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Posted by Petemoss
- October 06, 2013, 18:37:44 PM"That looks like it's running a little rich, but not burning oil."
This is what I thought at first too. But, I didn't understand why. The bike comes lean from the factory and I have aftermarket roadhouse exhaust and a k&n air filter. I understand this should make the bike run leaner not richer. So, I have to believe the black soot/smoke from the exhaust is burning oil.
"Sometimes the additive package in some oils promotes oil loss during the first oil change. Pennzoil is pretty notorious for this problem until the additives build up in the system (or the sludge, your choice)"
I have now changed the oil twice. I have no clue what oil the PO used but I have used Amsoil 20-50 motorcycle oil.
"since you didn't get a huge increase in pressure from dry to wet, I wouldn't suspect a compression ring problem. The oil rings, however, cannot be tested by compression, nor cylinder leak down. Think of them more like squeegee that is supposed to push the oil back down the cylinder walls, not seal in power.."
What's a compression ring? A piston ring? If it's not a piston ring what could cause oil consumption? Valve seal?
"I still think you need to monitor the oil usage closely and document the issue."
Please don't think I'm being a smart a** but what's to document besides oil blowing out of the tailpipe on startup and acceleration? I'm a guitar playing former chef who drives truck for a living and I understand a engine about as much as I understand Latin. 
Posted by Troll
- October 06, 2013, 17:42:36 PMUsually, oil in the combustion chamber leaves a lot more garbage than that. I've actually seen the gap bridged and the plug shorted by oil deposits. That looks like it's running a little rich, but not burning oil. Sometimes the additive package in some oils promotes oil loss during the first oil change. Pennzoil is pretty notorious for this problem until the additives build up in the system (or the sludge, your choice). Generally, I do a cold and a warm compression test, as well as a wet one. since you didn't get a huge increase in pressure from dry to wet, I wouldn't suspect a compression ring problem. The oil rings, however, cannot be tested by compression, nor cylinder leak down. Think of them more like squeegee that is supposed to push the oil back down the cylinder walls, not seal in power...I still think you need to monitor the oil usage closely and document the issue. My bike now has over 81,000 on it and has no oil consumption, but I still check it at least once a week.
Posted by Petemoss
- October 06, 2013, 17:05:41 PM
The plugs.
Can a compression test be done incorrectly?
Posted by Troll
- October 06, 2013, 16:12:59 PMSounds like the automatic compression release isn't working...manual says 50-85 psi...assuming the compression release is operating correctly. I really don't think that the compression pressures you have point to a problem with oil consumption. What do the plugs look like? Are there deposits on the electrodes? What color are the insulators...
Posted by Petemoss
- October 06, 2013, 15:56:00 PMI did a compression test today and this is the psi.
Front cylinder 149 dry, 165 wet
Rear cylinder 125 dry, 140 wet
Posted by DC
- September 17, 2013, 19:20:48 PMWhat would happen if you overfilled it?
Posted by Troll
- September 17, 2013, 18:43:21 PM41.5 is pretty good, I should think. Mine was getting around 37-40 before I started tinkering with it. Did you ever get the oil screen out ? No point in trying to dyno tune an engine without the box, since that's where they are going to be fiddling with the fuel curve....Keep an eye on the oil usage, maybe the additive package in the amzoil didn't get alone with what was in there before...It's just me, but I check my oil at least once a week. I use a mechanic's mirror so I can sit on the bike and hold it straight and look at the eye...sure wish it had a dip stick.
Posted by Petemoss
- September 17, 2013, 18:14:02 PMQuote from: Troll on September 17, 2013, 17:59:58 PM19k on the clock.How many miles on this engine? Something doesn't sound right. Have you been using the amzoil right along, or is this something new? I have seen car engines with lots of miles suddenly turn all the ring end gaps so they line up...for no apparent reason. Ring seal doesn't seem to be a problem with these engines. You are running rich, what happened to your fuel mileage? Is it sudden? Vacuum leaks at the MAP sensor and a leaking fuel pressure regulator, or even a stuck open injector could do this
Amsoil from 14k or my first oil change on the bike. I think I remember soot on the fender befor I changed the oil after I bought it.
Fuel mileage is 41.5 mpg on average.
I called three techs today and they all told me I needed a power commander in order for them to dyno tune the bike. I thought aftermarket pipes and a aftermarket air filter would cause the bike to run lean? Would hotter plugs fix or put a band aid over the problem? I mean just to see If I need it dyno'd?
Posted by Troll
- September 17, 2013, 17:59:58 PMHow many miles on this engine? Something doesn't sound right. Have you been using the amzoil right along, or is this something new? I have seen car engines with lots of miles suddenly turn all the ring end gaps so they line up...for no apparent reason. Ring seal doesn't seem to be a problem with these engines. You are running rich, what happened to your fuel mileage? Is it sudden? Vacuum leaks at the MAP sensor and a leaking fuel pressure regulator, or even a stuck open injector could do this
Posted by Petemoss
- September 17, 2013, 17:46:09 PMTroll, I am smoking on acceleration and smell of gasoline. It's a black smoke. My plugs are also very dark after 5k and smell of gas.
Posted by DC
- September 16, 2013, 23:53:40 PMI just noticed my oil is low too today. I just did an oil change with Mobile 1 a little while back. I need to get that stuff outta there.
Posted by Petemoss
- September 16, 2013, 20:48:11 PMAmsoil.
Posted by Troll
- September 16, 2013, 20:47:05 PMQuote from: Petemoss on September 16, 2013, 20:37:57 PMFor what?
Question. If the bike is running rich, gasoline will dilute the oil. Will the diluted oil pass through the rings and burn out of the tail pipe? Would a tune up fix this problem?
LEAKS.....you might not notice it because of where it is. What kind of oil did you run 5,000 miles?
Posted by Petemoss
- September 16, 2013, 20:37:57 PMQuote from: Troll on September 16, 2013, 15:57:22 PMFor what?...Check the vapor drain on the front of the engine, right ahead of the front cylinder. It has a pretty cheesy clamp on it.
Question. If the bike is running rich, gasoline will dilute the oil. Will the diluted oil pass through the rings and burn out of the tail pipe? Would a tune up fix this problem?
The spark plugs have 5k roughly on them and they are dark and smell like gas.
Posted by Troll
- September 16, 2013, 15:57:22 PMJohn, the Drifters don't have a pog. The trick now is to find out under what circumstances the oil is being used. I have 81,000 on mine and it has 0 oil consumption...You will need someone to follow you and determine if the engine is smoking on acceleration or on decel...Generally, worn rings will cause smoke under power, and valve guides/seals on decel...Check the vapor drain on the front of the engine, right ahead of the front cylinder. It has a pretty cheesy clamp on it.