Oil Consumption is back

[Patch]

So at almost 8k miles on the nose I stopped losing oil completely, and it had been slowing steadily to that point. Sweet... some get there earlier, some later, but whatever...

After 12k it started again From 12k to 13k I have added almost a full quart. No leaks, dribbles, any exterior sign of loss... the only difference I can note is that it has been stupid hot in New England (compared to usual around these parts) and I've been riding longer distances lately. No Commuting, just zipping 200-300 miles at a clip.

For those who will suggest I don't know how to check... I usually gauge (and only fill) to the mid-point of the sight-glass. I always check in the same spot and in the same way in my driveway, on the CENTER-STAND, after warming up the engine or a short ride and I always complete the oil-level checking ceremony: walking slowly around the bike in a counter-clockwise direction holding a edelweiss scented candle...

So the question is could these temps and longer trips account for the oil level? I'm not sure what else it could be. Any insight or similar experiences?

** edited ** Center-stand was what I meant

Gerry

[Bamblys]

It might be the candle...
But did you say you measure on a side stand? I think you suppose to set it up on a center stand. It kinda sounds to me like you are grossly underfilling the oil. On a side stand the bike is leaning to that side and if you only filling it to a center point it sounds that if you were to measure it the correct way you'd be way too low on oil.

[mogu83]

It might be the candle...
But did you say you measure on a side stand? I think you suppose to set it up on a center stand. It kinda sounds to me like you are grossly underfilling the oil. On a side stand the bike is leaning to that side and if you only filling it to a center point it sounds that if you were to measure it the correct way you'd be way too low on oil.

+1 !

[ammolab]

For those who will suggest I don't know how to check... I usually gauge (and only fill) to the mid-point of the sight-glass. I always check in the same spot and in the same way in my driveway, on the sidestand,

Gerry

Yes, if you are checking on the "sidestand", we all will suggest that you don't know how to check. Centerstand +2.

[Patch]

Yup... I meant center-stand

I always use the center stand . . . haven't a clue why I typed it wrong. Sorry... So being that I'm a partial dumbass, any other ideas?

[Bigg-Brother]

Did you change oil at 12k? Was any service preformed at 12k? If YES - did you use the same oil or used something else? Synth perhaps?

[Patch]

Oil was changed at 12k ... same 10w50 as I've been running. Dealer did it - and after I did check all bolts, etc.

Prior to the change I was smack at center dot since 8k... wasn't until after the change that I seem to be losing.

[Bigg-Brother]

From what I know (and I'm fairly new to BMW motorcycles) at 12k dealer suppose to adjust valves and do other minor things.
This forum is great (I love it) but since your bike is still on warranty and service was performed by the dealer, I would at least call them and let them know what you are seeing. They may say "no problem" or "bring it in - we left a screw driver inside".

[Dhue]

Hi...just registered.

I bought 2010 R12R October 2011...my first Beemer Had 5,000ks on it when I got it...its now just on 20,000. Glorious machine. Cant seem to stay off it for long.

Same issue...uses oil, which is especially noticable after 200-300 km jaunts...no leaks, following riders dont see smoke....nothing...oil level just creeps down the window...

There is some smoky-looking exhausts when warming up in the morning which goes away quickly..I was told by dealers this is 'normal'. yeh right (good thing its out of waranty and I dont have to deal with them any more).

Does anyone have any ideas waht would cause this. I'd really like to fix it. (I'll do the dance of scented candles 2moro).

Rob

[tinytrains]

My 09 Roadster is at 15K miles and the oil consumption is slowing down. It was never serious, when new it was a quart in 2000. Now it is about 1/2 quart in 3000. It took my K75 20,000 miles to stop drinking oil. Now at 70K, it does not use a drop. It can take a long time to seat the rings on some bikes, don't worry.

[Woland]

Don't worry about it. Its a boxer, they drink oil sometimes mostly dependent on how they are run. My '07 with some 70k km on it drinks it on occasion, usually in warm weather and/or when run hard. The one factor I've found to lessen oil consumption is switching to 20w-50.

If you want a bike that doesn't use any oil at all buy a F800.

[Dhue]

Thanks...I think it has slowed. Good to know.

[parkec]

Hmm.

Dealer performed the 12k oil change..suppose, just suppose they changed the oil being used. Brand? Viscosity? Dino vs. Syn? Unless you perform your own oil changes or stand there handing the mechanic the bottles of oil - you never know.

[Boxer]

If you want a bike that doesn't use any oil at all buy a F800.

Exactomundo! My F650GS twin, which is really a F800 in disguise, takes 3 quarts at the oil change...and NEVER uses any...at all. I don't get it really, but it's a fact. I love the boxer motor, and am sorely tempted to get a new 1200, but each time I read a thread like this, I just go out to the garage and stroke my "Little Chubb".

[mogu83]

If you want a bike that doesn't use any oil at all buy a F800.

Exactomundo! My F650GS twin, which is really a F800 in disguise, takes 3 quarts at the oil change...and NEVER uses any...at all. I don't get it really, but it's a fact. I love the boxer motor, and am sorely tempted to get a new 1200, but each time I read a thread like this, I just go out to the garage and stroke my "Little Chubb".

On the other hand my 2007 with 50+K has never needed oil between oil changes and that includes during the 'break in' and running all day (12+ hours) at high speeds in hot weather. Plus I have the smoothness and power of a 109 HP boxer twin.

[Bill Stevenson]

Your oil usage history suggests to me that something is not right. It didn't use oil, now it does. Not many miles on the bike. It might be that the rings are not seated yet and that a glaze has formed in the hot weather that is caused by overheated oil. Are you using synthetic oil? Did you switch to it at the last service? If so switch back to give the bike more miles to break in. If you ride easy all the time this sort of thing is more likely than if you ride aggressively. Run the bike putting as much load as possible on the engine. Like full throttle for as long as you dare up a long grade, several times to seat the rings. Another possibility is that at the last service the heads were improperly torqued and the head gasket is not sealing fully. Try re-torquing the heads. If that doesn't help you should check the head bolt length. Over torquing the heads can cause the bolts to stretch a bit and then they bottom and will not seal the gasket after this has happened. Talk all of this over with your dealer. Again, it sounds to me like something is not right and there are too many variables and not enough information the figure this out here.

Bill

[Woland]

Your oil usage history suggests to me that something is not right. It didn't use oil, now it does. Not many miles on the bike. It might be that the rings are not seated yet and that a glaze has formed in the hot weather that is caused by overheated oil. Are you using synthetic oil? Did you switch to it at the last service? If so switch back to give the bike more miles to break in. If you ride easy all the time this sort of thing is more likely than if you ride aggressively. Run the bike putting as much load as possible on the engine. Like full throttle for as long as you dare up a long grade, several times to seat the rings. Another possibility is that at the last service the heads were improperly torqued and the head gasket is not sealing fully. Try re-torquing the heads. If that doesn't help you should check the head bolt length. Over torquing the heads can cause the bolts to stretch a bit and then they bottom and will not seal the gasket after this has happened. Talk all of this over with your dealer. Again, it sounds to me like something is not right and there are too many variables and not enough information the figure this out here.

Bill

You're being paranoid. Don't scare the newbies Boxer oil consumption is nothing new, it comes and goes depending on oil, how the engine is run as well as operating conditions etc. etc. As-long as its not excessive there's noting at all to worry about. As stated previously one sure thing to change if operated in warm conditions is to use 20w-50 rather than 10w-40 or 10w-50. That will likely reduce oil consumption way more than paranoia

[tinytrains]

I have noticed a big difference in oil consumption riding in canyons vs. highway. The constant rolling the throttle on and off will suck oil into to rings and cause more to be burned. So yes, it can vary a lot depending on riding conditions.

[mogu83]

Woland - the nerve accusing someone on this list of being Paranoid. If it wasn't for Paranoia this list would be lacking fifty percent of it's content. People worried about rear drives blowing up or going up in smoke//fuel strips going bad and leaving riders stranded in the desert//seats that cause damage to male human body parts// engines that burn half a liter of oil between changes and risk motor destruction because the rider uses 10/40 instead of 20/50 or Dino oil instead or synthetic// tires failing because of three pounds to much or too little air pressure..

I guess I fall into the 'If it starts and moves then ride it category' when it stops then fix it or get rid of it. I have a good friend that has been talking about a long trip for years but he keeps letting the 'What ifs' stop him.

But it does make for interesting and sometimes informative reading on a rainy day or in the winter.

[Woland]

Woland - the nerve accusing someone on this list of being Paranoid. If it wasn't for Paranoia this list would be lacking fifty percent of it's content.

But it does make for interesting and sometimes informative reading on a rainy day or in the winter.

50%? more like 85%

I know I'm just being boring when I tell people to not to worry and just go out riding instead

I guess the amount of paranoia reflects the amount of love we all feel for our bikes. But I do wish a lot of people would worry (and wash/polish) less and ride more cuz, that's what the bikes are made for.