There's gas in that oil son. - Harley Forum

admin · #1 05-24-2007, 11:20 AM

Hey gang, it's me again. I got the carb cleaned up and back together and took the bike to work today. Imagine, riding to work on March 30th in Canada--life is good. Funny thing though, the ride home took three hours, only takes thirty minutes in the truck. I was tinkering in the garage tonight when I did get home and when the tic tic tic stopped and I knew the bike was cool again I decided to sniff the oil for any signs of gas. I am pretty sure I do smell gas in there. It's a new tank of AMS oil if that makes any difference. I will drain and replace it if that's what's best. Can someone tell me how the gas got in the oil when it was flooding and pouring out because of the stuck needle intake valve. Also, what does gas in the oil do to the bike in terms of damage. I'll replace it without the explanation if that's what is needed but I'd like to know why.
Thanks again. Oh, since you guys helped me clean the carb and get it back on the road without dealer intervention I decided what I will do with the money I saved. I'm ordering a subscription to AIM. I buy it every month anyway, might as well have it delivered. March 30th and I'm riding, damn global warming who knew there was an up-side.

Posted by: 03FXST on Mar 30, 06 7:37:32 pm

admin · #2 05-24-2007, 11:20 AM

Hey again 03. Glad to see that you had success!!! I knew you could do it.
When the bike stalls due to "flooding", that means there is too much gas entering the cylinders to be burned by the spark plugs, or the plugs got wet and just shorted out (no spark). There is supposed to be a thin oil film on the cylinder walls that the piston rings ride on, and this gets washed away by the excess gas, and gas, being thinner than oil, just runs past the piston rings into the bottom of the engine. Hence, gas in the oil. If you can smell gas in the oil reservoir, better change the oil. Gas is a terrible lubricant, and can cause early engine wear.
Chances are that you didn't do any damage, but an oil change will ensure lots of good riding down the road.
I had my bike out on Monday, but it is still too cold in the Atlantic Provinces, in the morning, to take it to work. But when it is 15C in the afternoon, I'm not far behind you.
Happy trails!

Posted by: Tayes1 on Mar 30, 06 7:51:14 pm

admin · #3 05-24-2007, 11:20 AM

03 make sure you also change the oil filter. Since you had the motor running, gas is in the oil filter. Since you saved some money you might think about getting the service manual from HD for your bike.I have the service and parts for my 04 softail,and have started doing my own work and upgrades on the bike.It is easy reading and straight forward on repairs.Temp finally broke here in Illinois and had my out yesterday.Good luke.

Posted by: depotdude on Mar 31, 06 7:07:07 am

admin · #4 05-24-2007, 11:21 AM

Thanks depotdude
I have the shop manual. It was the first accessory I bought. I've used it for the install on my exhaust, breather kit, and scores of chrome bits. I just never did an actual repair before. Believe me the carb cleaning page is now as filthy as the carb once was. But what the manual doesn't offer is experience and coaching which I did find here. Oh, and yes I am changing the filter as well.
By the way Tayes1 I am in ATlantic Canada and I hear you on the cold mornings. By the time I got to work today I had an ice-cream headache and fingers that were too numb to type with. Oh yes, and one big ole Harley riding grin.
Cheers

Posted by: 03FXST on Mar 31, 06 5:02:35 pm