Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: sea bass on August 12, 2008, 07:49:04 PM

Title: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: sea bass on August 12, 2008, 07:49:04 PM
My 02 is eating up oil every few months, is this normal?
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: ducpainter on August 12, 2008, 07:51:15 PM
Quote from: sea bass on August 12, 2008, 07:49:04 PM
My 02 is eating up oil every few months, is this normal?
How many miles?

I use just under a quart/1000 miles on the street.

Not a real issue imo.
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: He Man on August 12, 2008, 08:38:54 PM
My 45,000mi 95 Monster ate about 3/4 quart every 1,000 miles. its normal on older bikes
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: dlearl476 on August 12, 2008, 08:51:16 PM
There's probably a spec somewhere.  I know 1qt/1000 miles is considered normal in both my cars although neither use a drop between changes. One will use about a 1/10th qt if I drive it 90+ for an hour or so. 
I would start to worry if it was a qt every hundred miles or so.
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: Norm on August 13, 2008, 08:29:19 AM
Definatly NOT normal. Do a leakdown test & try to find where it's leaking. A common problem would be worn rings or worn nycosil.
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: wbeck257 on August 13, 2008, 05:58:37 PM
Quote from: Norm on August 13, 2008, 08:29:19 AM
Definatly NOT normal. Do a leakdown test & try to find where it's leaking. A common problem would be worn rings or worn nycosil.

Care to explain why you think it is wrong and 3 people think it is okay?
Not trying to call you out -- just interested in the explanation...
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: Jobu on August 13, 2008, 06:03:42 PM
Quote from: wbeck257 on August 13, 2008, 05:58:37 PM
Care to explain why you think it is wrong and 3 people think it is okay?
Not trying to call you out -- just interested in the explanation...

Because 4 cycle engines don't burn oil.

But as engines wear, rubber parts wear out and you get some oil burning.

Also, some bikes lose a little through the PVC valve, depending on the situation.
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: LA on August 13, 2008, 06:59:54 PM
Like Ducpainter says, Normal.

No seals are 100% especially on bikes with a little age/use on them. Some oil gets past the rings some gets pulled into the intake past valve seals, some leaves in crank case ventilation, etc, etc.  Normal.

LA
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: Norm on August 14, 2008, 08:08:04 AM
Most leakage is into the combustion chamber and your motor runs better on gas than oil. Any other leakage is just that and should be addressed. If you're venting it, then redo your breather hose. If you have a leaky seal or valve guide, replace it. You might even be leaking from a bad seal in a gasket area. You can put up with a certain amount of this if you wish, but if I have a motor that burns ANY oil between oil changes, I look for the problem & fix it (unless I'm lazy at the time and it's a personal bike ;)).
Title: Re: Is it normal to go through a quart of oil every 3 months?
Post by: sea bass on August 14, 2008, 04:27:14 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on August 12, 2008, 07:51:15 PM
How many miles?

I use just under a quart/1000 miles on the street.

Not a real issue imo.

good to know.  I guess I put 1400mi on before it was near empty.  My 02 only has 5300 miles