago. Technician (reputable) said there was a tiny amount of "oil weeping" from the rear seal but that could probably go another year before worrying about it, and that if anything it would affect the clutch. The oil level was set "on the dot", and was at that level each time I checked (every week or so). After a long ride (200 miles) last week, I noticed that the oil level was low, as in not visible at all in the sight glass. I confess I had not checked it right before this ride. There is not a drop of oil on the ground where I park every day, but there was a conspicuous amount of dirt around the seals of the engine. In any case, since there was no oil on the ground, it's hard for me to imagine that any small gasket leak accounts for that much oil. Thought?

[SKYGZR]

You could try letting sit on the side stand for a bit, then put it on the parking stand to check the level, yet these engines do "use" oil to some degree.

[dan cata]

Have some more readings. Usually, I let it stay on the sidestand over night and then in the morning, on the centerstand for 10 mins and then check the oil level.

 

Also, AFAIK, the RT's have an oil thermostat, the GS'es dont. You might have some oil trapped inside there too, that is why it is good to check it the way I do, heat the engine (while riding) to 5 bars on the dash, sidestand overnight and than centerstand it and measure

 

And if the level is low, add oil and ride the s**t out of it

 

Dan.

[Galactic Greyhound]

1996 r1100rs, 69xxx miles. .....After a long ride (200 miles) last week, I noticed that the oil level was low, as in not visible at all in the sight glass....

 

Just in case you did... you can't check the oil level on these bikes immediately after stopping. They need to be left to stand for a short period and, even then, it's best to leave overnight and check first thing in the morning.

[4wheeldog]

One other possible explanation pertains to the 200 mile trip......If you have been using the bike for shorter trips, it is possible that some water and fuel could have accumulated in the crankcase. Then, when you kept it hot enough long enough, the moisture and light fuel elements evaporated off, dropping the oil level abruptly. I doubt that it leaked out, but the sudden use could actually happened over a longer period, but was masked by water an fuel keeping the level up. Just a possible theory.

[storiadellarte]

Thanks for the tips, and the lesson on apparent oil level variability. After sitting over night, and doing the oil dance, the level is halfway between the lower limit and dot. Sounds like all is well.

[tallman]

Good lesson learned wrt adding oil.

Wait, double check.

Lots of threads about this mysteriously changing oil level.

[Mr. Frank]

The type of riding has an effect on oil consumption. Steady riding on the Interstate burns little oil. Curvy, hilly roads with lots of engine braking burn more.

[SAAB93driver]

It used to be wisdom years ago that if the sight glass is near full (or full) when on the sidestand you are OK. I still use that rule as a quick check while on a trip refueling.

 

You also may want to check the drain on your airbox, be sure to put something underneath when you pull that plug which is on the left side at bottom of the box. IT shouldn't be a lot if anything in there but the older bikes crankcase vent systems were sometimes finicky.

[Alfred02]

I think that oil in the airbox happens when the engine oil gets over filled.

Good advice to hold something underneath the airbox drain plug, as it will drip straight onto the exhaust, leaving you with a nice burning smell next time you use the bike.

[biometrics]

I can confirm that overfilling your oil can indeed result in oil in your airbox... DAMHIK!

[Solo6]

First, you will burn more oil on a "long ride" because the oil breaks down a little more when it gets hot and stays hot. It will also evaporate to some extent, AND is more likely to seep through worn seals.

 

Second, if you usually put it on the side stand, it's possible for the left cylinder to collect oil (which then gets sprayed into the exhaust, where it makes smoke for a few minutes when you start up).

 

Third, You may be seeing some engine wear.

 

 

[notacop]

I had a CHP 100RT-P and it was properly flogged from day one by the CHP. I got it with 60000 miles on it and in the next 62k miles I put on it there was no oil usage between changes. It didn't smoke when left on the side stand.

Most of the bikes with oil use symptoms and oil burning were babied by reluctant owners who think that idling to warm them and not reaching redline is a good thing.

It's a tool for use, use it.

[Solo6]

Most of the bikes with oil use symptoms and oil burning were babied by reluctant owners who think that idling to warm them and not reaching redline is a good thing.

It's a tool for use, use it.

 

Idling them to the first bar IS a good thing, especially after a cold soak. Your engine is designed to take load after reaching operating temperature, when the aluminum and steel components have each expanded (they have different rates of expansion).

 

My practice is to idle to the first bar, then stay light on the power until I have three bars (usually takes only a couple of minutes). During the day, when restarting after a shutdown, no matter how many bars I have I give it 30 seconds of idle, so the oil can warm up the cool parts and cool the parts that have been baking in the core of the engine.

 

I learned to do these things flying light planes, years ago, and have never lost a 4-stroke engine, in the air or riding the motor.

 

Once at operating temperature, though, I'm generally only at the speed limit as I go through it.

 

[dan cata]

I can confirm that overfilling your oil can indeed result in oil in your airbox... DAMHIK!

 

I think dropping the bike on one side and allowing it to stay so for ~ 5 mins, would also get oil on the bottom of your airbox

 

Dan.

[Trullion]

Also, AFAIK, the RT's have an oil thermostat, the GS'es dont.

 

Dan.

 

The question is about an RS; they don't have a thermostat.

[Witch_Doctor]

If it has an oil cooler, shouldn't it have a thermostat?