Using oil

[Goody]

Hi all, I've just bought my first FJ 1200 its got 67000ks on the clock and is in good nick with no other issues I've owned it for a month doing about 1 hour rides at a time ,goes really well very pleased with the performance . I've clocked up about 500ks everyone enjoyable . The bike was sat in a dealers for about 17 months only doing 88ks in that time . I've just had to top up the oil and iam concerned there's a problem brewing . I've got a dealers warrant on it for two more months and need help and advice about the oil top up. Do I need to worry and what should I be looking for and monatering ?

[Arnie]

What you're asking is almost a 'length of string' question.  Here's why....
All engines will use some oil.  Different types of oil and different weights of oil will vary in consumption somewhat.
How you ride and the weather conditions will also affect oil usage.  If you work the engine hard and run hi rpms on HOT days you will use more oil  than someone who rarely exceeds 6,000 rpm, doesn't exceed 120-130kph (especially sustained), and lives in a cool climate.  And sitting at the dealer not being ridden would also do it no favors so, things will vary.

However, if your bike had the oil level at the top mark in the window and it has fallen to below the lower mark in only 500Kms, I would be a bit wary and would probably do a compression and leak-down test, especially if you're more like the gentle rider than the balls-out hooligan. 

67,000 kms is not a lot for these engines.  I have double that on my '91 and use about 1/2 litre between changes at 5,000 kms.

Arnie

[Pat Conlon]

If you are worried, the only way to be sure is to do a leak down test, or at least a compression test, before the warranty expires.

Have a independent shop do it (not the dealer) to document the results necessary for any warranty claim. 

[Goody]

If you are worried, the only way to be sure is to do a leak down test, or at least a compression test, before the warranty expires.

Have a independent shop do it (not the dealer) to document the results necessary for any warranty claim. 

thanks ,will talk to local shop ( not the seller) and take your advice . Cheers John NZ.

[Goody]

If you are worried, the only way to be sure is to do a leak down test, or at least a compression test, before the warranty expires.

Have a independent shop do it (not the dealer) to document the results necessary for any warranty claim. 

thanks will get test done and post results.

[Goody]

Had the leak down test done results are 160 /150/150/160. It also got a good service done and now runs like a dream . The differance is amazing . Done about 390 ks now and oil is still  as was after service oil used is a 10w/40 semi syn. The dealer has been great ( Mceivor and Veitch ) they paid for the oil change and tests will keep posting. John NZ

[Goody]

Up date

[yamaha fj rider]

Yamaha makes a product called Ring-Free that is designed to release stuck piston rings and it works. Engine that is not running as it should, might help and much cheaper than a rebuild. I also remember guys working with old engines, that had been unused for a some time putting ATF in the cylinders letting it sit for a week or two to loosen stuck rings. Hope this helps.

Kurt

[FJscott]

Yamaha makes a product called Ring-Free that is designed to release stuck piston rings and it works. Engine that is not running as it should, might help and much cheaper than a rebuild. I also remember guys working with old engines, that had been unused for a some time putting ATF in the cylinders letting it sit for a week or two to loosen stuck rings. Hope this helps.

Kurt

Ring free is great stuff. I use it in the gas for my yamaha boat motor as well as the FJ.
Scott

[andyb]

Won't do much for valve guide/seals, though.

[Goody]

Hi all just a update on my post in june about my newly acquired fj1200 using to much oil and me wanting to find the cause before my dealer warrant running out . After taking the advice from a member of the club I had a couple of tests done by my local dealer who also serviced my fj and made it run better than I ever hoped for , very pleased with the performance . The idea was to get the bike running. As well as possible then monitor the oil the bike used to see if it was or was not exceptable 660 k later the oil level was low again mmmmm. Bit of a worry, first low oil was at about 1200ks then 800ks now post service and tune up 600ks. Topped up again still watching the level . But maybe there's will be a differance in oil used this time while I was cleaning the bike I decided to remove the air scoops and I saw what I hope is the problem , two of the 8  bolts that hold the rocker cover on to the top of the engine had oil leaking from them and it was running down on to the down pipe and burning off . So that explains why no oil on the garage floor and why no strong smell of oil on the bike. Have replaced all 8 bolts and seals and iam hoping this was the main reason for the exsesive use / loss of oil will keep posting results . Sorry didn't want to start a oil thread. John NZ

[oldktmdude]

   John, sometimes using a different brand or even a different weight oil can reduce or sometimes stop oil consumption. Hopefully most of your problem lies with the oil leaks that you've found on the valve cover bolt seals. It doesn't take a lot of oil to top up the sight glass from min to the max marks.   This quantity could easily leak in the millage that you've stated. Seeing that the amount of usage has increased in a short time may be attributable to these bolts becoming looser, therefore the leak increasing. 
   Not saying this is definitely your problem but maybe worth thinking about.  Regards, Pete.

[Goody]

Thanks Pete, if oil is still  exsessive then will consider changing oil to different brand and viscosity . Thanks.  

[Ants73]

Hi John, Another NZ FJ owner here. How have you been getting on with the oil issue?