SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400

Engine oil use?

(1/11) > >>

Bradders:
Evening all. Sorry got another question. I’ve had my 400/4 a few months now and was wondering how much oil its normal to use? I estimate that I’ve used about 1.5 litres and riden about 800 miles. Is that about normal or have I a problem? There’s no obvious oil leak that I can see and haven’t noticed blue smoke out of the exhaust.

K2-K6:
No not normal.  That's a fairly chunky usage for that mileage so it must be going somewhere.

Initially and pragmatically,  if it's been sitting not used for significant period of time it's possible that the piston rings are gummed and not working as they should.

Be scrupulous about checking oil level,  certainly to make sure you don't run low and cause damage.  Run for more mileage and assess to see if it changes.

Could consider treating with redex into petrol to find out of it can improve.  The theory here is to reduce gumming and residue that could be stopping piston rings from sealing properly.

Failing that,   a compression test would be useful in giving an insight into bore and compression ring effectiveness.

Bradders:
Thanks K2-K6. Thanks for your reply. I have used Redex once before so will try a few more shots and see if that does the trick. Am I right in thinking I should check oil level after running the engine for a couple of minutes?

Trigger:
Nope, you should check the oil when cold and on the centre stand  ;)

Nurse Julie:
Wow, that is a lot of oil. Have you looked at the air filter and foam in the bottom of the air box? If it's really oily, it could be a sign of raised crank case pressure suggesting rings are stuck or bores are worn. Like all these old bikes / engines, they do burn a bit of oil so some topping up regularly is required but not that much.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page