Oil tank exploded!
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 368
Likes: 2
From: Salina, KS
Oil tank exploded!
Riding home from work tonight, and about 5 minutes into the ride, I heard this POP!, almost like a backfire. When I got home, I notice my oil tank cover was half off, and the temp gage cap looked askew. On further investigation, the top to the tank is separated from the body right along the seam around the top edge.
Apparently, what I heard was the tank exploding. What would cause this? Anyone else with this experience?
Bike was running fine, before and after. No missing, it seemed to pull strong, as usual. I could touch the side of the rocker box covers when I got home, and they were warm, but not unusually so.
It sounded like a random backfire. I was slowing down for a stop sign and turn. Based on where I heard the "backfire", and my normal commute time, I did ride it for about 7 minutes after it happened. The only thing that was a little "odd" was that it was a bit chilly, about 15, but I have ridden in those conditions many times--down to 10 or so. I did have to pump the throttle a bit to get it started and running for the first minute or so, but that is typical when it is this cold.
The tank separated at the top seam, and popped the cover partially off. It did not lose any oil. I run AMSOIL 20-50. When I drained the oil out of the tank, I did notice some light color with it, like there was a bit of moisture in it, but it was pretty limited.
If the breather hose that drains from the heads became frozen shut would that create backpressure through the oiling system?
By the way, this top end has about 600 miles on it. I suppose a compression check is in order.
Apparently, what I heard was the tank exploding. What would cause this? Anyone else with this experience?
Bike was running fine, before and after. No missing, it seemed to pull strong, as usual. I could touch the side of the rocker box covers when I got home, and they were warm, but not unusually so.
It sounded like a random backfire. I was slowing down for a stop sign and turn. Based on where I heard the "backfire", and my normal commute time, I did ride it for about 7 minutes after it happened. The only thing that was a little "odd" was that it was a bit chilly, about 15, but I have ridden in those conditions many times--down to 10 or so. I did have to pump the throttle a bit to get it started and running for the first minute or so, but that is typical when it is this cold.
The tank separated at the top seam, and popped the cover partially off. It did not lose any oil. I run AMSOIL 20-50. When I drained the oil out of the tank, I did notice some light color with it, like there was a bit of moisture in it, but it was pretty limited.
If the breather hose that drains from the heads became frozen shut would that create backpressure through the oiling system?
By the way, this top end has about 600 miles on it. I suppose a compression check is in order.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: southern new jersey
i have heard of this before,i think it has happened to few other members here,its because of the condensation it the tak gets frozen and the oil cant flow properly so it builds up a bunch of pressure and blows the cold brittle plastic apart,if your under warranty it will be covered,i dont think there will be any need for a compression test..
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
i have heard of this before,i think it has happened to few other members here,its because of the condensation it the tak gets frozen and the oil cant flow properly so it builds up a bunch of pressure and blows the cold brittle plastic apart,if your under warranty it will be covered,i dont think there will be any need for a compression test..
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: southern new jersey
awe come on dog! its time to call a truce..let things go,its all old and in the past.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
