sudden oil consumption
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 36
From: Winnipeg
sudden oil consumption
I have a 2014 ultra classic which i purchased new last July, it now has 35,000 km on it. Up until the last service at 32000 km it has never gone through a drop of oil between changes. Now all of a sudden since service I had to add
1/2 quart to bring it back to just under the full mark. I checked the oil level when i got it home from the dealer as I always do just to be sure and it was full. Now with 4000 km since it is down for the first time. Also when i remove the filler cap while hot there seems to be a lot of air escaping almost like its pressurized.is that normal and I am just noticing it now?
thanks
1/2 quart to bring it back to just under the full mark. I checked the oil level when i got it home from the dealer as I always do just to be sure and it was full. Now with 4000 km since it is down for the first time. Also when i remove the filler cap while hot there seems to be a lot of air escaping almost like its pressurized.is that normal and I am just noticing it now?
thanks
Recent Experience
The bike - 2006 Wide Glide, 95 Big Bore, 37H cams.
I just had a recent experience. Never burned a drop of oil. Suddenly needed to add about a quart every 1,000 miles. Not smoking and no oil on the ground.
I went to trade it in. Sales manager (former tech for 15 years) tells me that I have a leaking head gasket. He points to the spot where the head and cylinders meet and there is a black ring there. Oil seeps out and then burns on the engine.
Good luck.
Emil
I just had a recent experience. Never burned a drop of oil. Suddenly needed to add about a quart every 1,000 miles. Not smoking and no oil on the ground.
I went to trade it in. Sales manager (former tech for 15 years) tells me that I have a leaking head gasket. He points to the spot where the head and cylinders meet and there is a black ring there. Oil seeps out and then burns on the engine.
Good luck.
Emil
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 565
Likes: 152
From: Calgary, Alberta
I have a 2014 ultra classic which i purchased new last July, it now has 35,000 km on it. Up until the last service at 32000 km it has never gone through a drop of oil between changes. Now all of a sudden since service I had to add
1/2 quart to bring it back to just under the full mark. I checked the oil level when i got it home from the dealer as I always do just to be sure and it was full. Now with 4000 km since it is down for the first time. Also when i remove the filler cap while hot there seems to be a lot of air escaping almost like its pressurized.is that normal and I am just noticing it now?
thanks
1/2 quart to bring it back to just under the full mark. I checked the oil level when i got it home from the dealer as I always do just to be sure and it was full. Now with 4000 km since it is down for the first time. Also when i remove the filler cap while hot there seems to be a lot of air escaping almost like its pressurized.is that normal and I am just noticing it now?
thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
Literally had a bike eat all of it's oil in 400 miles due to it's breather valves being blocked.
Check your breather output tubes in the Air cleaner.... make sure they are not pinched. If blocked, air will rush out of the oil fill tube after you've run the engine.
Check your breather output tubes in the Air cleaner.... make sure they are not pinched. If blocked, air will rush out of the oil fill tube after you've run the engine.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 36
From: Winnipeg
UPDATE: the gremlins appear to still be at large... latest development is a significant drop in oil pressure while driving and a leak coming from the rocker bolt on the top of the rear cylinder. oil pressure used to be 33-35 lbs while cruising at hwy speed now its 20-21 lbs.
cant get it into the shop for at least a week ( they are booked up)
any thoughts as to what i may be in for as far as repairs go? It is covered by warranty BUT still I am curious.
regards
cant get it into the shop for at least a week ( they are booked up)
any thoughts as to what i may be in for as far as repairs go? It is covered by warranty BUT still I am curious.
regards
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
Did you check?
Did you check?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 36
From: Winnipeg
i did check that as suggested yes thanks for that, however they seem to be ok and not plugged.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
If you can do that, you'll know your umbrella valves are ok.
I would check and be sure.
Should be able to suck air out, but not blow into them.
Make sure you check both heads individually.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
I do know that those breathers are your Positive Crankcase Ventilation ports and if blocked, your crankcase will pressurize, and if left like that long enough it will blow oil out of the first weak seal it can find - like into your primary through the main seal.
Anyone work on the bike for anything lately? Air cleaner, rocker lockers, cam job?