Very light tan colored oil...?

[jh321]

I went to change the kickstart return spring on my triumph tr6c and found that the oil inside the cover was a very light tan. I haven't owned it long (aka haven't changed the oil) and don't know if this is something from the previous owner. Water wouldn't make it this light, would it? Is it an issue?

 

[cqyqte]

I am not familiar with that motor but if it is water cooled then you have a seal or gasket failure. That tan colored oil looks like oil and emulsified water mix. What year is the bike?

 

[ApriliaBill]

Yep, the TR6 I bought years ago had the same thing. Porous cases. If these things sat too long the cases would absorb moisture. Even if you don't ride them, you have to run them. In the early 90's Harley had the same problem with the early Evolution engines, so porous oil actually weeped through the cases, not the gaskets, through the actual cases. If you run/ride it regularly it won't be much of an issue...

 

[cqyqte]

Wow that doesn't say much for the cast aluminum .

 

[DrJ]

The Japanese solved that problem by adding zinc to the aluminum alloy.

 

[jh321]

Thanks for the reply. My only thoughts were water, but I figured I may be missing something. But if the cases absorb water then that seems crazy!

So an oil change and be on my way with no adverse affects?

 

[Tim]

Does the bike run?

I'd drain that junk now, put fresh oil in and then get it up to temp and drain it again.

 

[ApriliaBill]

Does the bike run?

I'd drain that junk now, put fresh oil in and then get it up to temp and drain it again.

Yep, this is the course, also might buy a few extra filters. I changed the oil in mine three times, till foam and discolor was gone.....