Author Topic: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?  (Read 1874 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline harvey

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2
How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« on: June 06, 2013, 07:15:19 PM »
I have a 1978 CB550. First bike, This is my second summer with it.

Had a pretty decent oil leak previously so over the winter had a Honda shop replace all the gaskets. I've had the bike back for about a month and put ~600 miles on it.

There are no visible leaks in my garage or anytime I'm parked or anywhere on the bike. I checked the oil today and noticed I was very low - seemed to only have 1.5 quarts left in the tank. Does this seem normal?

Offline goldarrow

  • one day, i'll be an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,360
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2013, 07:29:44 PM »
now I don't feel bad about my bike weeping oil  ;)  still proper amount of oil in the engine

but seriously, if your bike isn't smoking oil, or dripping, just add more oil to the level of the dip stick. 

make sure bike is on center stand, dip stick is not screw in when checking
Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline Xnavylfr

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,102
  • Beers, Babes and bikes since 1965
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2013, 08:37:55 PM »
SORRY, but I would at least start the bike FIRST and let it run for a few minute.  Sometimes the return check valve will not completely close and your oil will seep back in to the engine. If you check it after sitting a couple of weeks and it's real low without any visible oil don't add ant till you run the engine a few minutes to pump the oil back up in to the tank. You overfill and you'll find out real quick because it will come out of the oil tank filler and vent all over hte back tire!!!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Offline goldarrow

  • one day, i'll be an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,360
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2013, 08:50:12 PM »
550 doesn't have oil tank, does it?
Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline TwoTired

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,802
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2013, 11:23:11 PM »
I checked the oil today and noticed I was very low - seemed to only have 1.5 quarts left in the tank. Does this seem normal?

No.
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline scottly

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 16,452
  • Humboldt, AZ
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2013, 11:31:39 PM »

but seriously, if your bike isn't smoking oil, or dripping, just add more oil to the level of the dip stick. 

make sure bike is on center stand, dip stick is not screw in when checking
1+ Then, check the level again after 100, 200, 300 miles and see if it goes down.
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline dave500

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 17,054
  • WHAT?no gravy?
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #6 on: June 07, 2013, 12:59:10 AM »
just hold the bike off the side stand and level,with the dip stick clean wiped,,just drop it in squarely but dont screw it in,then check the level,halfway only needs like a cup,if its not smokey they still burn oil compared to a new bike,,even with a fresh total rebore etc,sustained high speed like long freeway or interstate use will use more oil,its normal,if its not smokey or leaking dont worry,drips on the ground seem to look worse than they really are,even when a small pool.

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,153
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #7 on: June 07, 2013, 02:50:14 AM »
When new(ish) it was not normal to need a top up between 1500 mile changes, nowadays i would accept down to minimum between changes but no more.

If oil is being burnt there would be some sign in the exhaust outlet
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline trueblue

  • A person who has had many interesting experiences, some of which are true, is known as an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,124
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #8 on: June 07, 2013, 03:07:43 AM »
My 650 has the faintest whisp of smoke in the exhaust and it uses about 100ml of oil every 2-3 tanks, depending on how I ride it.  I'm not overly worried about it, I just top it up when low.  It isn't a new bike and as such it doesn't worry me too much that it does use a little oil.  Just keeps the muffler bearing lubed up ;D.
« Last Edit: June 07, 2013, 04:19:26 AM by trueblue »
1979 CB650Z
Nothing can be idiot proofed, the world keeps producing better idiots.
Electronic Guages for your SOHC 4

Offline dave500

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 17,054
  • WHAT?no gravy?
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #9 on: June 07, 2013, 04:06:55 AM »
yeah im with true blue,,if ive been fanging around and heavy on the downshifts for a day or two with some mates ill notice a little more oil use,,its normal,,id be worried otherwise!,,i live and ride in a hinterland area that lends itself to spirited motorcycle expression,where the load on the engine and the rpm is always all over the place,,if your somewhere in a flat and straight road riding area where you maintain constant high rpm at steady throttle youll use more oil,those who idle around in the city and not familiar with these older engines might not notice this untill thier first full day blast out into the real riding areas and properly tax these engines,if your not blowing smoke,,after say a long decell then power on again,,or not blowing smoke say after a ten minute traffic jam idling itll be ok,,you gotta use a little oil on a decent hard ride,,your shifting around 6-7 grand i hope:?thats what these engines are designed for,,and are happy above this range.

Offline chickenman_26

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 598
    • Motorcycle Consumer News
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #10 on: June 07, 2013, 05:13:33 AM »
550 doesn't have oil tank, does it?
No, it doesn't...not unless it's a Suzuki GT550. He said Tank but probably meant Crankcase. Otherwise, there'd be something very strange about his '78 CB550.
MCN DTF

Offline Xnavylfr

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,102
  • Beers, Babes and bikes since 1965
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #11 on: June 07, 2013, 05:29:47 AM »
That's why I was headed in the direction I was going!! Park your bike on a large piece of cardboard (NEW ) and see if you notice any spots of oil. These bikes will USE a  small amount every 5 to 600 miles. Like others have said , if the engine is not smoking out the exhaust or showing drip spots under it, then it's good! Just keep an eye on the oil level and add when needed!!


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

Offline harvey

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #12 on: June 07, 2013, 08:51:43 AM »
Thanks for all the help. I have my Clymers guide and this forum for knowledge and that's about it. I'm not seeing any smoke and all the gaskets are new. Never have an oil on the kickstand or anywhere else on the bike. Hopefully I don't have any oil gnomes getting into the garage at night.

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #13 on: June 07, 2013, 11:14:07 AM »
Did you do the last oil change or did the shop do it when they had it for the gaskets ?  Maybe the 'tech' in the back didn't put enough in.

Offline SohRon

  • She laughs 'til she cries when they call me an
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 946
Re: How much oil do you "lose" if you don't have a leak?
« Reply #14 on: June 08, 2013, 08:07:05 AM »
Quote
I have my Clymers guide and this forum for knowledge and that's about it.

The Clymer's guide is a minimum reference to use, is not always accurate and leaves out major steps/assembly procedures. If you want to fully understand your bike, at the very least get the Official Honda Shop manual; can be downloaded from this site or, better yet, go to ebay and purchase a hard copy there. Clymer's is good for their drawings, but you'll find it lacking in the long run. Me, I have 4 manuals for the bike (Honda, Clymer's, Haynes, Chilton's) and there are still areas that aren't addressed!

An Official Honda manual, IMHO, is as invaluable to have on hand as is a good tool set...
"He slipped back down the alley with some roly-poly little bat-faced girl..."

Assembling my '74 CB550: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86697.0
Assembly of the Right-hand Switch (a rebuilder's guide):  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80532.0
Installing stock 4X4 exhaust: CB500-CB550 K: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82323.0
CB550 Assembly Manual: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.0.html