Oil in the Carbeurators????

[Anonymous]

Hey guys, had a little problem on the bike today. Wanted to run it past you all and see what you think. When I got to work today, I stopped and put my foot down on what was apparently an oil slick (it had rained last night so the pavement was still wet). Down went the bike, not hard I was able to gently let it down but couldn't catch it enough to keep it up.

Anyway, I hit the kill switch on the way down. Got it back on it's wheels, then went to start it back up. The starter kinda locked and didn't want to turn the motor the first couple times. On about the 3-4 attempt, it spun over and started up. Now comes the issue.

The bike is blasting large amounts of smoke from the right pipe. I have not ridden it yet to see if it would clear up, just revved it a bit in the lot. I also noticed that there was oil dripping from the carb vent tubes onto the ground under the bike. Is it possible that I just got some oil splashed up into the carbs when I dumped it on its side? Should I be worried about something worse (rings or whatever since it locked up like that)? The bike seemed to be running fine, very smooth and all just a lot of smoke. Let me know your thoughts.

In case you forgot its a 1978 GS1000.

Thanks,
-T

[Jeff Tate]

Sorry about the near spill. I've done nearly the same thing with my Vulcan (my aching back). I suppose you could have gotten some oil in the carbs thru the breather hose but what you describe sounds like you had a minor hydraulic lock from fuel spilling into the cylinder(s). I had the same effect on a lawnmower a few weeks ago by useing the prime button on it too long. The motor would not turn over at all at first. Eventually I got it worked thru and started and It smoked up the neighborhood pretty bad. But it finally cleared up. I doubt if there is any mechanical damage from just useing the starter. To be on the safe side I'd change the oil incase some gas might have gotten thru and possibly the spark plugs too. Check and see if they're oil fouled. If things don't clear up after awhile check the compression and see if something got tweaked. I doubt it tho.
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Sorry about the near spill. I've done nearly the same thing with my Vulcan (my aching back). I suppose you could have gotten some oil in the carbs thru the breather hose but what you describe sounds like you had a minor hydraulic lock from fuel spilling into the cylinder(s). I had the same effect on a lawnmower a few weeks ago by useing the prime button on it too long. The motor would not turn over at all at first. Eventually I got it worked thru and started and It smoked up the neighborhood pretty bad. But it finally cleared up. I doubt if there is any mechanical damage from just useing the starter. To be on the safe side I'd change the oil incase some gas might have gotten thru and possibly the spark plugs too. Check and see if they're oil fouled. If things don't clear up after awhile check the compression and see if something got tweaked. I doubt it tho.
Hope this helps.

Helped a bunch, thanks for the response. I got back from lunch and the smoke is completely gone and there is just a hit of oil smell still (Pretty much gone as well). I think you're right on both counts, seems like probably a quick lock from the fuel and just some oil getting up the breather since it was still running and did fall to that side. I appreciate you getting back to me, made me feel a lot more cofortable going back out on it knowing that this was not only the possible but also the probable cause.

In honor of my boneheaded move, I've taken on the title of Clutz of the Day.

Thanks again,
T
(Clutz of the Day)

[lhanscom]

You may want to change your oil, if you got a hydraulic lock, the gas may have gotten in your oil. Not a good thing to leave in there.

[Anonymous]

You may want to change your oil, if you got a hydraulic lock, the gas may have gotten in your oil. Not a good thing to leave in there.

Unless your oil level is up significantly I wouldn't worry. The fuel is so volatile it will boil/vent off in no time at all.