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oil discoloration

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  #1  
Old 03-01-2008, 05:39 PM
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Default oil discoloration

Has anyone had this problem. I change the oil regularly I run Mobil 1 syn in it. Whenever the bike is warm and check the oil level theres a whitish color to it until it cools, Is this the break down of the oil or is it a bigger problem? The oil level doesnt change so Im just alittle baffled as to why the change in color. If anyone has any feed back id appreciate it. Thanks 1998 cbr900.
 
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Old 03-02-2008, 05:05 AM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

a whitish color to it until it cools
One of the member posted someting about cold weather and condensation may cause that, but I would check your coolant level. If that is getting low it is....trouble, crack or headgasket or something really strange.

Not that it matters, what oil are you using and how often is it changed? My oil looks like maple syrup, never any white color.
 
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Old 03-02-2008, 06:07 AM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

Oil is Mobil1 Racing4t 10w-40 I change it once a month, I run the bike at the dragstrip The coolant level is good and the oil level never goes up just the color. when it cools it goes away. level stays the same, its preety cold up here right know and there is alot of condensation out of the pipe. Im hopeing that thats all it is, thanks for the info It runs strong and runs good numbers i might take it to my mechanic just to be on the safe side. Braket racing on a buget....
 
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Old 03-02-2008, 06:34 PM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

Usually a whitish color means theres water/coolant in the oil. Its usually a milky color right. The other reason for that whitish color is that the motor isn't running hot enough and your riding the rpms too low.

Id try and change the coolant and see if it helps. If not its possibly just condensation, coolant should be flushed every 2 yrs anyways.
 
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Old 03-03-2008, 06:22 AM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

Thanks for the tips, well see what happens. The bike runs really strong so i dont think its a head gasket, Its still cold here even yesterday there was alot of condensation coming out of the pipe but the bike was strong through the gear box......
 
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Old 03-03-2008, 12:00 PM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

If there was water/coolant in the oil, it wouldn't change colors when it cools, it would probablylook like a nasty grayish milkshake all the time. The water and the oil will eventually separate, but i don't think it would happen very fast, like the time that it would take the bike to cool. I run that same oil in my bike, and I have never noticed any sort of whitish color to my oil through the sight glass or even when I change it. Are you using the regular OEM oil filter or any other additives in the engine lubrication system?
 
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Old 03-04-2008, 02:53 PM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

Think yer fine. I got a stable here of scoots, and if you don't get that oil hot enough (like a 5 mile ride at least), the simple process of water vapor created from combustion/blow-by will put moisture in the oil. It burns off when the oil hits 212 degrees (duh). My Harleys come out the same way if I just putt around. Your good to go....
 
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Old 03-04-2008, 04:21 PM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

Yea thats what i thought too but he said he drags the bike so im sure it gets plenty hot
 
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Old 03-04-2008, 07:50 PM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

I havent ran the bike this year yet just running it alitle around the neiborhood tryin to get it ready... ran it out of gas now it wont start at all a little backfire here and there wont stay running , guess I have to take the day off tomorrow to mess with it[:@]

[IMG]local://upfiles/24327/0242046688874FA9AFA2D6C9C99F2171.jpg[/IMG]
 
  #10  
Old 03-06-2008, 10:12 AM
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Default RE: oil discoloration

white color gone just had to let it come up to tmp burned off the condensation.... runs like a honda strong as ever... Thanks for the input...

[IMG]local://upfiles/24327/A7B59DD9DAE04F29AA21F716C97C89B9.jpg[/IMG]
 


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