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Poll: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll

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Poll result: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll

Does my bike use oil?

My bike does not burn oil... I always check ( 13 votes - 56.52% )
My bike uses a tiny bit of oil. ( 6 votes - 26.09% )
My bike uses oil? ( 3 votes - 13.04% )
I have broken in my bike by the book and the oil level never moves ( 1 vote  - 4.35% )
I have broken in my bike the WOT way. I have no oil issues ( 2 votes - 8.70% )
You are suppose to break in a bike? Mine does not use oil (0 votes - 0%)
I do no look. I drain when my transmission acts up. (0 votes - 0%)
I change mine at #,### miles and never noticed. (0 votes - 0%)

Thread: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll

Created on: 12/29/11 08:12 PM

Replies: 20

Kruz


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Location:

Republic of Texas

Joined: 03/16/09

Posts: 6872

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 8:11 AM

I guess I've got the only ZX-14 that uses any oil. Not sure if mine burns it or leaks it past the rocker cover, always a thin film on the L/H fairing and I can smell it burning on the header when I shut down. Mine was broken in by the book, last bike I ever did this with. Now I ride 'em like I stole 'em on the way home frome the stealer.

One of the problems with this bike in checking the oil level, it really takes two people to get it right. The bike must be PERFECTLY level. If you are off from the vertical even the slightest amount, the oil level in the sight glass changes dramatically. I usually stick a phone book under the kick stand to get the bike near level, then sit down on the garage floor and move the bike toward me until it is weightless, then check. Any motion and the level moves around too much to be readable. Not the best system but it's all we have!



2021 Aprilia RSV4 2020 BMW S1000RR 2016 ZX-10R KRT 2016 959 Panigale Red 2015 CBR1000RR SP Repsol 2011 ZX-10R Ebony 2009 ZX-6R Lime Green 2006 ZX-14 Red 2004 VTX 1300C Candy Red "For we walk by faith and not by sight" II Corinthians 5:7

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 8:40 AM

I was adding ~1/4 liter/600 miles. I consider that more than "uses a tiny bit" so I voted MY BIKE USES OIL. Mine was also broken in by the book. I don't think it really makes a big dif how you break in modern engines however I'm more comfortable to go for a bust the cherry fast and hard break in. The busa was redlined right out of the dealership lot (1 mile straightaway right around the corner heheheheheh location location location). No leaks runs good. No regrets.

I guess I've got the only ZX-14 that uses any oil. Not sure if mine burns it or leaks it past the rocker cover, always a thin film on the L/H fairing and I can smell it burning on the header when I shut down. Mine was broken in by the book, last bike I ever did this with. Now I ride 'em like I stole 'em on the way home frome the stealer.

No, Kruz you aren't the only one. Certainly not. We've been reading these threads for years. I imagine there are a good number of owners with a slight leak at the rocker cover and they don't even know it because that rubber heat shield (...or is it a leak shield?) blanket over the motor would conceal it quite well.

I had all the symptoms you have + you forgot to mention the bead that forms on the left header stud.

Never had a drop on the floor.

Not leaking internally -- no blue smoke atoll.

Yeah it is a dirt trapping mess on the motor so I DO think it is something that should be on the fix it list.

It's not too hard to fix --

Three rules:
#1 Use a brand new head cover gasket (that part was updated after '08 and I suspect it is less prone to leaking)
#2 Might want to go with brand new head cover washer rubbers. The rubber prolly gets fatigued after a while and looses it's resillience.
#3 Stay away from synthetic oil for a while......at the very least, it leaks easier and after hearing some well informed conjecture, seems to me quite possible that synthetic causes the inevitable engine leaks to happen sooner. Switch back to conventional if you can stand it and let that cook in your motor for 10K miles. The leaks might stop.


* Last updated by: Rook on 12/30/2011 @ 8:47 AM *



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 8:52 AM

so Hubsteramavich.....do you have a lil leaky you see now that the 14 has sat long enough for it to flow out into the open?


anyone with a 2009 or later have post head cover drip?



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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Grn14


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Location: Montana

Joined: 02/25/09

Posts: 15511

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 12:21 PM

"I'm bending over Grn about his comment not using oil".

Listen...the LAST time I posted about my results about something particular to MY bike...I got ridiculed for it...something about"so you think you're bike is better than everyone else's"...you know...that kind of thing.

You described pretty well how I do ride...kudos to you Hubster!With that being said,I voted #2.The oil use with my 07 is minimal.VERY.Nothing that a normal,good condition engine wouldn't do.This aint no Briggs and Stratton.It's gonna use a tad bit of oil with the HP and Tq it produces.If only to vaporize and burn away.

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Maddevill


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Location: Hayward, CA

Joined: 04/23/11

Posts: 2673

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 12:37 PM

Mine uses a little oil, maybe 1/4 quart every 1500 miles. I don't know how it was broken in but in my experience, many of the big bore bikes get broken in too easy. You have to let it rip a few times to generate the combustion pressure to get the rings to seat. In fact, that was the problem with an 86 Ninja 1000 that I bought cheap because it used oil. I freshened up the top end and broke it in aggressively, no burn and great power.
SO guys and gals, LET ER RIIIIP!

Mad



Owner of KNGKAW.

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Grn14


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Location: Montana

Joined: 02/25/09

Posts: 15511

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 1:42 PM

Ya..I've been doing that with my new bike now...none of this 'staying at 4000 rpm,do not go over that till 500 miles".You guys here describing your break-in procedures helped me make what I think is a good way to get the most out of my engine.Thanks to all!

I have let er rip several times now....totally against what I previously 'thought' I should be doing with a new engine.We'll see.I'm not worried.I trust you guys opinions on this stuff...it DOES make sense .So far...so good


* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/30/2011 @ 1:46 PM *

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 2:05 PM

I say I don't think it matters how the engine is broke in becuase it was already broke in before you ever turned the key. They redlined every motor every gear before it left the factory --prolly before it went into the bike. Then they dynoed it to check performance specs and redlined it again.

too bad, she's already quite well popped long before you boohoo.

the easy break in is just so you don't kill yourself on that brand new brazen hussy.



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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bean07


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Location: South Ozz

Joined: 08/02/10

Posts: 3181

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 4:56 PM

I guess I've got the only ZX-14 that uses any oil.
+1 & 2 others Kruz lol one would have to think you would be NUTS to say "ANY" engine don't use a bit of OIL !



2006 CBR1100xx with a few mods + V Star 1300A Cobra swept exhaust,Fi2000 EFI,Big air kit, Rad cover/Guard,Forward controls/pegs,Pillion mini boards,screen,rack,Saddleman seat a few chrome bits.

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ethin14



Location: Qld Australia

Joined: 03/09/09

Posts: 589

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 5:37 PM

Change oil at 5000klm, always overfill at the change fill that window , at the change its top of the window coming into range.

would consider this level of oil consumption normal

No leaks.

Kruz should of asked oil type, "put everyone in a head spin"


Full Syn use Briggs and Stratton oil, OK so the left over oil goes in the mower same thing!!!


* Last updated by: ethin14 on 12/30/2011 @ 5:45 PM *

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 5:57 PM

always overfill at the change fill that window , at the change its top of the window coming into range.

That's at least a half liter over-serviced. Always heard overfilled will cause oil to get shot up to the valves? IDK if it matters. Oil can somehow find its way up to the throttle plates. i found it on my secondaries when I took them out. Nothing in the air box, though.

My feeling is I'd rather ad as needed rather than top 'er off for the full 2500 miles.



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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SILVER14


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Location:

virginia beach va

Joined: 07/25/10

Posts: 160

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 6:31 PM

Well bought mine used 1700mi but after I got it wrung the snot out of it until I changed the oil at 3k. No problems with consumption no valve cover leaks no nothing. Only got 7800 on it now.



08 ZX14 Atomic Silver
09 YZFR6 Limited Edition Orange & Black

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bean07


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Location: South Ozz

Joined: 08/02/10

Posts: 3181

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 7:29 PM

"put everyone in a head spin"
Motul



2006 CBR1100xx with a few mods + V Star 1300A Cobra swept exhaust,Fi2000 EFI,Big air kit, Rad cover/Guard,Forward controls/pegs,Pillion mini boards,screen,rack,Saddleman seat a few chrome bits.

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ethin14



Location: Qld Australia

Joined: 03/09/09

Posts: 589

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/30/11 9:00 PM

maybe Rook, sometimes do 7000 klm or more on trips , keep her up higher than normal.

with the level check method we have it cant be critical.

your pegs touch down, extreme acceleration, extreme braking hows your oil level now.

1/2 liter overfull ?? maybe

Those that don't use any , maybe your gasoline is topping it up for you

Kawa filter every time


* Last updated by: ethin14 on 12/30/2011 @ 11:24 PM *

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alg8er


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Joined: 02/10/09

Posts: 1219

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/31/11 1:29 AM

I haven't had to add oil in between changes to a vehicle in decades, except for my lawnmower. Fill them to the top line, and it's still there at change time. Any oil loss, and I'm sure there's some loss, is so minor it doesn't register. The 3000GT has about 105,000 miles. As you all know by now, I use Amsoil in everything, except my lawnmower.



Before your criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do criticize them, you're a mile away and have their shoes.

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Kruz


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Location:

Republic of Texas

Joined: 03/16/09

Posts: 6872

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
12/31/11 2:13 AM

Every engine I have ever owned used at least some oil between changes. If you think about it, most of us run our 14's motor hard, I run at least 8000 rpm every ride. Every trip of the piston up and down the bore, a thin layer of oil gets deposited on the cylinder wall by the oil control ring. What happens to that oil when hit by two thousand degree combustion temps? Repeat 8000 times per minute. All engines will burn at least some oil, completely normal by design.



2021 Aprilia RSV4 2020 BMW S1000RR 2016 ZX-10R KRT 2016 959 Panigale Red 2015 CBR1000RR SP Repsol 2011 ZX-10R Ebony 2009 ZX-6R Lime Green 2006 ZX-14 Red 2004 VTX 1300C Candy Red "For we walk by faith and not by sight" II Corinthians 5:7

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heathun


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Location: Carrollton, Ga

Joined: 02/15/09

Posts: 543

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
01/01/12 12:47 PM

Kruz what oil are you running, some oils are very susceptible to evapotrating at high temps. When I decided to switch to motul a couple of years ago I would have to add a 1/2 quart in between oil changes. I quit using motul, I've found that mobile1 and shell rotella have good high heat properties and don't evaporate, I haven't had to add any in between oil changes with either of these oils.


* Last updated by: heathun on 1/1/2012 @ 12:48 PM *



"You don't quit riding because you get old, You get old because you quit riding"!

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
01/01/12 3:18 PM

Kruz:

Not sure if mine burns it or leaks it past the rocker cover, always a thin film on the L/H fairing and I can smell it burning on the header when I shut down.

That's a leaking head cover gasket.



heathun:

I've found that mobile1 and shell rotella have good high heat properties and don't evaporate,

Kruz is a Rotella fella too. I just switched over to that and I think it leaked worse than conventional. Leakage is a major issue. I don't hear much about burning oil but plenty about leaking from the left front corner.



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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heathun


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Location: Carrollton, Ga

Joined: 02/15/09

Posts: 543

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
01/01/12 3:55 PM

Fix the leak, 06' and 07' models can be fixed with washers or the updated bolts and from what I've seen the 08' and later models don't have that issue. Rotella is no different than any other oil when it comes to leaks, if there's a spot for it exit any oil will leak.

But yea I'm currently running rotella and like it.



"You don't quit riding because you get old, You get old because you quit riding"!

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
01/01/12 6:06 PM

I noticed my bike started needing adds as soon as I switched to synthetic. ~3500 miles, I think. I'm not the only one who believes synthetic leaks easier than conventional. I don't think anyone has any hard evidence. I believe the synthetic oil/leakage conjecture has been around as long as synthetic oil. Seem to recall my brother saying something about it 20 years ago. Never used it or had a vehical I cared about enough to take note 'til now.

I'm a believer in synthetic oil, but I think it leaks if there is any tiny crack to seep out of and it runs so clean compared to conventional that the tiny cracks get washed out and opened up. Changed my Rotella 2000 miles after running at a track day and it almost looked as good as new. Conventional woulda been black.



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
01/01/12 6:07 PM

The updated bolts came after 08, i believe. The head cover gasket and the head cover bolt washers (OEM with rubber pads) were also updated. They have dif part #s than what is listed for 08.

As I just posted in response to Grn on another thread, the correct way to fix a leaky gasket is to replace it. The washer fix is great but if it still leaks, time to spend a few dollars and replace stuff that is worn out.


* Last updated by: Rook on 1/1/2012 @ 6:11 PM *



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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Shogun1


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Joined: 11/23/10

Posts: 292

RE: My 14 Uses Oil ~ No Oil Poll
01/01/12 6:55 PM

09, bought brand new, broke in by the book, put in synthetic at 15K, no oil loss between oil changes, 20k mileage on the beast...

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