Oil Level Window mystery - Any one help?

[BretMorris]

Hi there,

I have posted this under the Tech section of the site as well but thought I might put it in the Oz Monster section just incase some of you dont venture outside the Oz section.

I noticed the other day that the oil level window on my 2007 S4R monster had what looked like some white creamy substance on the inside of the window.  I am not sure what it could be but think I will take it into the local Ducati dealer to have them look at it.  Bike is running like a dream and has only done 2600Kms.

I have posted a couple of photos of the oil level window just incase any member of this site might now what I am dealing with???




The bike is on the side stand with the engine running hence no oil level showing.

Any ideas.

Bret

[MonsterDorf]

Mate, that's what oil looks like when it's mixed with water!

Head gausket would be my guess.

Sorry 

[DUCMONROB]

If your bike is air cooled that water in the oil is due to alot of short trips where your oil does not build up enough heat to burn off the moisture.

Don`t worry about it, just take the bike for a good thrash for an hour or two.

The moisture will eventually go.


Rob

[Heffay]

interesting that the bike is wet on the outside too.   

[DUCMONROB]

interesting that the bike is wet on the outside too.   

Washing your bike HOT causes this problem too!

Thanks Heffay!


Rob

[BretMorris]

I had washed the bike but it was stone cold when I did it.  I rode it yesterday.  The white is on the window and doesnt appear to be in the oil.  I have attached another photo taken with the bike on the paddock stand and I think you can make out the oil level.

I did ride the bike for about 1.5hrs yesterday and it didnt go!

The engine is water cooled S4R..... the first reply suggested head gasket if that was the case would I notice any drop in performance or other tell tale signs.  It still goes as good as ever, runs pretty cool.



Do you think I should take it into the Ducati Dealer tomorrow?


Bret

[dragonworld.]

+1 to DUCMONROB

Short rides without giving the bike enough time to reach proper operating temp will cause the creamy oil window syndrome.

A couple of long rides making sure that temp is at or near normal operating temp should fix it.

It could ONLY be a head gasket if the bike is watercooled.

[dragonworld.]

I had washed the bike but it was stone cold when I did it.  I rode it yesterday.  The white is on the window and doesnt appear to be in the oil.  I have attached another photo taken with the bike on the paddock stand and I think you can make out the oil level.

I did ride the bike for about 1.5hrs yesterday and it didnt go!

The engine is water cooled S4R..... the first reply suggested head gasket if that was the case would I notice any drop in performance or other tell tale signs.  It still goes as good as ever, runs pretty cool.



Do you think I should take it into the Ducati Dealer tomorrow?

Keep an eye on the coolant level, if it doesnt lose any coolant its more than likely just condensation!! 

If its losing coolant get thee to a dealer. Head gasket isnt a big job!!

Have your head studs been checked for correct torque(tightness)??


Bret

[loony888]

mate, don't worry about it, it's very common for condensation to build when the bike isn't ridden very far/often. you really need to ensure you warm the bike fully before riding off first thing, and i mean 70 deg water temp, then take it for a good fang, preferably on the open road for at least an hour, you should find it's all clear when you return.
if you're worried about it using water from the cooling system, check the overflow bottle that sits between the cylinders, cold it should be between the hi and low mark, but again, i seriously doubt that's the issue.


paul.

[MonsterDorf]

Just for the record a S4R is water cooled.

Like Paul (looney888) says check you coolant and if you have foam in their as well - that's bad.

Good Luck.

[Betty]

I've heard the condensation thing on here a few times. The only time I have seen it on my bike was after a short (10 minute ride) to the mechanic - and he confirmed that's what it is and is quite common for short cycles (cold, warming, cooling).

[stopintime]

Normal  Longer rides helps. I also opened the oil filler cap after a few rides, to let the moisture out - maybe it helped.

[ducsport]

Yep, +1 on the short trip diagnosis. Rode my bike on the short trip to my local office a few times and the window looked like yours. Then rode it to my Sydney office from Wollongong, a 220km round trip and hey presto - clear as a window ...ducsport

[MonsterDorf]

Interesting phenomena, if it's from short rides and not from the coolant, then I'd presume it would also effect air cooled Duc's.

But my bike has never had it and neither has my mates Elephant - so anyone with a 2V had the problem?

Also I've owned a range of bikes over the last 30 years, air, oil and water cooled, and can't recall it ever happening ?

What kind of oil are you using?

Did some looking on the web and found these:

http://list.ducati.net/pipermail/ducati/2008-March/020821.html,  and

http://www.zxforums.com/forums/gtr-1400-forum/12349-engine-oil-foam.html

So maybe it isn't so uncommon after all?   

[brad black]

very, very common.  and if the oil is not milky, it's fine.