74 CB360 Gas in the oil

[jamesonant]

Hi all,
First off I am new to Do The Ton and I must admit new to vintage bikes. That being said I bought a '74 CB360 at the end of last summer and I am planning on fixing it up and doing some light modding. I took the right crankcase cover off to check out my clutch and noticed that oil smelled strongly of gas. I have read that this can be caused by the fuel valve petcock being left on. My fuel valve was not stock and prior to this was giving me issues, when I removed it i realized that the off position was actually on and on was actually off! Anyway I have read that gas in the oil can cause excess wear, particularly on the camshaft journals. I plan on removing the cylinder head cover and checking how it looks inside. I was wondering if it would be recommended to remove the camshaft to check the journals as well or if i will be able to see signs of wear just by removing the cylinder head cover? Furthermore could gas in oil cause the bike to bog and perform poorly? The bike has very low miles, around 2800, and I have only taken it out on very short rides around the neighborhood a few times and it seemed to bog and have lower power than it should.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[born2expire]

change the oil immediately and then ride it around for like 30 mins or so and then check the oil again. gas in the oil is not good, it reduces the lubricating properties these engines need and if theres too much it could cause a crank case explosion. see one on the ship while i was out to sea. not fun to see a cat diesel generator blow out all of its inspect covers.

just search and read up most of the answers are on here. i have a 75 CB360 so if you have any questions hit me up as ive rebuilt the my whole top end after a bent valve and a broken cam chain.

 

[Attatoy]

What he said .....The gas comes from a leaky carb.....you leave the bike and the gas trickles into the cyc and leaks slowly past the rings. Get that oil outa there and check you float levels, your float needle (dirt or rust can leave it open...and there for leaking) and lastly check for your float having gas in it if they are brass. Good luck Sir!

 

[sharperdill]

What they said ^^^^^^^^ Change the oil, Check your float level and your float needle and seat (replace them if necessary). Make sure to turn your petcock off when your done riding.

 

[jamesonant]

Thanks for the insight guys! I plan on flushing the bike with clean oil a couple times, and taking the head cover off and looking for signs of wear. Hopefully everything will look as clean in there as it does behind the crankcase cover!