Here is a question thats got me scratching my head. I recently changed the oil on my 2000 vfr. Before refilling it, I noticed a whitish film on the inside of the sight glass. When I refilled the oil, the film semed to float on the top and slowly trickle down almost the head on a guiness. (a fine drink if I may add) My first thought was coolant is getting in the oil somehow, but when I checked the coolant level it was right where I left it before winter. I did a pressure test and few more things I wont go into. I am totally convinced that there is no coolant leak. Has anyone had this happen to them before? The bike was in storage for a year at one point, and its three years in Florida put it through some serious humidity and tempratures. Could it be interior corrosion, gas fumes in the crankcase breaking down the oil from when it was stored or even humidity getting in the crankcase? Any input would be greatly appreciated. The weathers warmin up here and I just went through a long winter of snow, ice and of course, riding withdrawal. Thanx, Yorge
The whitish film is most certainly due to moisture. Could just be normal condensation over the winter. Ride the the bike and keep track of the sight glass. If the crankcase breather is not plugged the moisture should go away and the whitish film should disapear. Might want to consider changing the oil, again, a little sooner than normal. My guess is that there is not a major problem, but keep an eye on things. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Let us know how it all works out. Old_Codger
Thanx for the reply Old_Codger. It makes sence to me, and many people I have spoken to agree. The bike was in storage in florida and I do remember throwing out a matress from that same unit due to moisture damage. I have since changed my oil twice. The first time I saw only a reminant of the film in the sight glass, which is what prompted me to change it again tonight. As of right now after running it and letting it cool down, there is nothing but amber in the glass. Of course I will have to keep an eye on it but I am hopefull that was it. Otherwise my baby is ready for some ridin'. Ride safe. Yorge
The next time you change your oil you might let the bike sit overnight first. Normally you would warm things up to make the oil drain faster and flush things out. But if you let the bike sit overnight any moisture will settle to the bottom of the crankcase. When you remove the drain plug the water will come out first. If you catch the first liquid to drain out in a small container you might be able to detect if there is any water present.
