Triumphrat

triumphrdr · 11-06-2005

Pulled the speed trip out this a.m. checked the sight glass for oil level and was shocked to see it whited out. It cranked up and ran fine so I was hopeing it was just condensation. but after short trip it is still there. What kind of bill should I expect from dealer to replace the head gasket?? HELP :hammer:

Speed3 · 11-06-2005

Before you freak out, change your oil and filter, and then ride the bike for a few miles. Then check the window again. If your head gasket is shot, then A/F could get into your oil, but it might just be condensation. Don't want to guess how much to replace. Good Luck.

Legman · 11-06-2005

It'll take more than a short trip to get rid of the condensation.
Take it out for a hours ride to get the oil real hot with enough time to evaporate the moisture in the crankcase.

Speed3 · 11-06-2005

What He said! :razz:

triumphrdr · 11-06-2005

Thanks Guys, I really hope its not the head gasket. I was going to load it up and take to the dealer tomorrow. But, i'll go get some fresh oil and filter and try that first. I dont want to ride it too much with the weakened oil. I thought I read a post on here about this year having problems with head gaskets. I really like the bike and need it to last atleast a year. Thanks again

triumphrdr · 11-06-2005

One of the first things I did was check my sons 4-wheeler. It sets outside (under cover) and the speed trip has been in the garage. Sons oil looks fine.

raj76 · 11-07-2005

I have the same problem with my 98 S3.
About two weeks ago I was checking the oil level and saw some milky stuff. I changed the oil and filter and saw a small trace of the milky stuff in the drained oil. After the oil change it was alrite for a while, the next day after my very short ride to school I saw some milky stuff thru the oil window. One time I was riding the bike around town and got it nicely warmed up and I checked the oil and it seemed fine (no indication of any milky stuff. probably evapourated). I have been busy this weekend, but I will probably take it out for a long ride this week and see if that helps. I am also going to check the coolant level to be sure that I am not loosing colant. Please keep us posted with new developments. I hope it is not a gasket problem as I just finished a very expensive 24K service and my bank balance is not big enough.
-Raj

Legman · 11-07-2005

If you do lots of short runs, then condensation builds up in the crankcase because the motor and oil never gets hot enough to evaporate the moisture. As the condensation builds up it can dilute the oil. (Its called crankcase dilution)Thats why vehicles that do lots of short trips should have their oil changed more often.

This condensation seems to be attracted to the glass of the viewing window, so its obvious, even though it may be only in very small amounts. Regular long rides are the solution. (Its a tough job but someones gotta do it).

Get out there and give that bike some real work!

If you live in places where the bike hibernates through snowbound winters don't leave diluted oil in the bike over winter, thats a recipe for disaster - corrosion. Give it an oil change and a good ride before you put it away.

[ This message was edited by: Legman on 2005-11-07 04:57 ]

Speed3 · 11-07-2005

I'd say give it the good ride before you change the oil and put it away. The acids that form in your oil from combustion will corrode as well. I put clean oil in, fire it up to fill the filter, and she's ready for winter.

triumphrdr · 11-07-2005

I will change the oil this evening. I do take pretty long trips 50 miles or so at a time. So I dont think the short trip thing applies. Also, I did check my sons 4 wheeler, and he has no condensation build-up in basically the same invironment. I'll keep you posted as to what I find. Thanks again for the replys!! -Jon