Forum

[Barry_Q]

Yesterday, while riding to work. There was a strange mechanical 'whirring' noise coming from the engine. The engine then misfired before returning to normal. When I got home, I checked the oil. There was no oil on the dipstick! Just how can the engine use a full tank of oil in the space of 1000 miles? Thankfully, it was oil change day (I change it every 1000 miles). There was plenty of oil! However, there were strange 'lumps' in the oil. It turned out that these 'lump's weren't metal (phew!). They were fibrous in nature. I then took out the oil filter. It was coming apart! Now. This was the first time that the filter was changed every 2nd oil change. I won't be doing that again! It's back to changing the filter every oil change.

[wetdog]

was the filter paper or felt type

[Scalyback]

I had a felt type once... it 'felt' terrible!

I'll get me coat!

[Revband]

Keep a very careful eye on the oil circulation it is possible that the bits of filter will block some of the oil passages leading to a knackered engine.

Sorry but someone had to say it.

[Barry_Q]

It was the felt type. I haven't started the bike since the oil change. I'll be going out for a gentle ride a bit later. Since I found fibers in the sump. It's certain that they've been around the engine. I'll get back to everyone (if I don't breakdown) if there's been any damage.

[Barry_Q]

Well. I went out for a ride and the engine is fine. If there was anything to comment on, it was the gearbox. Ever since I washed the bike. It doesn't like the idea of going into 2nd gear. Some adjustment is required!

[Alan R]

Hi BARRY Q-- you didn't say which model you are riding...I can't speak for the other types but remember that on the Classic "Iron" engines the main oil pump draws oil directly through a gauze in the main oil tank and delivers it straight to the INSIDE of the oil filter element.......thence into the crank via that chrome bolt seen on the R/H crankcase........What concerns me is that you have seen the filter element apparently coming apart....A feature of the filter assembly design is that the filter assy. can move off its' seat ( pushing against that large coil spring ) and thus dump any excess pressure that might have arisen due to a blocked filter etc.....I suspect that you didn't assemble the filter unit correctly the last time, so that the filter was unable to move and thus the only way out for the oil was to force through and tear lumps off the outside in the process..........A spell with some flushing oil might be beneficial.........I'd agree with a new filter at each oil change, they're cheap enough after all....Having said that mine's due soon so best do some on-line shopping with our hosts....

[Barry_Q]

Hi Alan. I've got the 500 Lightning. Or in other parlance; The iron barrel engine. Trust me on this one. The filter was assembled correctly. The filter was coming apart at both ends on the outer side as there nothing to hold the felt in place. The inside and the outer area (the bit with the holes) was fine. I don't think these filters were designed to last for multiple oil changes.

[Tim NZ]

Nothing at all unusual for an old model 500 to use 2L of oil in 1000 miles.


Check the oil level at EVERY refuel, and dont be at all surprised if you have to add around 2cc-3cc of oil for every mile traveled.


The OEM 500 piston has a poor reputation for reliability, and where there is audible evidence of 'piston slap' ring land compaction (resulting in pinched rings) is common, and results in excessive blow-by and high oil usage.


Be aware that high oil consumption (over 3cc per mile) is a common warning sign of impending piston failure...


Oil is either being blow out the eng breather vent as mist, or it is passing by the rings.