Engine Oil - Don't Like What I'm Seeing

Hello all,

Purchased a brand new 2022 T100 last October. Had 600 mile break in service done in December of last year which of course included an oil change. Since then have not put a lot of miles on the bike. Odometer currently at 1,750 miles, so 1,150 miles and 11 months since first oil change.

Checked oil level today and saw this:



I checked the engine oil often enough over the past 11 months. My recollection was that it may have looked a bit dirty, but nothing like this. Taking it to dealership next week. I have some idea of what it could be, but throwing this out there for discussion.

Any input appreciated.

Seedman

 

littleade,

Thanks for replying. Inside of oil filler cap just has some oil on it. Cooling system expansion tank is right between MIN and MAX. Can't tell the coolant color since the tank is an almost opaque white. To be honest, I don't know what the correct color would be anyway.

Have not ever started the bike up without riding it. Don't think my journeys have been too short. 26 miles may have been the shortest with others averaging say 40-50 miles. I know 1,150 miles is not much in 11 months. I hate to admit that it does sit more than I ride it. The bike has always been garage kept since I owned it, never sat outside even one night.

Seedman

 

Pegscraper,

Thanks for your input also!

My last ride this past Monday was 47 miles. I broke that up about halfway for 20 minutes.

I would really hate for it to be a head gasket problem. It is still under warranty but still would really suck. This is my first Triumph.

Cheers!

Seedman

 

As some added info....

As stated earlier, I always keep the bike in my garage. The garage is unheated and over the past several weeks we have gone through some temperature swings. Low 40's (F) to upper 60's each day at least for the last week.

 

Thanks for replying andypandy and TRIPLE X...

The bike does seem to be running fine, don't notice anything out of the ordinary. Taking it do the dealer tomorrow, 30 mile drive. Will see what they say. I will ask if they can analyze the oil to determine whether it's condensation or coolant....or something else.

Keeping my fingers crossed (except when riding!) and will post more once I know more.

Thanks to all!

Seedman

 

Hello Traveler,

Yes, and the level is right between the MIN and MAX lines.

 

Hello!

Dropped bike off at dealer today for service appointment tomorrow. When I showed the service advisor the picture of the oil in the sight glass (in original post), he immediately said condensation. I told him I don't turn the engine on for short periods of time and that all of my rides are at least a few hours (though broken up with breaks). He said if the bike is sitting a lot (which I admit it has), it can build up condensation in the crankcase. That's what he says.

Anyway, the mechanic will look at it tomorrow and is being made aware of my concerns of possible coolant contamination. We'll see how that goes.

More to follow......

and thanks to all for your input, much appreciated!

 

Picked up bike at dealer. Oil / filter change completed. Dealership is reputable. Has been in business in the local area since 1938.

Mechanic's notes concerning oil condition:



So there we go! I will be keeping an eye on it. Just seems strange since I don't operate the engine for short time intervals. They told me yesterday it can occur from sitting.

Previous bike was 2018 BMW F800GT. I also didn't put a a lot of miles on that bike. Oil always looked good ON DIPSTICK, no sight glass. This is the first bike I have ever had that has a sight glass. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Previous bike to that was a 2016 BMW F700GS. Now that bike I did put a lot of miles on (14K in 3 years) and prior to that a 2003 Honda Nighthawk 750. Put 8,000 on that in two years.

Need to ride the Bonneville more! Had some things going on preventing me from riding as much. Part of that was my brother moving away who I rode with a lot.

Again thanks to all! Any more input certainly appreciated.

Seedman