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Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 5:20 pm
by mbutchers
Not sure what oil was in the bike when I got it, but the guy I got the bike from gave me an unopened 4l container of Millers semi synthetic 10 -40. The problem is, the bike has started smoking a little on start up. It had never done this prior to the oil change. The bike is still running great. I was wondering if this is usual to have a little smoke, or if it's something I need to worry about?
Re: Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 9:02 pm
by steve murdoch icoa #5322
Welcome to the site, mbutchers.
Never had that happen and i have switched between full synthetic, semi-sythetic and dino oil.
No way i am getting into a which oil to use debate but any chance it was not motorcycle dedicated Millers?
Re: Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 8:07 am
by EMS
I don't think the engine burning oil is the result of the type of oil. The symptoms point towards leaking valve guide seals. Oil smoke is typically heavier right after start up, when the oil had time to leak into the combustion chamber. Then it gets a little better. If the seals are really bad, it continues to smoke while engine is running.
Re: Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:05 pm
by mbutchers
Thanks for the replies chaps.
I too would be surprised if it was oil related, it's strange that I have never had the issue until immediately after the oil change. I was inclined to think either valve guides/seals, or potentially piston rings.
Any other thoughts/experiences?
Re: Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 1:47 pm
by EMS
Did you overfill the motor? Pull the dipstick and see if the oil is foamy.
Re: Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 4:42 pm
by Rick Pope
Am I correct that there are two amounts of oil capacity listed, one is total volume, the other for a change? Or am I just imagining that I read that somewhere?
Re: Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:55 pm
by EMS
Rick Pope wrote:Am I correct that there are two amounts of oil capacity listed, one is total volume, the other for a change? Or am I just imagining that I read that somewhere?
Yes, you are correct, Rick. It is 5.5 liters after engine disassembly and 4.0 liters after just draining for an oil change. You probably read it in the Service Manual.
Re: Engine smoking after oil change
Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2014 2:41 am
by mbutchers
EMS wrote:Did you overfill the motor? Pull the dipstick and see if the oil is foamy.
No, 4 litres went back in, just under actually.
Running with oil half way up the dipstick.