Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all

I have recently started my 2002 350 bullet which has been standing in the garage for a couple of years now. It has never dropped a spot of oil but when it started ( which only took three kicks after all that time) oil was coming out pretty quickly from underneath somewhere and running down the chain??
I suspect it's a seal of some sort blown but as I am completely useless when it comes to mechanics, I would be grateful if anyone could tell me what they think it is and more importantly how much it might cost to fix. Is it a DIY job, or into a garage?

Many thanks

Sounds like a case of Wet Sumping. The oil is coming out of the crankcase breather and is being chucked over the chain.

Take the drain plug out of the crankcase not the oil tank and let it drain replace the plug check the tank oil level and try it again.

Thanks guys, will give it a try

Hi guys-------- GDFREY, I'd agree with DENNIS C but would add this}--- Oil that has been standing for 3 years doing apparently nothing will actually have been adsorbing moisture and reacting with combustion contaminants etc. apart from naturally degrading by itself over time.....Do the bike a favour ie Run it up to temperature then fully drain down (including the timing chest AND oil filter ).. Fit a new filter (Always keep one soaked in oil, ready for use )Plug, points, --- remember to re-set the timing, --- capacitor, because they also degrade with time --- and see that the air filter is both clean and dry (Damp filter = richer running)...and finally some fresh fuel in the tank...Ah, that reminds me---- visually check the insides of the fuel tank ABOVE the fuel level line...You might well find some rust there !!-----------------and then there's the tyres for cracking -------------

Thanks alan.
Starting to look like a bit more work but you have pointed out some good things there.
Cheers