HOT HOT engine

[ldljll]

my 2000 with 7,050 miles on it seems to be running awfully hot. it also dies when idling. AND I think I am finding drops of oil on the left side close to the oil window every time I ride. I just changed the oil & the oil filter (I only put in 1.5 quarts). I just checked the air filter & it looks really clean. I'm worried the oil filter is installed wrong - could that be why it's so hot? But I put it back just the way the instructions told me...
Before I changed the oil it was leaking really bad due to loose cover. The nuts weren't even tight on the cover but I don't know how that happened either. Could they work themselves loose?

[ldljll]

oops, that would be the right side where the oil window is.

[Easy Rider]

I just changed the oil & the oil filter (I only put in 1.5 quarts).

Could they work themselves loose?

WHY only 1.5 quarts? Seems like I remember it should take over 2 ???
And yes, being low on oil can cause overheating.....and lots of OTHER bad things too, like total enging failure. :cry:

Yes, nuts and bolts do sometimes work themselves loose.

This oil/overheating thing is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT. You need to visit a dealer real soon.

[johnjh2o]

I just changed the oil & the oil filter (I only put in 1.5 quarts).

Could they work themselves loose?

WHY only 1.5 quarts? Seems like I remember it should take over 2 ???
And yes, being low on oil can cause overheating.....and lots of OTHER bad things too, like total enging failure. :cry:

Yes, nuts and bolts do sometimes work themselves loose.

This oil/overheating thing is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT. You need to visit a dealer real soon.

1.5 Quarts is the right amount.

[burkbuilds]

You got the right amount of oil, the manual says 1.4 US quarts if you only change the oil and 1.5 US quarts if you change the filter to and 1.8 for an Engine overhaul which I guess means you can't drain that last 3/10ths of a quart in a normal oil change.

Now the question is "are you getting good oil circulation"? Maybe the filter is installed incorrectly or possibly a defective filter that has an internal collapse and isn't allowing the oil to flow. Sometimes I've had trouble telling which way an internal filter should go when looking at the directions so maybe that is a possibility.

Some of the more mechanically inclined should be able to tell us if there is another potential problem that could be causing a lack of circulation. How about it guys? I assume this motor is just splash lubricated but I don't know for certain, is there a "sump" with a filter in the oil pan that could be clogged up or a return drain port from the top that could be clogged or something else?

[bonehead]

Just looked at OEM parts manual. It does have a gear driven oil pump, but i can't tell from the parts diagram where it is. Try looking in the shop manual, I would, but have to get back to work.

[Water Warrior 2]

1300 ml or 44 fluid ounces U.S. In Florida the temps ARE hot. What weight oil ? I would go with a 20-50 weight myself. Also try idling up the engine a bit, that just may be what it needs to circulate the hot oil properly and effectively.

[ldljll]

so you think if I set the idle higher, it would help cool the engine? I used 10-40 -the most expensive one on the motorcyle shelf. it's a big deal to get to the dealer from my house-it's not close by & I would have to get a ride home, but that's what i will do. I KNOW i need new tires & i can't do that myself. Thnks for the response!

[Easy Rider]

it's a big deal to get to the dealer from my house-it's not close by & I would have to get a ride home, but that's what i will do. I KNOW i need new tires & i can't do that myself. Thnks for the response!

So, let's chat a bit. I'm assuming from something that you said that YOU have owned this bike since it was new.....about 9 years, right? But then if that is the case, why is this your first expereince with changing the oil? I'm a bit confused.

If you have owned it that long, you surely should be able to judge that it is hotter than normal.
If you just recently got it, however, maybe you are just being paranoid. :)

The oil you got will be fine......if it really IS a motorcycle oil.

Anyhow, if you are really worried about riding it to the dealer, they will, for a fee, come and get it on a trailer. Call and ask; it might be worth the money.

[ldljll]

thx, yes I think it's hotter than normal. & I've chged the oil three times (maybe 4).. But the trouble seemed to really start right when the cover was so loose & the oil started leaking. & after what you said about how serious it could be, I may try to load it on our old truck. It's probably 35 miles to the dealer - i'm know i've already run at least 50-60 miles while it's acting like this. But that means it will be a few weeks before I can ride it again :(

[DSmithjr]

If you take a look at the manual on page 2-19, it outlines how you can do an oil pressure check on your motor. If you're afraid you're not getting proper oil circulation, that would probably be a good place to start.

From the manual:

"OIL PRESSURE CHECK
Check the oil pressure periodically. This will give a good indication of the condition of the moving parts.

OIL PRESSURE SPECIFICATION Above 30 kPa (0.3 kg/cm2, 4.3 psi) Below 70 kPa (0.7 kg/cm2, 10.0 psi)
at 3 000 r/min., Oil temp, at 60°C (140°F)

If the oil pressure is lower or higher than the specification, the following causes may be considered. LOW OIL PRESSURE
* Clogged oil filter
* Oil leakage from the oil passage
* Damaged O-ring
* Defective oil pump
* Combination of the above items
HIGH OIL PRESSURE
* Engine oil viscosity is too high
* Clogged oil passage
* Combination of the above items"

[Water Warrior 2]

Some one correct me if I am wrong so here goes. Doing this by memory.Try this quick check. Take off the filter cover(cold engine)and see if the filter is correctly installed. The filter should have the flat spot facing out with the spring between the filter and filter cover. If the filter is in backwards the oil flow will be inhibited. The oil should enter the filter through the hole in it's center and filter/flow outwards through the filter. It will then drain out of the filter area through the small internal hole in the case to the crank case. If this is the case then problem solved and hopefully little or no damage done.

[ldljll]

can I do this quick check w/o draining the oil? I thought I would have to rechange the oil if I take off the oil cover. thank you all so much for the tips & advice!

[Easy Rider]

can I do this quick check w/o draining the oil? I thought I would have to rechange the oil if I take off the oil cover. thank you all so much for the tips & advice!

It will be a little messy but you won't lose too much....an ounce or two.

If I remember correctly, the filter cover is on the HIGH (right) side as the bike rests on the side stand. If that is true AND you let it sit overnight before removing the cover, almost all of the oil will be drained OUT of the filter before your open it up. If the cover is on the left side, you might want to stand it straight up for a minute or two before opening.

Under the circumstances, certainly worth a look, I'd say.

..............and I just had a wild thought..........if the filter came "shrink wrapped" to a piece of cardboard........you DID get all of the plastic OFF of it, didn't you ?? :shocked:

[ldljll]

There was no plastic on it - duh! I got it from ICON Powersprots in my hometown - ALABAMA. I couldn't find it easily around here. They mailed me a new o-ring because it wasn't in stock. Speaking of the ICON Suzuki dealer there - it looked so empty like they were going out of buisness. Not a single bike there. not much other inventory for sale either. it was wierd - i aksed the guy working there if they were going out of business. He said they were swapping banks so had to turn in all the bikes. I'm going to try & stop by agian this weekend to see if they have any new merchandise. I thought MAYBE I could buy the tires there & just get them put on @ a regular tire place close by. Do tire stores know how to change motorcyle tires? Anyways, I will take off the oil cover & check that filter installation. At least I could rule that out as my problem if all is correct. I even have a few more ozs of oil to replace the spillage.

[alantf]

If I remember correctly, the filter cover is on the HIGH (right) side as the bike rests on the side stand. :tup:

[Easy Rider]

Do tire stores know how to change motorcyle tires?

Usually no. Certainly not unless YOU take the wheels off and carry them there.
Call ahead. Probably best to let the shop do it BUT check other shops too......if all you need is the tires. In our area, the BMW shop seems to have the best installed price on tires.

[ldljll]

so i finally opened my oil cover. I was ready for several ozs. to come out, but NONE leaked out. there was only a tiny bit of oil in the bottom. The filter was oily, but not dripping.. That isn't right is it?

[Water Warrior 2]

so i finally opened my oil cover. I was ready for several ozs. to come out, but NONE leaked out. there was only a tiny bit of oil in the bottom. The filter was oily, but not dripping.. That isn't right is it?

That sounds pretty reasonable. There normally is a small amount of oil left in the filter cavity but it mostly drains down through the exit hole slightly to the left of the filter as you face it. The oil enters through the center of the filter and is filtered as it is pumped from the inside to the outside. With the engine turned off whatever remains just drains down.
Whenever I changed oil on the GZ I just used a couple paper towels to mop up any oil that tried to run out and down the side of the engine.

[Easy Rider]

so i finally opened my oil cover. I was ready for several ozs. to come out, but NONE leaked out. there was only a tiny bit of oil in the bottom. The filter was oily, but not dripping.. That isn't right is it?

If it sat overnight (or longer) then I would say that is probably normal.
I think my last filter change only leaked out a few drops and that was with a warm engine that sat only a few minutes.

[ldljll]

ok, thanks. i still hve to find a shop & get it there - i'm off work next week -that's my main mission.