| Author | Message | ||
     Jmhinkle |
Ok, I made the mistake of checking my dipstick cold. I hadn't started her in a few days and now that the garage is finally cleaned out and all the vehicles are in their proper places, I thought I would check oil and air before I came in for the night. When I pulled the dipstick out, the bottom of the round threaded part has a thick layer of what looks like white lithium grease. I stuck my finger in the oil tank and could feel the substance in different spots. What the hell is it? Anyone had or seen this before? | ||
| Davo |
That is moisture. It is created by condensation in the engine. Short trips and riding in colder weather makes it more common. | ||
| Chris_in_tn |
Davo is right. It is moisture collecting in the engine due to the colder weather. Taking longer rides so the engine gets to full operating temp for a good while will help reduce it but not usually eliminate it while the weather is cold. | ||
| Jlnance |
When the weather is cold, would it be good to block the airflow to the oil cooler? | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Blocking the cooler in cold weather wont hurt anything. If you want to get rid of the condensation, park it in the living room at night.LOL Climate control works wonders....Charlie | ||
| Thunderbox |
You need to take the bike on a long ride once a week at least. When the oil gets up to temp the condensate will be evaporated off and all will be well. The same thing happens when you drive your car short distances also or you snowblower or snowmobile. I know riding when it is o cold is no fun. Just try to schedule th long ride for one of the nicer days. | ||
| Jmhinkle |
Thanks guys, I actually ride mine every day to work. Cold doesn't bother me any as long as there is no snow/ice. Bad thing is my trip is only 5 miles each way. I'll have to take the long way home once a week or so. | ||
| M2nc |
Good info. I ride year round to work 11 miles each way. Now I have to take the bike on long rides on the weekend to make sure I prevent this. Yeah, like I needed the excuse! | ||
| 44mag2 |
On Lycoming airplane engines, I would actually pull the dipstick out as soon as I landed and shut off the engine. Steam would rise out of the dipstick hole during wet months. Otherwise, I would get condensation on the dipstick. I would keep the dipstick out until the steam stopped rising. Of course the engine was much bigger (320 CI) and held 8 quarts of oil. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
You aren't supposed to put your dipstick in THAT hole.  |
