Mayonnaise engine
 

I took my SV650s out of the garage yesterday and while the binding brakes were easily fixed if not welcome the mayonnaise like sludge found inside the engine when topping up with oil is a real *#@*!

My query is this - Is it my worst fear and a head gasket type of problem with coolant and oil mixing together to make tasty mayonnaise or is the cold weather ( it has been below -5 up in Lancaster) playing havoc with my 10-40w oil?

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

How long has it been stored ? was it used on short runs, did it have any issues before you stored it ?

Probably nothing more that residual condensation, flush it, refill with good oil and see how it goes ?

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

I think it needs to be a lot colder than -5 before oil will remotely start freezing. My guess would be the same as yours. Mixing of the coolant and oil. I had it happen on the car, wasn't fun.

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

mine had a very small amount in it but is wasnt there last time i checked, however i recently topped up the coolant to see if that went down then was going to tackle the problem.

have you checked your coolant to see if it needs a top up and then goes down? i am told that the moisture can easily find its way into the oil causing it too

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

Don't panic just yet. It is quite normal in this weather to have condensation build up. It can build up within the engine and settle on top of the oil giving the results you have found.

If the oil/water mixture is a very thin layer on the top you have nothing to worry about.

Check your coolant. I expect you will find this is nice an clean.

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

yep id say condensation too, it happens when it gets cold like this.

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

Cheers for the replies guys, I feel a bit less worried now!

I am gonna pick up a filter and some oil on the way home and change it. And I will check the coolant.

Thanks again

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

I love Mayonnaise. The german stuffs the best.

Re: Mayonnaise engine
 

if you have access to a compression tester that will give you the definitive answer pretty easily.