Milky oil

[multi rider]

Ok, so looked into the oil level glass this am and horror of horrors.....it was all White!

Now I know this means water in the oil.....but where is it coming from?

Bike is running fine, no noticeable water loss at the radiator end?

Could it be condensation.... It's been hovering around the 0deg Mark(35 F)?

How much water is needed to make the oil go milky....

will it go away or should I change the oil? Filter?

Or is it a workshop job?

[Mr Sunshine]

Unless its filled with water just ride and don't worry

You oil isn't sealed so water can absorb in. Getting it all the way to temp for a bit will help burn it off

[multi rider]

Originally Posted by Mr Sunshine

Unless its filled with water just ride and don't worry

You oil isn't sealed so water can absorb in. Getting it all the way to temp for a bit will help burn it off

Thanks Chris. After riding the bike yesterday I left the oil filler cap off overnite. This morning it looked like oil again, so assume the water evaporated away.

I hope its just condensation and not a leak in the water system, or worse a blown cylinder headgasket?

[Mr C]

It will be condesation, have you been doing short journeys

[multi rider]

Originally Posted by Mr C

It will be condesation, have you been doing short journeys

mmm yes actually I have.

I have an 8 mile journey home tonight, will leave the oil cap off tonight again.

If it doesnt go away then I think I will drain the oil on the weekend.

[Mr C]

Originally Posted by multi rider

mmm yes actually I have.

I have an 8 mile journey home tonight, will leave the oil cap off tonight again.

If it doesnt go away then I think I will drain the oil on the weekend.

You need to give it a right good run

[Aztec]

Relax I'm sure it's just condensation in the sight glass

[oleary]

Originally Posted by multi rider

Ok, so looked into the oil level glass this am and horror of horrors.....it was all White!

Now I know this means water in the oil.....but where is it coming from?

Bike is running fine, no noticeable water loss at the radiator end?

Could it be condensation.... It's been hovering around the 0deg Mark(35 F)?

How much water is needed to make the oil go milky....

will it go away or should I change the oil? Filter?

Or is it a workshop job?

Every Duc I've owned does this in the fall/winter. I reckon it's just a small bit of moisture on the inside of the glass because every time I have dropped the oil for this problem it has shown no signs of water contamination.

A couple of tricks:

(1) Cover 3/4 of the oil cooler.
(2) Take it for a good long ride.
(3) When you get home, lean the bike to the RIGHT so the hot oil covers the sight glass.

It might take a couple of tries, but this method has always worked for me.

ps The problem WILL return!