Bubbles in oil?

[Turbo]

So after having my machine almost overheat on the weekend, I finally had a chance to take a look at it, thinking the fan was shot.(My machine has an oil cooler + fan.)

Before I had the chance to test it I did a visual check on the machine, I found the oil was down. Prior to riding on the weekend it was right full... so I thought... it ended up taking a little over a litre to "top up".

Now I was thinking that there maybe an air lock in the line.

I then checked the oil level after running the machine, only to find a zillion little bubbles in the oil, which I'm pretty sure is not normal.

FYI: I took the machine into Trashcona Trailer Sales in December to get an oil change done and only rode once prior to this past weekend.

Any ideas what may be wrong, or am I going to have to take it to a dealer to have it looked at?

Thanks,

Travis

[mailman]

Oil that is broken down usually has bubbles in it, so i'm going to guess and say that the viscosity broke down when it overheated. Thinned right out and probably burnt some...........change it, run it for a while and see what happens. Aircooled bike, so can't have any coolent in it, so that would be my guess.

[HRL]

I copied this from an auto site, not exactly the same problem but slightly similar? It does offer a kind of sort of answer to your question????

Question: 2003 Saab 9-3 mileage: 37,000. My Saab has light brown foam in the top of the oil dipstick area. I had the oil changed a few weeks ago and the mechanic said he could find no water in the bottom part (that he drained). Could this be a ventilation problem? The car is not overheating at all and I do not notice any mist or steam coming out of the exhaust. Any advice?

Answer: Light brown foam (bubbles) on the dipstick is normal. When the engine is running the oil can get small bubbles at the top of the dipstick. Modern oils have a mild detergent made into them. This helps keep engine running cleaner and helps prevent sludge build up.

[Turbo]

I'll give it a go and see what happens, thanks for the info.

[Wolf]

What probably happened T is that the oil drained back from the cooler and lines giving the "Full" reading.
Then after riding, the cooler and lines were once again full so it will show lower on the dipstick.
When you topped it up with that litre + , it may have actually over-filled it a bit causing some foaming to occur.

My bike has done the same thing especially after standing it on end for service inspections. Run it a bit more then check again.

[GIBBIES]

Fresh oil always has bubbles in it till you run it for a few minutes! Old oil has no bubbles in it just gets dark .

[mailman]

Fresh oil always has bubbles in it till you run it for a few minutes! Old oil has no bubbles in it just gets dark .
I dunno Gibbies, I've seen lots of bubbles in old oil.:action-smiley-070:

[03griz]

Don't talk about bubbles that way................

[Turbo]

Changed the oil, and low and behold, no more bubbles in the oil after running the machine, thats one problem down, Thanks to Mailman.
And to my surprise Arctic Cat oil is green, who'd a thought?!

Now I have to go for a rip and see if the fan will turn on. Could only tear up the streets in T-cona so long before the old timers started to complain. Hopefully I'll hit the Floodway tomorrow and all will be well.