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08 650 Burning oil, help me diagnose!

2.9K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  bmwguy  
#1 ·
My 2008 V-strom DL650 has been burning oil. Help me find the reason.

It has 23k miles, I had the bike since 8k miles. I change the oil every 6 months, usually about 6k miles. I ride year around mainly for commute. My commute consist of 35 minutes ride to work and about 15 minutes highway ride at high rate of speed on the HOV lane. The rest of the commute is 25 to 45 MPH with traffic light. Some stop and go in Washington DC traffic. When I do stop in traffic lights, I sometimes do smell oil burning. I do want to point out that once on the HOV lane, i do haul ass. typically between 75 mph and 90 mph (Hey it's the no-man's land as I call it) RPM of engine is between 6 and 7k.

It has been burning about .25 quarts per tank full. The oil burning seems to be worst using Mobile 1 syn 15-50. When I use Rotella T6, it's about half of the amount of Mobile 1. However when using T6 oil, I noticed that it's harder to find neutral. Regardless, I am not going to turn this into another oil thread.

I do want to point out that the bike REALLY started burning oil after a mishap with the bike. Not to get into the detail of the accident, the bike slid from under me while going about 45 - 50 MPH and landed on gravel on the left side of the bike. the Crash bar took blunt of the force and minimal damage. I was in full gear and had a bruised ankle and a broken collar bone(ouch, but it coulda been worst without my Aerostich jacket and pants). But when my buddy and I picked up the bike, we noticed a small puddle oil on the ground(and the sharp pain in my shoulder), but the bike started right up.

What would you think is causing the oil burning at excessive rate? My co-worker theorize that because the bike isn't designed to do what I'm putting it through, the power curve is pretty flat on the 650 and at high rate of speed at 80ish is causing my oil to burn.

I am thinking that because of the accident there's something go on? Is there a oil breather valve that is plugged up or something?

Thanks in advance for your advise!
 
#2 ·
The oil after the crash probably came from running up through the crankcase breather to the airbox. I would clean the airbox and the breather element in the airbox. That could be causing the burning you smell. Also check for leaks in the obvious places, valve covers, output shaft seal, clutch pushrod seal. If that's all good and you really are burning oil, (unusual with so few miles on the engine ), you might try one of the many additives designed to combat this. Most are made for automotive engines, but there must be something that won't harm a wet clutch.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I will take the bike apart, take the gas tank off and inspect the breather element and air filter.

Anyone know if the vstrom has a PVC valve? Can the PVC be damaged, plugged or stuck open or loose/disconnected hose?