what the f...? oil level has gone up!

[bludclot]

i check the oil and water levels and tyre pressures when i clean the bike, at least once a week. bike is always left in the same garage place on the centre stand so oil level readings are very consistent. i changed the oil 2 or 3 months ago and did my usual trick of slightly over filling and letting some out and it's been fine and very level with the 2 dots on the sight glass since. except for the last couple of days however where it's very nearly at the top of the sight glass!

do you think any of the following or another reason?

- my concrete garage floor has had quite a severe subsidence in the hot weather without cracking at all, causing it to tilt
- the bike has decided to fossilise various engine / geaarbox components and thus create oil
- a mischevious burgler has been breaking in and filling my bike with oil on the sly
- i should commit myself for i am obviously losing the plot

fuzzled as puck.

[ghostbiker]

Check your water levels asap and the filler cap on the oil for white gunk.

[mcyoungy]

does the oil smell of petrol?

[bludclot]

water level has dropped, not by much. have topped it up to the max line.

no sign of sludge or any other symptoms of head gasket failure.

no smell of petrol in the oil....

strange, when i first posted i thought nothing of it, i'm worried now.

[mcyoungy]

no mayo on the filler, as GB said?

[bludclot]

nope, none. no signs of oil in coolant either, or reluctance starting or white smoke or loss of power... no unusual useage or non-useage of bike recently, no dismantling lately, nothing unusual or untoward that i can think of that would cause this.

[ghostbiker]

Then its likely nothing but an odd thing, keep riding and just keep an eye on things. 8)

[Falcon 269]

- i should commit myself for i am obviously losing the plot

Gets my vote.  And I should know, 'cos my bubble got lost years ago :lol

These motors can hide oil during the oil change process.  So long as you're happy that it's not a fuel or coolant-based top-up you've been getting, monitor it and ride on.

To the nearest nut house ...

[VNA]

i changed the oil 2 or 3 months ago and did my usual trick of slightly over filling and letting some out and it's been fine and very level with the 2 dots on the sight glass since.

When I change my oil, I'm conservative about how much I put in.  As long as it's between the bottom and the upper marks I'm happy.

I'll then ride to work and back, throw it in the garage and leave overnight on the centrestand and see where it settles.  Then top it up, and repeat, one or two shots and I'll have it topped to the max (Gen1's like a full sump)

Cold oil takes forever to return to the sump.  Hot oil a fraction of the time, but you still have to give it a bit of time. 

Anyway that's what I do, and then forget.  Rising oil level, can only be water or fuel/gasses in the oil.  Or inconsistencies in checking the level (I think!)

[squitbit]

Hot weather, oil warmer therefore expanding?

[bludclot]

i've been thinking a lot about this today - yes, hot weather keeps coming to mind, so does a porous block.....

[mcyoungy]

stop it. ride and enjoy.

[taksi]

I think you'll find that the unusually hot weather has allowed the oil to thin down on the inner parts of the engine and drain a bit quicker. Don't worry about it, the weather won't last!

Taksi

[Minty]

Mine did the same after an oil change, drained a bit out, has been ok since.

[paul1606]

Don,t these things just make you paranoid eh ? you started a your subject with a slight concern about your oil level now i bet all sorts are going around in your head . If your water levels ok and no scum just ride it & have fun .

[ghostbiker]

Don,t these things just make you paranoid eh ? you started a your subject with a slight concern about your oil level now i bet all sorts are going around in your head . If your water levels ok and no scum just ride it & have fun .

I agree completely, its so easy to start doubting a bike when you are so vulnerable but if it was a car where you are safe inside with airbags etc we wouldn't think twice about it.
Ride and enjoy, and just keep an eye on it now and then.