I typically ride through the winter, when possible, and this fall has been typically cool and damp, so moisture getting in places I don't want it is expected. The other day I noticed a significant buildup of foamy yellowish- white crap on the oil level window. I did a quick oil change (didn't change the filter), using some Suzuki motorcycle oil I had leftover. Then I rode around for an hour, and saw that the gunk had burned off. So I figured the problem was solved. But today I rode to work, which is about 15 miles of mostly freeway, and when I inspected the window after parking, I noticed a bit of gunk beginning to accumulate there again.

I'm in the Seattle area. It's been around 50 degrees F, with a lot of rain or plain old dampness. The bike is kept in my garage at home, and sits under a carport sort of thing when I'm at work.

So what I'm seeing IS water in the oil, right? What can I do to make it more permanently go away? My understanding is that it can eventually damage bearings, etc. Should I be worried about a leak anywhere? Several months ago I was riding in the rain, and noticed some steam (I'm pretty sure it was steam, and not smoke), coming off the radiator. But I was never able to pinpoint it or reproduce it, so I ignored it.

Any good solutions out there?

I've ridden mine in all kinds of cold and wet and have never seen any sign of water in the oil. I'm guessing its antifreeze which means a seal failure somewhere in the engine. Probably time to test drive the Suzuki warranty.

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09 DL650 ABS

MadStad + stock shield, JCW large topbox, Tuturo chain oiler, Heaterz grips, Suzuki hand guards, GIVI side guards, Aprilia Tuono mirrors, 36l Givi panniers, Richland Rick fork brace, Pipercross Air Filter

http://www.aldntn.bravejournal.com/

See if your coolant level has gone down. Look for scum under the oil filler cap. In either case, coolant is getting into the oil. That can be a bad water pump seal or head gasket.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

Ugh. Not what I wanted to hear. Yes, I guess I will be taking advantage of the warranty. Coolant level looks fine, but I guess it doesn't take much?

If you think it is antifreeze and the dealer isn't cooperative, send an oil sample to a testing lab. Blackstone-labs.com does a full test including coolant for $25. Armed with a lab report showing antifreeze, you have something to make the dealer or American Suzuki respond to you.

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2007 DL650A Whee! (SV cam transplant)

Manage the unavoidable.
Avoid the unmanageable.

Emulsification? Short runs don't burn off any condensation that is in the engine, and you see that as mayonnaise type goo on the oil filler cap underside / in the oil window. Only way to really get rid of it is a fairly long run. But check the coolant level hasn't dropped.

Do you sit with it idling in an attempt to warm it up before riding? If so this is bad news and can cause condensation to build up in the engine. Try and start and ride away (moderately) immediately after starting and try and make you rides be long enought for the engine oil to get good and warm. Tis probably means at least 15 minutes and probably more like 30 minutes.


..Tom

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Road Toads Charter Member - 2006 V-Strom DL650: 202,000 km 125,500 miles, 2012 DL650 New March 2012 54,000 km


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I let it idle long enough for the rpms to stabilize. So only about 30 seconds before I start moving. Takes me that long to back out of wherever I've parked anyway. My ride to work takes about 30 minutes. The engine thermometer always comes up to the midway point (3 bars) well before I have ended my trip. Coolant level is not low, but I have not been checking it very often until just now. There is no goo on the underside of the oil filler cap, and when I changed the oil it did not appear foamy. I just see white goop adhered to the oil window.

My Kaw Vulcan 1500 gave me the same concern but it was only condensation in the window. Doubt you have a problem.

Next long ride should clear it up until dampness or short ride fogs it up again.

Below taken from ' Gadgets Fix It Page " site:

Fogged Oil Sight Glass "Help, my oil sight glass is looking milky and I can't check my oil."

The Fix: Go for a ride (oh darn) This fogging of the oil sight glass window is especially common when weather turns cold among riders who travel short distances. The engine (oil) doesn't get fully up to temperature so the sight glass fogs (just like when you and the S.O. produce all that heat in the back seat on a chilly night). Once fogged it may take a couple of nice long rides to drive the moisture out from between the double paned glass.

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07 DL1000
05 KLR 650
01 Vulcan 1500 ( Sold )
55 CJ5

I would vote for the condensation not burning off. Go for a few long rides if you can. I live on the West side of Oregon and short trips only will cause this condensation. Every few times on your way home from work just swing out an extra 30 miles and back.