worried about motor

So, I did an oil change on my bike not very long ago. Put automotive oil in. (didn't realize this is a bad call.) Put a good amount of kilometers on it, and then yesterday it wouldn't start, and I was getting a weird grinding sound coming from the starter after it would crank for a little while. I thought maybe there was some water getting in somewhere cause it had just rained on my bike in the driveway. But upon further inspection I realized the oil level was very low. Almost bone dry. As far as I know it wasn't leaking, so I'm very confused as to why it ate up the oil so quickly. I put in new oil, tried starting it...no luck. Tried bump starting it... no luck.
Also, now when I put it in gear and hold the clutch in, it doesn't want to move anywhere. I tried putting it in 5th and rocking it....didn't help.
Could something be seized from the lack of oil? I fear I may have hurt her from not noticing the oil dissapeared...

 

Did the oil disappear or were you checking it on the sidestand?

The bike needs to be on the centerstand or held vertical; and the motor needs to have been off for ten minutes.

Automotive oil can very well cause the starter to not "catch" because it's too slippery for the starter clutch.

 

If the bike was running when you shut it off I would find it hard to believe it would be seized up. Just as a side note auto oil is not the best for the clutch and starter clutch but really should not hurt the engine.
Take the LH cover off over the ignition pick ups and put a wrench on and see if it will move.

MN

 

When I checked the oil I held it upright, and it had been off for a long time.
I haven't had time to take the ignition pick ups cover off yet but will tomorrow.
I did notice that since putting the new oil in, it does not make the grinding sound that it was before, but still won't fire up. It is still auto oil.. since I haven't been able to get some motorcycle oil yet.
The battery is getting pretty low.... I am concerned about it not rolling with the clutch in when in gear, which will make it hard to bump start.... could this be a result of an inproper oil level still? Will post after I open it up. Thanks!

 

You can get moto oil at any autoparts store or even Wal-mart carries it, don't go to the stealership as they will mark it up by 50% min.

Take some string or a wood clamp and hold your clutch in and leave it overnight. It's possible running dry on oil overheated it and your plates are stuck. What type of oil did you put in? Are you sure you put in enough when you did the first change?

If your gas cap doesn't seal well and the rain was hard it might have let water into your tank. Your coils also might be water sensitive if they are cracked. Also if your battery is low at all there is no point trying to start it using the electric start-the starter motor draws 95% of the voltage and you need an almost fully charged battery for there to be enough left to fire the coils.

 

I am changing the oil as I speak. Got some motorcycle oil.

I wasn't sure if this was what you were talking about, but I removed the cover in the picture- and tried turning this inner part with a wrench. It isn't moving. Is that bad?

Also- before I worked on anything, I tried starting it once more, and it cranked and almost immediately started up. it fired for a split second then died and then wouldn't do anything again. Could it be the battery? I don't have a charger...so boost from a (turned off) car maybe?

 

No, the cover MN was referring to is the one below and to the left in your pic. With it off you have access to the crank where it spins around the ignition pick-ups and you can turn over your motor from there with a 19mm wrench. He thought your motor was seized when he misread your post.

You need to get a manual for your bike - flying blind won't cut it. I would also pick up a battery charger. A multimeter (which are cheap $8) is also essential, if you had one you could measure your voltage from your battery and would know if it has enough juice. Yes you can try an jump from a car battery, but if your charging system isn't working it won't fix the problem.

 

Okay good to know. I have a manual that I downloaded, but it doesn't clearly state where a lot of parts are, and the pictures aren't great quality....
Thanks for the suggestion, I will grab those things.
I will try boosting it soon. Hopefully that works.... then I'll know if it's the battery.
Got the new oil in, and the bike is rolling a LITTLE better when in gear with clutch in, but still dragging a lot more than it used to.

 

The cover you removed in the pic is your alternator cover.

While it's off, check the condition of the brushes (in the cover.)

You won't be able to turn the motor over from there.

 

Sorry to say but I have found that if a motor starts eating itself ( heat seizure from lack of oil ) it may still run but once shut off and cooled down locks up - taking Mercuryman's suggestion of trying to turn the crank end under that cover will tell you if engine is not free moving. Since my bike was not running when I went to see it I removed that same cover to make sure engine was not seized before purchasing it. Hey, even if it's damaged look at the fun you will have rebuilding it over the winter no better way to understand how everything works. good luck

 

It's an "X" motor.

"Fun" doesn't come close. (Twenty valves not eight, and water cooled to boot.)

OP needs to slow down and check all of the fluids. I also highly recommend finding an OWNER'S MANUAL at the very least. '80's Yamaha o/m's are pretty darn good, truth be told. Better than cooking your mill.

 

Good news. !
I got the new oil in there, and hooked it up to a car battery, and after a few tries (and a couple more ugly grinding noises) it got running. It was puttering a lot at first, but eventually started running fine again. I kept it on for a good while to get the charge back up. Shut it down and started again several times, and took it out for a spin. It feels great now... I can definitely tell the difference in the oil. Feels the best since I've had it...
It doesn't seem like there was any damage done... so I'm pretty happy. It fires up pretty quick now, and hasn't made the grind noise again. I will definitely get a new battery soon. I don't know how old it is.
So, the weird grinding noise that was happening when starting it before was hopefully solved by the correct oil... but perhaps something is still dirty in there?
I am going to pick up an owners manual ASAP.
Thanks guys. appreciate it

 

Could be that your starter has worn parts, not uncommon with an old bike especially if it ever had an owner who couldn't get it to start and instead of diagnose he just kept cranking it.

You can check your batteries fluid level and it might help your low V condition. It has a mark where the water should be at, it's also common for these batteries to be low on fluid. Use filtered or distilled water.

Congrats on getting it going again, now you can concentrate on giving it some TLC and making it shine as well as run!

Don't neglect any other needed maintenance though or it will come back to bite you. Good call on the OM it will help you on your way. No sweat on the help that's what this forum is for.