Oil in exhaust

[cherokee797]

Hi! I recently purchased a 2015 Ultra Tri Glide. It has 24,000 miles and one owner who took very good care of it. This morning I noticed oil in the right exhaust while I was warming it up. No smoke and oil level was good. The left side was fine. Decided it was best to take the car to work so I parked the trike. I'm not a mechanic and there isn't a dealership in my area, but I do have friends who work on their bikes. Any suggestions or is this just because it sat for awhile and it's residual from that? We only have 33 miles of highway so it's not like I'm cruising for hundreds of miles at a time. Thanks for any help or advice.

 

[Jack Klarich]

You could have a worn valve guide and seal, sticking rings or just a bit of carry over from the head breathers

Pull the spark plugs out and look real close at them, if they are fouling you should see it on the plugs

 

[David792]

Jack's advice is right on. Blue smoke at startup might indicate a worn valve seal. (not terribly hard to replace). Smoke during normal operation might indicate a bad ring. It is very possible that it's just a bit of weepage from sitting. When you say "oil in the exhaust, but no smoke" could that have been water vapor? If you have the time you could also do a compression check. I would ride it as normal and check the oil level as well as looking at the exhaust at startup and during normal operation. I just finished a 6,000 mile ride and used about 1/2 quart of oil. Nothing to worry about. Top it off and keep riding. Keep us posted.

 

[ROAD DOG]

If you have not changed the oil do it, Get on it ride the Piss out of it see if it clears up !

 

[Old Road Dog]

Hi! I recently purchased a 2015 Ultra Tri Glide. It has 24,000 miles and one owner who took very good care of it. This morning I noticed oil in the right exhaust while I was warming it up. No smoke and oil level was good. The left side was fine. Decided it was best to take the car to work so I parked the trike. I'm not a mechanic and there isn't a dealership in my area, but I do have friends who work on their bikes. Any suggestions or is this just because it sat for awhile and it's residual from that? We only have 33 miles of highway so it's not like I'm cruising for hundreds of miles at a time. Thanks for any help or advice.

To be sure have one of your buddies do a compression and leak down test.

 

[DK Custom Products]

I would do a leak-down test.



I have had two Harley engines replaced under warranty for worn cylinders (and other heat related issues), neither one of them were burning oil, that you could see, out of the exhaust.

Kevin

 

[Unclebill]

cherokee,
Before you worry too much, be SURE it is oil. Depending on temperature, humidity, elevation,etc., it may be just carbon-laden water.
Step 1 is to simply stick your finger in it, and feel it.
If it is condensed water vapor, GO RIDE!
If of course, it does prove to be oil, do compression and leak down tests.
Best of luck with it!

 

[cherokee797]

I rode all weekend and no issues again! It was probably some fluke thing but I appreciate all of your advice! Thank you