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My 2007 Honda 919 has 5k on it and looks in mint condition.
Back in October I did an oil change and filter replacement. Nothing out of the ordinary and the oil was pretty clean.
The bike was put in cold storage a couple of days later as I was leaving for the next 3-1/2 months.
As soon as I got back (a couple of weeks ago), I started using the bike again for my daily commute. Nothing unusual until last night when I checked the oil level (which I do about every week) and noticed a white residue on top of the oil (through the little window at bottom of crankcase). I checked again this morning after getting at work and noticed a thick layer of what looks like white foam on top of the oil. After thinking about this for a while and talking to a couple of co-workers, it appears that it is most likely coolant in the oil. I checked the coolant reservoir, and indeed the level is lower than the minimum line (was fine back in October).
By the way, I looked but did not see any smoke or steam coming out of the exhaust.
So, I'm afraid that is probably what it is.
This engine has only 5000 miles on it! Ugh...

So, my questions are:
- Do you agree with my prognosis?
- What are the possibilities in terms of the source of the problem? Other than a blown head gasket?
- How involved is this for a repair?
- If it is a blown head gasket, is it possible that the head might have gotten damaged?
- What's the best approach to find the fault? I mean, I don't want to take the whole engine out if I don't have to.

Thanks,

Guy
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My first thought was cracked head or blown head gasket...but might be condensation build up in the crank case (if the bike has gone through a bunch of warm up & cool down cycles without being ran, condensation can build up inside the crank case through the breathers)...change the oil and check the level of coolant, then take the bike out for a ride...if the issue returns, then it is one of the more serious issues...hopefully a head gasket...if it doesn't return, no harm no foul...but keep checking just in case it is a really slow leak...

Good Luck!

Later.

madjak30 wrote:My first thought was cracked head or blown head gasket...but might be condensation build up in the crank case (if the bike has gone through a bunch of warm up & cool down cycles without being ran, condensation can build up inside the crank case through the breathers)...change the oil and check the level of coolant, then take the bike out for a ride...if the issue returns, then it is one of the more serious issues...hopefully a head gasket...if it doesn't return, no harm no foul...but keep checking just in case it is a really slow leak...

Good Luck!

Later.

You were right, it was condensation.
I emptied the oil in a clear glass container at lunch time and checked for green coolant and there wasn't any in the oil.
So, it must have been from the prolong storage of the bike in an environment where there are fairly significant temperature changes between day and night (NM desert).
Thanks for your prompt reply!

Guy

Glad it was helpful...I would still check it regularly, maybe each time you fill the tank, for a while just to be sure...

If it was anything else it would have sucked!! Although a pressure washer can cause water to get in the breathers as well, but not too likely...

Later.