Oil on engine fin

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 25, 2007 | 11:30 PM

brgtr3

Thread Starter

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 2,573

Likes: 0

From: Minneapolis, MN

Oil on engine fin

So, as a non-technical person, why would one of my engine fins (about 6 up from the bottom) have oil on it, but not the others?

Any ideas as to cause, and/or solution? Best bet for cleaning it?

Thanks!

Keith

Jun 25, 2007 | 11:37 PM

seikan1

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,269

Likes: 1

From: St. Albans, West Virginia

RE: Oil on engine fin

Probably blowing out of the air filter cover and onto it as you ride. It happens to MOST Sportsters from what I gather. I "fixed" mine by placing a rag inside the air filter cover to absorb the oil. Just check the oil often and change your rag often.

Jun 25, 2007 | 11:40 PM

brgtr3

Thread Starter

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 2,573

Likes: 0

From: Minneapolis, MN

RE: Oil on engine fin

Ahh, that could be it indeed. I refilled the oil before a long weekend trip, and I may have put a tad bit too much in there. I'll try to clean 'er off, and keep an eye on it, and NOT fill it so high next time.

Thanks! Now Ican sleep at night knowing Charlene is AOK.

Jun 26, 2007 | 10:26 AM

saltlick

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,681

Likes: 233

From:

RE: Oil on engine fin

i thought oil on the fins meant a blown head gasket. You can clean it out with a Q-tip.

Jun 26, 2007 | 11:14 AM

sportymike02

6th Gear

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

From: central jersey

RE: Oil on engine fin

doesnt that defeat the purpose of your hi flow airbox? wouldn't a breather be a better choice? + there is no rag changing.

Jun 26, 2007 | 01:33 PM

1200c

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,334

Likes: 2

RE: Oil on engine fin

Where is it on the fin? Shine at light in there to make sure it isn't the head gasket.

Jun 26, 2007 | 08:37 PM

saltlick

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,681

Likes: 233

From:

RE: Oil on engine fin

i had that same problem with my CB550, oil on the fins the mechanic said it was a blown head gasket, you better make sure its not before chalking it up to too much oil.