Where did all my oil go,,,, 350X???

[cepdave]

I put a new motor in my X a about a month ago. I don't know the total history on the motor, but it had never been started prior to my install. It has a 410 kit, not sure of the compression.

Anyhow, after running it for a few hours, I checked the oil. Nothing showing on the dipstick. The exhaust is clean, no blue smoke, no oil buildup in the pipe. :wondering

It looks like there is a small leak between the case and the jug on the left side, but I really don't think that much oil could leak out without me noticing it.

The bike is still running GREAT. I haven't added any oil because I'm planning on doing another oil change before I ride again.

Does anyone know how much oil has been lost when it stops showing on the stick and at what point does it become seriously dangerous to the bike. I don't plan on testing it out, just want to know. I'm sure I didn't cross that threshold. I will be sure to measure the oil I drain from the motor so I see exactly how much I lost.

Cheers!
David

[cepdave]

BTW.... I know there is a lot of debate over synthetic oil, but I was running Mobil 1. This is another reason I plan on changing the oil.

[Cornholio]

How long after running it did you check the oil?

[cepdave]

At least 24 hours. I did check it once while it was hot right after changing it and it was low. I figured it was low because some of the oil was up in the top end and not drained down yet.

[Jason125m]

Regardless of when it was checked it should never be that low. Part the machine on some newspaper after filling it up with oil, let it run, and watch where it drips from.... If its not smoking it is obviously leaking out of the motor somewhere. Most likely a cracked clutch cover from a chain jump.

And ps, it should be on the top line right after the motor is running and there is still oil in the topend...

[honda200xguy]

And DO NOT run it without oil.
And i'd figure the problem out before you ride again, so if it leaks out completely and you're still riding.. you won't have an engine for long

[jb2wheels]

Only 3 possible answers here:
- it was not truly full from the start
- if it was, it's leaking out
- if it's not leaking out, it burning and goin out the exhaust

In my experience, Mobil 1 is hard to see in the exhaust.

I think you can get at least 1/2 a quart in when it's off the dipstick.

[cepdave]

All great info. I'm going to check it out tonight, hopefully everything is okay. ;)

[cepdave]

Okay, I drained the oil, was missing about 1/2-3/4 qt of oil. Changed the filter and topped it off. I put some newspaper under it and ran it for about 10 minutes. No signs of a serious leak and there are no signs of smoke or burning out the exhaust.

I can see that there is two small leaks. The fist is at the head gasket on the left side, the other is between the jug and case on the left side. While it is leaking, it just doesn't seem like enough to loose that much oil so quickly. Anyhow, I'm planning on keeping an eye on it and tearing it down over the winter to check everything out and change the gaskets. I will probably re-torque the head bolts before riding again this weekend.

Either these leaks are leaking more than I thought while riding it or it was never truly full from the start.

I did take a close look at the case and there is no damage from skipping the chain. Thank Goodness!!!

Cheers!
David