Street Twin (2021) Oil Leak/Seepage

[sikatri]

Side note, take a deep breath and go ride that baby! LoL! You’re learning a lot about your motorcycle. Now go have some fun!

 

[triumphantrider]

Over filling oil sometimes causes oil to look milky, but settles back after the engine is turned off for awhile. Yes, it could be drops of condensation. Moisture is attracted to gas with ethanol too and the main reason I run ethanol free gas in my motorcycle. I wouldn’t be too concerned with that amount of milky residue. Just change your oil at least once a year and you should be fine. My motorcycle is of course air cooled so no water danger from a system leak. I’m really not familiar with the differences in the liquid cooled models and if there’s internal hoses or how the water is routed. Perhaps someone with a liquid cooled model will put your mind at ease.

Thank you, I hope so. But I don't think many others are reading this thread or responding.

 

[sikatri]

Thank you, I hope so. But I don't think many others are reading this thread or responding.

A few have, perhaps atomsplitter will know about the cooling systems. He has newer models and does a fair amount of tinkering.

 

[sikatri]

I have read that some car engines that don’t get run much have similar issues with condensation under the valve cover. Then if the engine never gets hot enough this milky creamy gunk develops. So my short advice is to go ride it for a bit longer now that it has new oil. And just keep changing the oil regularly.

 

[atomsplitter]

I'll provide a little science for you. The liquid cooled engines have thermostats to restrict coolant flow to heat up the engine oil as fast as possible. The reason this is necessary is to drive any moisture out of the oil that can accumulate on engine cool down from running conditions. The thermostat for most Triumph motorcycles is set to 180(ish) degrees F, high enough to cause vaporization of water and low enough to prevent boiling. A small amount of staining is expected if the engine sits for periods of time (like over winter storage) as any accumulated water will usually collect in the sump or low points in the system. When the engine is started and up to operating temperature the crankcase vent breather hose (usually routed to the airbox) will vent this moisture to the airbox and may carry some oil mist with it (usually why there may be an oily smudge in the airbox). Air cooled engines are just as susceptible to the same moisture accumulation, but heat up much faster than water jacketed engines and drive the water out faster.

 

[sikatri]

Very informative @atomsplitter !

 

[atomsplitter]

Very informative @atomsplitter !

These kind of questions bring out the nuclear instructor in me, You'd be amazed at how long I can blather on just about the properties of water as coolant.

 

[sikatri]

These kind of questions bring out the nuclear instructor in me, You'd be amazed at how long I can blather on just about the properties of water as coolant.

Well, I for one appreciate the detailed explanation.

 

[Vector]

That is why a rider should never run a bike for just a few minutes and turn it off. Every start up must last until full operating temp or water will accumulate. Great post Atomsplitter

 

[triumphantrider]

I too appreciate the response and knowledge that was bestowed. Thanks for that. Starting to make some kind of sense to me.

 

[Qship]

Short runs on any gasoline/petrol engine is hard on the oil and should be avoided if possible, for the condensation issue. Also want to eliminate any condensation in the exhaust system to prevent corrosion and eventual rot.