2013 Iron 883 with Bad Oil
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2013 Iron 883 with Bad Oil
Hi all I'm looking for some wisdom and experience here whether I should stay far away as possible or might have a potential for a nice new 883...
I went and took a look at a 2013 Iron 883, V&H Short Shots and Daymaker headlight thrown onto it with ~400miles, that's right four hundred, over the weekend at a dealer near by. It was not an HD dealer but they did sell new motorcycles with a repair and state inspection shop. The bike started up great, idled good, and I didn't notice any white or blue smoke.
When I pulled the oil dipstick once turned off, it was that awful chocolate milk color, started the bike again and shut off I did not see any foaming or bubbles,. The salesman showing me this was clueless...I asked if they did an inspection on the bike and he had no idea. It was supposedly a trade in and that's all he could tell me. The only deductible reason for this I can think of, is water build up from condensation over the past couple of years as the mileage would suggest it was barley ridden.
I'm leaning towards not even considering it for purchase but maybe this isn't such a big deal. No rust was observed and I couldn't check the gas tank for rusting but hopefully someone can shed some light if they have ever seen this or have experience with oil being like this and seeing forseeing issues.
I went and took a look at a 2013 Iron 883, V&H Short Shots and Daymaker headlight thrown onto it with ~400miles, that's right four hundred, over the weekend at a dealer near by. It was not an HD dealer but they did sell new motorcycles with a repair and state inspection shop. The bike started up great, idled good, and I didn't notice any white or blue smoke.
When I pulled the oil dipstick once turned off, it was that awful chocolate milk color, started the bike again and shut off I did not see any foaming or bubbles,. The salesman showing me this was clueless...I asked if they did an inspection on the bike and he had no idea. It was supposedly a trade in and that's all he could tell me. The only deductible reason for this I can think of, is water build up from condensation over the past couple of years as the mileage would suggest it was barley ridden.
I'm leaning towards not even considering it for purchase but maybe this isn't such a big deal. No rust was observed and I couldn't check the gas tank for rusting but hopefully someone can shed some light if they have ever seen this or have experience with oil being like this and seeing forseeing issues.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
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Probably from starting up for potential buyers and never being run/warmed up. It's got condensation in the oil. Drain and replace it, and then go for a minimum 20min ride (preferably an hour at speed to get everything good and hot without a doubt) and get it up to temperature. That will take care of any lingering condensation. Probably in the trans. as well, so do the same there.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,218
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From: England
I have read some stories by folk posting about the break in period on Harleys and all the pros and cons of how one should go about doing it. Clearly at 400 miles the bike has not covered the prescribed distance and I do wonder sometimes whether it is better to just get on and do the first 500 then 1000 in as shorter time as possible.
My dealer over here recommends doing a service every year if the mileage hasn't been reached and by your description you could be looking at the oil that was put in when the bike was first sold.
How many people do you wonder have been in the shop and asked for the bike to be started and then it is shut off after just a minute or two. That is surely harming the engine but how bad I have no clue.
Probably best to get both lots of oil changed before running the bike any more if you intend to put in an offer.
It might also benefit the engine if a flushing oil is used if allowed (I don't know if it is recommended on Harleys) to get rid of any sludge that might be lurking.
My dealer over here recommends doing a service every year if the mileage hasn't been reached and by your description you could be looking at the oil that was put in when the bike was first sold.
How many people do you wonder have been in the shop and asked for the bike to be started and then it is shut off after just a minute or two. That is surely harming the engine but how bad I have no clue.
Probably best to get both lots of oil changed before running the bike any more if you intend to put in an offer.
It might also benefit the engine if a flushing oil is used if allowed (I don't know if it is recommended on Harleys) to get rid of any sludge that might be lurking.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; May 24, 2018 at 01:20 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 250
From: NW Kentucky
It's condensation. Normal from sitting and being started for short periods. I doubt it's hurt the bike. Remember the transmission/primary oil probably looks the same. If you do decide to buy I think at 400 miles it is at a point you can safely change oil for a good quality dino oil in both holes and ride it a couple hundred miles and change it again. If so inclined change over to a full synthetic later on. I just don't think bike is hurt.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Philadelphia, PA
Hi All,
Here's the update...the bike was sold by the time I got back to the dealer. I hope whom ever purchased has all the luck possible and got it for a steal. Thanks for all the input on the post!
Here's the update...the bike was sold by the time I got back to the dealer. I hope whom ever purchased has all the luck possible and got it for a steal. Thanks for all the input on the post!
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From: NorCal Rocklin
That's what you get for speculating. Missed opportunity right there.
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