Repair / Oil and leaks
Oil and leaks
Problems, repairs and parts for the oil and leaks.
Problems
- Oil is milky or creamyDo not ride
- Oil turns black very soon after a changeOK to ride
- Oil leaking from an engine side coverRide with care
- Oil leaking from the drain plugDo not ride
- Oil leaking from the cylinder head or base gasketRide with care
- Oil leaking behind the front sprocketRide with care
- Oil leaking under the bikeRide with care
- Oil level drops but there is no visible leakRide with care
- Too much oil in the engineRide with care
- Oil smells of petrol or the level risesDo not ride
- Oil pressure or oil level light is onStop now
- Two-stroke oil tank level is not going downDo not ride
- Oil sight window looks empty or the level is unclearRide with care
- Oil leaks from the oil filter or its coverDo not ride
- Engine ticks, runs hot or seizes soon after an oil changeStop now
- Clutch slips after switching to a different engine oilRide with care
- Drain plug or oil filter bolt turns but will not tightenDo not ride
- Old two-stroke smokes heavilyRide with care
Repairs
- Check the engine oil levelRider job · 5 to 10 min (estimate, includes warm-up and settling)
- Trace an oil leakHome workshop · 30 to 60 min plus a short ride
- Replace the drain plug sealing washerHome workshop · 30 to 45 min (estimate, done with an oil change)
- Replace an engine cover gasketWorkshop job · 1 to 3 h assessment and repair (estimate, depends on the cover)
- Replace the output shaft sealWorkshop job · 1 to 2 h (estimate, chain bikes)
- Check the crankcase breatherHome workshop · 20 to 30 min
- Change the engine oil and clean the strainerHome workshop · 40 to 60 min
- Assess bottom end and internal engine damageWorkshop job · 1 h assessment; strip 4 to 10 h
- Check and adjust valve clearanceHome workshop · 45 to 90 min (estimate, screw-and-locknut type)
- Test engine compressionHome workshop · 30 to 45 min
- Assess the top end (cylinder, piston, valves)Workshop job · 3 to 6 h strip and measure
- Inspect sprocketsRider job · 10 to 20 min
- Check and adjust chain slackRider job · 20 to 30 min
- Diagnose exhaust smoke by colourHome workshop · 15 to 30 min
- Check and top up coolantRider job · 5 to 10 min
- Clean or replace the air filterRider job · 15 to 40 min (estimate, plus drying time for foam)
- Inspect drained oil for cluesHome workshop · 10 to 15 min (estimate, during an oil change)
- Find a coolant leakHome workshop · 30 to 60 min
- Do a leak-down testWorkshop job · 30 to 60 min
- Check the carburettor float and needle valveHome workshop · 30 to 60 min with the carburettor off
- Check the fuel tap, lines and flowHome workshop · 20 to 45 min
- Check the fuel injectorWorkshop job · 10 min for home checks; 1 to 2 h at a workshop
- Find a wiring faultHome workshop · 30 to 90 min
- Check the two-stroke oil pump and linesWorkshop job · 30 min check; 1 to 2 h with bleeding and setting
- Find an intake air leakHome workshop · 20 to 45 min
