I might be burning oil?

[pooker]

Originally Posted by macmac

On a 08? I want pics of the pistons and sleeves... This is nuts. Since it is warrenty work you can't keep the dead parts, but you sure can see them on request, make that request!

Un heard of.....

Did this bike PING hard and alot? Really i want pics of the piston tops detailed at the edges where the top meets the sidewall, and the suffing on the skirts and sleeves.

I will see what I can do.
Yes, the bike pinged since new, not to bad with high test. I did the Chuckster air thing and that allowed me to burn regular gas for the first time.
The bike runs GREAT, however it seems to be missing a lot of oil when I change.
I have only seen it smoke at night under heaver throttle.

[macmac]

You added a fuel modual of some sort right? The 'chuckster air thing' won't let you run lesser octane by itself.

[papat]

My 2 cents worth, My 2008 while running interstate speed of 75 plus or heavy head wind will use oil, Approx 1\2 qt 500 mile Now if we just run 55 or less out for nice easy cruise or to work and back top speed of 40 it does not. So I keep a close watch on the oil level out on trips. Now with 18000 miles I just deal with it. I have used the Kawa oil and Valvoline motorcycle oil. I would rather add oil then have a bad overhaul from a dealer.

[ringadingh]

I just did an oil change and before I dumped the old oil I actually measured how much came out of the crankcase, I measured 2.3 litres. Now accounting for a bit thats left in the filter, I was down almost a litre over the 3000 miles. That included about a 1000 miles of high speed interstate to and from Lake George at about 75-80 mph. Like I said earlier, it doesn't burn oil out the pipes and smoke, but it does seem to use a bit over time. I consider that pretty good with over 73,000 miles on the bike.

[pooker]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

I just did an oil change and before I dumped the old oil I actually measured how much came out of the crankcase, I measured 2.3 litres. Now accounting for a bit thats left in the filter, I was down almost a litre over the 3000 miles. That included about a 1000 miles of high speed interstate to and from Lake George at about 75-80 mph. Like I said earlier, it doesn't burn oil out the pipes and smoke, but it does seem to use a bit over time. I consider that pretty good with over 73,000 miles on the bike.

You guys change at 3,000 miles,...that's like 4,800 kms. I change at 3,500 kms those are put on town and highways.
The last time I changed I was down 1.5 liters, the bike only holds 3.1 liters. (3.5 if it's bone dry on the bench)
This all started around 36.000 kms and I have just under 50,000 kms to date.
I have never had a bike that burns oil like this.

[ringadingh]

Id suggest getting a compression test done. Perhaps it will reveal a problem. I doubt you would have bad rings already, but a valve may have had something go wrong.

[Cajunrider]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I change oil and filter every 3,000 miles and it is always at the same level. I've never measured how much drains out but it is always right at the high mark with the engine warm. I have 26,800 miles and most of this mileage is 2 up and pulling a trailer.

[ringadingh]

My oil is also at the mid to high mark on the sight glass as well, but when you actually check it with my wifes old measuring cup it comes up a little short.
I know most people don't ever bother measuring the oil that comes out unless they suspect a problem, but I bet a lot of them would find that they are down some oil between changes.

[macmac]

My 06 was lower than I expected a few times, but things happen. There are at time i just look in the glass, an it can seem to be good one day and 3 days later not be good anymore and i will add 4 ounces.

There are 3 things i would do before a tear down.
1 pull both plugs and illuminate lookin in because you can from both sides.

2 a comp test and if you get low readings

3 a leak down test to know where that flaw is.

[landman]

pooker,i wouldn't mention to the dealer that you are running
diesel truck oil in your nomad.

[macmac]

That oil should be fine. it is probably a better spec that car or bike oil, and so long as there isn't a "EC" lable on the back of the bottle and he has no clutch issue it shouldn't matter a bit.

[pooker]

So I went to the shop in my area, they want to do a blow-by test first, then a compression test before Kawasaki will even consider talking with them.
I sure hope this will be covered under warranty!

[dooley]

1) Have you checked the oil drain plug threads? Any metal shavings there? Several people overtorque the plug when buttonning up, and the aluminum crankcase being softer than the plug will take the hit; easily.

2) Is a new drian plug washer in order?

3) Valve seals are more likely to be the culprit, I have the same exact problem on my 2004 Classic 1500 w/ 34k miles and I'm waiting on the seals to arrive. Can you say motor city?!?! :)

BTW - it started with puffs of smoke every once in a while notice while stopped at a red light, then became more frequent and now anyone riding behind me gets a headache from the smell. About 2 qts every 2k miles and yes, I know, IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED! ;)

[pooker]

I did 1,000 kms and it was down 800 mls, that's almost a liter of oil.
When I start it cold I can see smoke, if I put my hand at the end of the pipes I get black specs of oil.
So I have made an appointment, they will do a leak down test, blow-by test and a compression test.
Then they will contact Kawasaki.
I will keep it posted.

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by pooker

I did 1,000 kms and it was down 800 mls, that's almost a liter of oil.
When I start it cold I can see smoke, if I put my hand at the end of the pipes I get black specs of oil.
So I have made an appointment, they will do a leak down test, blow-by test and a compression test.
Then they will contact Kawasaki.
I will keep it posted.

That definately doesn't seem right. Im curious as to how they will rectify the problem.