possible stupid oil question

the same as mine .the new oil turns black soon after i add it .
what is the matter.

 

the same as mine .the new oil turns black soon after i add it .
what is the matter.

 

"The color of the oil will change during normal engine operation when additives do their job of protecting the lubrication base stock.
Generally, the changes do not affect the performance of the oil and do not indicate contamination or other malfunction.

Excessive Discoloration

Excessive discoloration will occur due to higher than normal local temperatures in the engine or due to contaminants in the system.
Such high temperatures can originate during a gasket failure in liquid cooled engines, for example, or to frictional heat, or plants needing rings.

Contaminants such as condensation, hydraulic fluid or coolants can promote severe oil discoloration, sludge and harmful engine deposits.

Black Oil

The phenomenon referred to as “Black Oil” is not due to the oils discoloration but to the suspension of very small amorphous particulate in the oil, too small to be captured by the filter.
When the particles are filtered from the oil, the color reverts to normal.
Black oil arises in certain engines due to how the moving parts of the engine get oiled, by design.

It cannot be eliminated by oil development or reformation."
© 2009 Exxon Mobil Corporation

 

Something worth mentioning: Most of our bikes SAT for some period of time (yes, there are some notable exceptions, this won't apply.)

When you've freshly "resurrected" an old bike, it will take quite a few oil changes before the oil comes out looking like anything other than black mud, as it cleans out all the years' worth of sludge and carries it out with it. The first few oil changes should be at a shorter-than-recommended interval until the motor cleans up a bit.

 

damn, good thread, bookmarked for sure.

 

Question:

On the first page of this thread, there is mention of the second oil drain screw located behind the main one. It is recommended to change the oil from there, as well, by an XJ wizard.

However, if I remember right, bigfitz mentioned at some point somewhere else that one SHOULD NOT remove that screw, as it can break (?) easily, and then you're screwed *(no pun intended, but that's handy) until you go get a new one.

So what's the skinny does that still stand? Nothing to worry about just changing oil from the main plug?

 

Which plug are you referring to?



The one in this pic is the drain plug; plus the filter comes off. The filter bolt is not the drain plug.

The plug I was referring to and saying not to touch is the middle gear drain plug; it's not even readily visible. Leave IT alone, if you even find it.

 

Yes, it's basically directly underneath the engine, the middle gear drain plug. That's referred to on the first page of this thread, a guy says he had neglected it for years because he didn't know it was there, but now includes that as well.

So it should be left alone?

Edit: you know, maybe I am just delusional. It's dark, but I walked outside and can't seem to find it now. Maybe I never did. Ah well.

 

Awesome thread! Autozone/advance/oreilly's all said they didn't have an oil filter for my bike! Thank you!

 

What kind of oil do you suggest in a 1983 XJ 400? Mineral Oil, semi synthetic motor oil or full synthetic motor oil? I have just bought the bike and as far as I know (I guess) the previous owner has used mineral motor oil.

I have to change the motor oil as fast as possible but yesterday I just added some 300 ml Mobil Super 10W-40 mineral motor oil (car motor oil).

 

DON'T use automotive oil.

Use motorcycle-specific oil; and until you've got the bike all sorted out, stick to conventional (mineral) oils. But ensure it's motorcycle-specific, such as Castrol 4T.

Yamaha recommends 20W40 for your bike in warmer weather; you can use 20W50.

 

That sucks, I just went to advance and picked up one along with some 20W50 oil. It was located by the marine stuff. They had a small section of motorcycle items.

 

Thanks, I will check Castrol 4T out.

What is the difference between automotive oil and motorcycle oil? I remember I read this article for a while...

Motorcycle Oil vs. Automotive Oils - Surprising New Evidence on the Viscosity-Retention Question

...but I'm not sure how it is with a 29 year old bike (bike engine)!??? :?

 

how many quarts of oil should i put in my 81 xj maxim 550? and what kind of oil would be best?

 

oil pours out of air filter after oil change after I start it? any thoughts?

 

2.2 liters in the 550+ another 200CCs to make it happy; so about 2 1/2 quarts. (2.4 liters total.)

cjbratvold I just responded to your thread on the same subject. You horribly overfilled your bike.

 

what should I do from here? Should I rebuild the carbs again? I probably dont have a choice.

 

cjbratvold, you shouldn't have to rebuild carbs because you overfilled the oil level. If your bike doesn't run correctly, that's another issue.

 

Overflowing oil can get into your carbs through the airbox, but it can't really cause issues unless they are already dirty/clogged. Just do an oil change and put in the right amount, clean your filter box and filter or replace it. You could spray carb cleaner into each intake to help remove the oil, but it will be sucked through and end up burned anyway. You need a maintenance manual to help you on your quest.

 

I have gas in my oil and it is idling very high on my 81 xj maxim 550...any suggestions? idling so high that as soon as i start letting off the clutch the bike starts to go with out even giving it any gas...