Another question about oil.

[Dag]

Hi!

I was changing the oil in the gearbox and the "carc" on my 2010 Stelvio. When I opened the drainplug in the carc, I noticed that the oil had a mustard-yellow colour, so I got worried.
I launched the subject on the Norwegian Guzzi-pages, and got the reply that it most likely was water in the oil. Is this according to someone's experience in here, or could it be another reason?
If so, how is it possible that this happens to some Guzzies with the carc-system, and not to all? And is there a simple thing to do to eliminate this problem?
I use Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75w-140.

[Vasco DG]

Yes it happens. No idea why it is worse with some machines than others, the only thing I can think of is that at certain speeds the air vortices around the rear wheel and bevelbox will cause water to be directed at the breather. If you don't habitually cruise at the critical speed the breather isn't overwhelmed.

As for fixing it? Build yourself a remote breather system and run it up under the tank somewhere. I designed and offered a kit a few years back but was told it was too expensive so I didn't bother. You can make something simple with a couple of Speedflow fittings and a length of braided hose. Something more elegant takes a bit more effort but is easy enough with imagination.

Pete

[Dag]

Hi!

Thanks for the reply. You mentioned that your solution was considered to cost too much and that you gave up the idea to bring it to the market. If you don't mind telling me, what was/is too much money? Have any pics of how it looks on a bike? I have always been facinated by other people's imagination.

One other thing you also might have an idea about..my Stelvio seems to act kind of "nervous" running at low speed with steady throttle. My friend Thomas Johnson in Norway told me that it could be an idea to do something about the ignition-programming. I've been thinking of getting another muffler; Mistral, Zard or something, and been told I would need to re-programme the ignition-system. Maybe I can do both at the same time..

Dag

[neverquit]

Yes, water mixing into oil or light grease makes for a yellowish color.  I have experience with oil water from large industrial machines but none specific to your bike.  In some machinery I know that condensation of water vapor can be a major factor in contaminating oil.  You mentioned Norway, if you are living in a moist climate with frequent temperature shifts I suppose it would be possible to pick up enough condensation to contaminate the oil.  Usually it is only a problem when larger volumes of air space are involved.

[kevdog3019]

Pete mentioned "too expensive". The reality is he had a great aystem and a few "cheap" folks ruined it for others by suggesting he was making money. Yep... that's the reality. Piss on 'em as he would say.

[Vasco DG]

I'll see if I can find the pics of my set up. Once it's on the bike it's very hard to see, that was the whole point.

As for the poor throttling? Mark has a map for Stelvio. Single or twin Lamda and does your bike have ABS? Map won't work with aftermarket rock strainer air filters or pipes without dB killer installed. Tune also has to be spot on. That means valves set at 0.15 inlet and 0.2 exhaust. Throttle bodies must be balanced correctly and TPS re-set and the throttle bodies can't of been messed with by a shaved ape.

You'll need to purchase cables and download Guzzidiag, W5AM Reader and Writer.

See Beetle's  'Tuning with Guzzidiag' thread for instructions.

Pete

[Thunderbox]

I found I had similar problems with bikes until I stopped washing the bikes with high pressure washers or washers using any pressure at all  Using them will cause water to get past the breathers and past the seals and into the wheel bearings.  Just a thought but the water is coming from outside the housing for sure.

[toma nova]

I made this CARC breather out of a brake banjo bolt (M10 x 1.5 pitch) and an extra brake line and fitting I had.  It runs up under the seat - no way rain or wash water will find it's way in there.

I have half the line still if anyone wants it - you'll have to get a banjo bolt and fitting (Amazon has both).

Tom