Is my engine likely damaged?

[mikesaa309]

I'm normally good at keeping on top of the maintenance of my motorcycles but stupidly I've ridden my gsx 13,000 miles in the last 4-5 months and only really keep the trip meter on trip 1. The other day I checked the ODO and it's at 20,000 miles (had 7,000 on the clock when I've brought it). I have changed the spark plugs in that time only because it kept hesitating, I guess is the only way to explain it. But have neglected to do an oil change and according to the manual it should have had 3 by now. Trouble is it's my only vehicle as I don't have a car licence and been meaning to do an oil change for ages but weather has been crap until the last few days and with no garage I have to rely on weather being partially decent. Did want to do it today as it's a nice day for a change but my oil filter wrench adapter tool has gone walkies so won't be able to get the old one off easily.

Just wondering if it's likely to have caused any damage to the engine?

[Del]

you may not have done any immediate damage but could have worn parts in the engine that will eventually deteriorate prematurely - if I was you I would get the engine flushed out and then a decent oil and the filters changed as soon as possible

hopefully you will have got away with it

[Andre]

I assume that you would have noticed damage.

More likely there is a chance of more than normal wear. Get that oil and filter changed quickly.  In fact do 2 oil changes. 1st change as an engine flush (no need for special oil cleaner as motor oil is a great cleaner). Then go for a short run until the engine is at a good operating temperature. Change the oil again, this time with filter.

Look if you see metal shavings in the oil (magnetic sump plug?).

This would also be a good time to check valve play.

Actually it is time to do ALL the bike maintenance items now. You probably know that but I feel impelled to mention it.

[seth]

As said justv change the oil and filter asap then maybe do another in 2000 miles and hopefully everything will be ok keep an eye the sump plug magnet .

[KiwiCol]

I agree with Andre, I'd do 2 changes in quick succession. Reason being you don't get all the old oil out by just undoing the sump bung, some stays in there. The quick change gets the rest of the old oil diluted with the new & 90% of it will come out in the next change.

You really don't want any of that oil that's done 20,000 miles left in there.

The other way is to take the oil cooler off & drain that as well.

[Del]

If the old oil is like gloop then one of the best ways I have cleared all the galleries is this way (not for the faint hearted) & Ive not done this on a bike only car engines

its not the cheapest way to clean and engine but it has worked for me (as said car engines not bikes)

What you will need
2 x 5 litre tubs of oil
2 oil filters
2 litres of diesel

how to
remove the plugs
drain some of the oil and add diesel (as much as you dare)
turn the engine over for about 30 second - let it all settle and repeat a few times (don't  do all at once you may damage starter motor)

drain oil/diesel try to leave as long as possible to get as much out as possible
remove oil filter

new filter
add oil
replace plugs
start engine and let it warm up

drain oil & remove filter
New filter
add oil

it will be as clean as it left the factory

Ive done this on a few cars that were not very well maintained and they all ran sweet as - in fact I once had a 1.8cvh sierra and it ran like a pig - I made a mistake and added a few litres of diesel instead of petrol so I filled to the brim with super unleaded and ran filling it every day (was a little bit smokey but it cleared) - 300 hundred miles or so I changed the oil & filter (just in case any of the fuel had worked its way into the oil) and the car never ran better in its life

Diesel is a great cleaner

[KiwiCol]

Sounds a good flushing system for a car engine, what about the clutch plates? ya reckon they'd be ok with the diesel?  Everything else would be.

[Del]

never thought of that Col  and glad now I put up only did on car engines

I imagine that the clutch plates wouldn't be that affected as the oil/diesel mixture would be in there that long and then flushed with new oil and if your at the point your bike engine oil is that bad then anything to clean them a little cant be that bad

@KiwiCol

[Andre]

If your engine were so mightily glooped up that you feel the need for this method then replacing the clutch's drive plate corks (EBC kit to be had for 68€ here) would be the lesser evil compared to a total tear down of the engine to clean/rebuild.

[Globalrider]

Mineral or vegetable oil? some would say vegetable oil will go 10K before changing.
If it is mineral, and you'll never know as you didn't change it when you purchased it, you have probably done irrevocable damage!!
These engine are pretty tough so its all about mileage and the environment you have kept the bike in- do what the others have said - you should be fine!
:boogie:Stan

[grog]

Youll be right mate. Not the end of the world. Get engine flush or as stated diesel. Have a few times on car motors flished with diesel. Drain crap thats in there, add new oil with about 1 litre of diesel. Run for a while, 10 mins or so. Idling. Drain again, new filter & oil. Job done. Diesel is oil, wont do any harm. Have seen really dirty motors come clean.

[mikesaa309]

Is diesel capable of lubing the engine sufficiently? Ik it's still oil just didn't know if it's as safe to use as regular engine oil though guess you don't run the engine for long with the diesel in it?

[gsxbarmy]

Don't use diesel to flush - not sure what that would do to your clutch plates!

In all honesty your best bet is to change the oil and filter (run the engine for a couple of mins to warm the oil through first), run that for about 500 miles and then do exactly the same again.

[seth]

As I said before and what gsxbarmy just said change your oil and filter then change again after a few miles 500 is just fine then go back to 4500mile oil changes .
The bike will be fine .
I wouldn't be putting anything other than proper motorcycle oil in my bike EVER .

[Hooli]

As I said before and what gsxbarmy just said change your oil and filter then change again after a few miles 500 is just fine then go back to 4500mile oil changes .
The bike will be fine .
I wouldn't be putting anything other than proper motorcycle oil in my bike EVER .

That from me too.