Norge 8V OIl in Airbox but low oil level? Huh?

[David Bracey]

Hi guys, thanks again for sparing your time to chip in to help me out – appreciated.

So, forgive the lengthy post but I have a few questions and ideas to float past the collective brainpower of this group.

Firstly, this bike does not have a low oil level, despite the warning light coming on when hot. The dipstick still shows oil in between the bottom and top markings. From what you’ve told me so far this could still actually be considered to be ‘over-full’ and oil could accumulate in the airbox.

The sump gasket may be leaking but the oil leak was from between the vee’s higher up so has dripped down over the sump so it’s not yet possible to tell if there’s a leak there also. But I think you’re on to something when you suggest it’s something that expands when the bike is hot.

Having removed the airbox I saw oil around the pressure switch.



The pressure switch wasn’t loose but it undid without a great deal of effort so I expect this was leaking when hot. I’ll replace the switch as well, just in case it’s faulty. The oil over the electrical connector and inside, around the terminals is more baffling but I did have a split breather pipe so am putting it down to that.



I was also concerned with the state of the wiring and rubber boots on connectors in this area. I know it gets hot in there, but I would have hoped they’d stand up to it. Is this normal? I shall try and get some adhesive heat-shrink over the boots. I’ve also re-routed the cabling a bit to keep it from resting on the cylinders.



The RH breather pipe was kinked badly so I can’t believe that cylinder has been breathing properly. I’ll replace both of those pipes.



So, I am hoping that now I have cleaned up, snd when I’ve replaced breather pipes, replaced the pressure switch with new crush washers, cleaned the stepper motor and reassembled, I should be leak free and warning light free.



Whilst it’s in pieces is there anything else I should do and does my description/thought process above sound sensible?

I hope to repay the favour with you guys sometime.

Thanks,

David

 

[Raven]

My boots were in similar shape.
The sump gasket leak is internal, not external. Oil will not be visibly leaking. The gasket leak allows enough of a pressure drop to trigger the low oil pressure light when the engine is hot and idling. Usually if you increase the revs slightly, the light goes out.
Now would be a good time to eliminate the charcoal canister and all it's plumbing. There is plenty of info on the forum on how to do it. I don't know if your bike is inspected each year where you live as that could be a problem. It is part of the emissions system.

 

[David Bracey]

My boots were in similar shape.
The sump gasket leak is internal, not external. Oil will not be visibly leaking. The gasket leak allows enough of a pressure drop to trigger the low oil pressure light when the engine is hot and idling. Usually if you increase the revs slightly, the light goes out.
Now would be a good time to eliminate the charcoal canister and all it's plumbing. There is plenty of info on the forum on how to do it. I don't know if your bike is inspected each year where you live as that could be a problem. It is part of the emissions system.

Hi Raven, thanks for that. That makes total sense now so I think I’ll replace the gaskets to be on the safe side.

We have something yearly called an MOT which is a ministry of transport vehicle inspection and they measure emissions.

David

 

[scottmastrocinque]

That pinched breather pipe is probably part of your airbox oil issue as the the air pressure is significantly raised by that narrowing.

However, I really want you to understand the internal oil leak location.

If you look at the gasket, you will see the large rectangle area with all the holes. This is where the oil pump, bolts in onto the engine block. If there is a tear or it’s not tightened properly, or any other sealing issue between the pump and oil lines and that gasket, especially as it gets hot down there, pressure can drop significantly, triggering the warning light.

Good Luck!

 

[David Bracey]

Thanks all, I’ve ordered both gaskets so that I can replace them if necessary.

Just been for a spirited 35mile ride through wonderful autumnal Kentish countryside and no warning lights or oil discharge/leaks so far. The breather pipes and pressure switch appears to have been the problem but time will tell.

David

 

[David Bracey]

Just a quick update for anyone that’s interested.

Haven’t had any more leaking oil issues yet so not replaced the sump gaskets. UK lockdown has prevented me from giving the bike a longer test so I am still not counting my chickens though. Fingers crossed.

One annoyance though is my neutral light is intermittent since putting the bike back together so I presume I’ve disturbed the wiring. That is a nuisance but one I’ll live with until I’m certain the oil problem is sorted.

Happy Christmas to all on the forum and thanks for the help and friendship you’ve shown me this year. I’m hoping to repay the favours. Let’s hope we’ll be let loose in 2021 especially for the centenary trip to Mandello.

David

 

[Brian UK]

You could have starting problems if the neutral light doesn't come on. Guess how I found that out.

 

[David Bracey]

Interesting. Why so?

 

[john zibell]

Interesting. Why so?

If the ECU doesn't see you are in neutral, and clutch isn't pulled in, she won't start.

 

[kiwi dave]

But by pulling in the clutch lever, it should crank over. Don't start walking home.

 

[David Bracey]

Even with a neural light? I thought you always had to pull in the clutch lever before starting. I always have.

 

[Raven]

In neutral no clutch is required. I always start in neutral except when I engage first gear with the kickstand down and the engine cuts out. Then I call myself a dumb ass and pull the clutch in and restart.

 

[john zibell]

Even with a neural light I thought you always had to pull in the clutch lever before starting. I always have.

That is a good practice. One should never trust the neutral light.

 

[Brian UK]

And then you could have a problem with the clutch switch, or a connection in that circuit as I did. Pulling the clutch had no effect on starting. Don't you just love Guzzi electrics?

 

[scottmastrocinque]

I think it’s more “English weather”.

 

[David Bracey]

I think it’s more “English weather”.

Nothing wrong with English weather. Not if you like being either too wet, too hot, or never quite sure.

Having said all that, we have four very distinct and predictable seasons which is great. Much the same as Columbus OH I suspect.

(C’mon the Blue Jackets)

 

[Brian UK]

Yes, it's either wet or dry or cold or hot. Sometimes we get two seasons rolled into one.

 

[scottmastrocinque]

Yes, I’ve been to the UK and enjoyed it’s 4 “seasons” - wet, wetter, wettest, and “Does the sun ever shine in this god awful place?”

Had to go north to Scotland to get a decent day in Edinburgh.

I feel the same way having lived in Northwest Ohio for the last 17 years after moving away from San Diego.

 

[David Bracey]

Scott, that’s not entirely inaccurate but still a bit harsh. Otherwise we’d never play any cricket.
Come back in summertime and I’ll lend you a bike for us to ride out on.

San Diego is on my list to visit but not sure there’s much hockey to see there.

 

[Bill Hagan]

Scott, that’s not entirely inaccurate but still a bit harsh. Otherwise we’d never play any cricket.
Come back in summertime and I’ll lend you a bike for us to ride out on.

San Diego is on my list to visit but not sure there’s much hockey to see there.

Au contraire ...

San Diego Gulls