View Full Version : 748 oil window & Spark plug wires
Well, finally went out to sort my 748 running problems based on the fine advice received from readers of my earlier post (http://ducatisportingclub.com/xmb/viewthread.php?tid=27682)
In the process of checking the plugs noticed to my horror that no oil was present in the porthole. Only done 1500 miles since purchase from the dealer and whilst I'm stupid not to have checked didn't think about it as no warning light appeared - doh. Took the lower plug out and it was oily/wet and some white smoke appears in one of the exhausts on start up. Does this mean I've 'seized' one of the cylinders and would this explain the poor running / complete lack of power.
A search through the archives seems to suggest that oil consumption is a problem early on but surely not to dry in 1500 miles?
If I fill up and run it again will this make matters worse or is it already stuffed due to the 3 mile limp home? Also any hope of getting this done under dealer warranty??
D
[Edited on 3-1-2006 by djb]
Shazaam!
03-Jan-2006, 05:11
Relax.
First, read your Owners Manual section for the procedure for checking the oil level. In particular, the bike should be uprght and the engine cold (at least give the level a few minutes to settle when hot) when you check the level in the sight glass. Use a small hand mirror to view it if you’re astride to make sure it’s between the two marks.
Even if the level was actually below the minimum level, it’s unlikely that the oil pump was starved of oil. The white smoke you see at startup is normal, water condensation not oil being burned (which has a blue color.)
Thanks Shazaam
Only worry is that oil wasn't just below min but non-existent in porthole! My only hope is that this isn't the reason for it running poorly......
Anyway gonna try filling up and then if this doesn't work then will ry the previous suggestions - plugs then fuel filter. Pain in the ass as the tank has to be drained / come off as no quick release pipes. Failing that it's off to the dealer.
D
rockhopper
03-Jan-2006, 22:47
Daft question but you are looking at the window on the offside off the bike?
Yep with min/max markings.
My worry is that the lack of power may have been due to a complete absence of oil in the cylinder that might have damaged it and that topping it up and running it will just damage it further. Never having damaged a cylinder I'm not sure whether it would be more obvious than I think.....or am I being stupid again?
Any help for a newbie appreciated.
D
rockhopper
04-Jan-2006, 09:30
Thats okay then! Some people have been known to look at the window on the other side of the engine!
Was the bike on a paddock stand when you looked at the level? Have you topped it up? How much did it take?
No it was on it's tyres held vertically.
Waiting for some 15W50 and plugs/fuel filter from Nelly. Will try these first before I waste your time anymore. Contacted dealer who suggested it may just be dirt in the fuel filter as it was running on reserve so I guess if the plugs don't work then it's the fuel filter next (a job I'm not looking forward to) - no quick release so it's drain the tank time. Bugger!
Thanks guys, will let you know how I get on.
D
always check the bike on a stand, i panicked the other day when i had no oil in the sight then put it on paddock and stand and all was fine.
as i said in your previous post go with the plugs mate, it sounds really similair to what i had, i'd be very surprised if it wasnt them.
deej
Nigel C
05-Jan-2006, 23:48
Originally posted by deej
always check the bike on a stand, i panicked the other day when i had no oil in the sight then put it on paddock and stand and all was fine.
as i said in your previous post go with the plugs mate, it sounds really similair to what i had, i'd be very surprised if it wasnt them.
deej
Surely you should check it with both wheels on the ground and the bike upright???,
if it's on the paddock stand the bike will be at an angle with the rear higher then the front thus giving a false reading !!!
rockhopper
05-Jan-2006, 23:54
Manual say the bike should be "upright" to check the oil. I would say that means on its wheels rather than a stand. Different stands will lift the rear of the bike by different amounts so giving different readings!
I'm probably wrong though.
what if you have both wheels on paddock stands then smarty pants
plus im too unfit to be able to support the bike and bend down to check levels
and how is it a 1 man job if the bike needs to be upright without the use of a stand
Well if I wasn't confused before.......!
Hoping it's the plugs but will let you know tomorrow. Get nervous about lack of oil coz have had a screeching when I pull away which I put down to clutch but could the lack of oil not indicate a howl from the transmission as suggested in Haynes or is my imagination getting the better of me.................
anyway will hopefully know tomorrow.
Thanks guys.
Just purchased a membership on the back of all the help I've had so far so free drinks at the bar..........and from a scotsman on a yellow duke. Jeez. Whatever next.
D
D
Mad Dog Bianchi
06-Jan-2006, 06:25
screeching sounds like clutch. You should be able to hold the bike fairly upright and get a good gaze at the window before dropping it back down on the side stand. Did it all the time with my SS. Can do it with the ST4 as well though there is more weight. Get the bike reasonably upright and see if the oil is somewhere between the marks every time you ride if you have an oil consumption problem (or even if you don't). Just takes a sec in the morning.
rockhopper
06-Jan-2006, 09:29
Screeching is deffo the clutch.
Two stands would work for the oil as well!!
just out of interest how much oil did you have to put back in to make it come up to the required level ?
Now had a chance to look at it - olnly took around 1/2l oil so no panic after all with this!
Think the problem may be with the HT lead. It doesnt seem to connect with the plug very well. When the plug is out the lead 'snaps' on to the plug and the spark is fine but back in the bike it just seems to sit in the casing without snapping on to the lead. Wondered if this could be due to it being yanked in and out too often (stop it!) and the connector/lead has been pulled too far back up the sleeve - if that makes sense. Has anyone else had this problem?
Time to buy a new lead I guess - any recommendations or is it back to Nelly for more stuff?
D
Shazaam!
07-Jan-2006, 15:36
I recommend the Magnecor wires.
http://www.magnecor.co.uk/default.htm
Straight, multi-stranded, unshielded wire conductors offer theoretical gains, but produce lots of electromagnetic interference (EMI). The big problem is with the computer found used on fuel injected bikes as the radiated EMI can interfere with the computer and corrupt signals which can affect engine performance. The concern also goes for non-resistor plugs. Theoretically, they can provide more power, but the reality is that the noise produced can corrupt computer sensor signals and computer operation itself. It also raises hell with the radio in the vehicle next to you.
Thanks Shaz
Presumably they can supply the boots either end or do I have to canabilise the ones I have?
As a matter of interest can someone tell me whether they get a positive connection with the plug i.e. you can feel it snapping on to the plug when it's installed as I'm fairly sure this is where the problem lies - not so much with the wires themselves. It's almost as if the rubber collar is preventing the lead going far enough into the chamber?
Ta (again)
D
moto748
07-Jan-2006, 17:35
djb>
As far as checking oil is concerned, I've said it before, but just use a small "shaving" type mirror. Prop it at about 45 degrees (against a wall?) on the floor by the side of your bike. Sit astride the bike and look at the sight-glass in the mirror. I can do this quite easily even in the dark, by shining a torch on the mirror. You have to wait a while for the oil level to move up, especially when the oil is cold. If you're too impatient, you may panic yourself into thinking that the level's lower than it really is.
BTW even on bikes without quick-release fuel fittings (mine's like that), there's no need to drain the tank to remove it. Honest!
moto
problem is not the oil. 1/2l to top up and problem solved. fairly sure the problem lies in the ht lead - see above.
D
philthy
07-Jan-2006, 17:50
Moto
A variation of the above method can also be used if you suffer from piles.
I could go into more detail, but I'm sure you get the idea.
Oh...and don't forget to lock the bathroom door first.
Toodle pip
:D
[Edited on 7-1-2006 by philthy]
trying really hard not to let the image into my head...........
if anyones still listening have come to the conclusion that the problem lies in the lead itself as its getting fuel to the plug (so problem not with the fuel filter) and it sparks when I take it out to test (so not any mapping problem with the ecu or a faulty coil).
I'm gonna try swapping the leads over tomorrow and see if this works.
Anyone got any bright ideas for getting the boot deeper into the casing without cutting the collar off?
D
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