Driving a two-wheeled machine that smells like oil can be very annoying and above all stressful. When your motorcycle smells of oil, it is imperative to do everything to quickly identify the source of the problem. In fact, it is particularly dangerous for you and for other drivers to operate a machine that is experiencing an oil or gasoline leak. Since then, has your motorcycle recently started to smell of oil? Are you wondering what to do to solve this very worrying mechanical problem? Discover, in the following lines, all the useful answers ...
My motorcycle smells of oil: why?
The smell of oil escaping from your motorcycle can be due to several mechanical issues. But, beyond their diversity, they will all have to do with the engine of your two-wheeled machine. It should be remembered that oil plays an essential role in lubricating the engine and other parts of the motorcycle. When there is excess oil consumption, you will find that your motorcycle's exhaust emits blue or very dark smoke. This is also explained by the fact that the residues of oil burnt for engine lubrication are too present in the cylinder and the muffler.
That said, note that the smell of oil could come, above all, from the old age of the oil or from its unsuitability for the type of engine of your machine. In addition, the mechanical problem could be explained by an abnormal increase in the oil level. This inevitably leads to a significant dispersion of the oil in the cylinders of the motorcycle. But that's not all ... Indeed, the odor could also emanate from more or less considerable leaks, in particular following an oil change. Note that oil leaks are often caused by rupture or wear of the crankcase seal. Leaks are very easy to spot as they leave marks on the road when you are driving or when you are stationary.
In addition, wear or old age of certain bearings, rings and deformation of the cylinders (taking an oval shape) may be responsible for the abnormal combustion observed in the exhaust gases.
Finally, be aware that the mechanical problem could be due to erosion of the valve guides causing a considerable passage of oil. It can also lead to aging seals breaking and internal leakage.
Find, here, other possible causes of the appearance of an oil smell on the motorcycle.
My motorcycle smells of oil: what solutions should be considered to solve the problem?
As soon as you notice that your motorcycle is losing oil, it is best to stop immediately. If you noticed the leak just before starting, it is recommended that you do not turn the motorcycle on. In fact, it could be particularly dangerous for you. Worse still, other road users could lose control of their vehicle if it comes into contact with the oil falling on the asphalt.
If you choose to drive your two-wheeler while losing oil, the damage to the condition of your engine will be irreversible and very deplorable. In the absence of oil, the parts will be in permanent contact while rubbing rigidly. This will greatly cause faults in the machine.
These precautions taken, it is now necessary to locate the leak responsible for the smell of oil. To do this, it is recommended that you follow these tips:
Check the tank cap
The first thing to do is to check whether the tank cap is properly closed. Indeed, the gasoline or oil leak could come from this negligence. To solve the problem, it will just be necessary to properly tighten the tank cap and clean the oil residues on the machine and on the ground.
Check the oil level
It is also recommended that you check the oil level in the reservoir. Note that some motorcycles are equipped with two reservoirs each taking a distinct oil. It is therefore important to take this detail into account when you are going to top up the oil. It is also essential to choose a quality oil recommended by the manufacturer of the motorcycle.
Examine the operation of the oil pump
It is also desirable for you to check the operation of your oil pump. If it is somewhat defective, it may cause excessive oil consumption. It is clear then that you will be able to solve the leak problem yourself with little DIY notions.
Otherwise, if the mechanical problem is much more complex, it is preferable to quickly transport your motorcycle to the nearest garage. In fact, overconsumption of engine oil will likely necessitate changing any damaged or weather-tested parts. Luckily, the smell of oil could be forgotten by a simple cleaning of all the engine compartments ... hence the interest of having to regularly diagnose and maintain the parts of your motorcycle!
