[Panth]

I was riding back on my 2005 SV650S (3k miles on the odometer) from an out of town trip, averaging about 80-85 mph with some higher speed bursts for 180 miles (only one quick stop along the way) under 45-65 degree weather with no problems. After refueling, I started up my SV to a giant plume of blue exhaust smoke, which subsided after about 1/4 mile of riding. Another 30 miles later exiting the freeway, there was a ton of smoke at every stop.

The smoking decreased with revs, suggesting it wasn't a thrown ring or valve sleeve. In addition, the oil level was just below the full mark in the window following the procedure outlined in the SV manual.

A few SV guys gave me a list of things to check before seeking a professional diagnosis. First was to check the airbox. On opening it and removing the dry filter, I discovered about a cup of oil in the bottom of the airbox--enough oil that it could have easily spilled into a throttle body or the PAIR valve.

After mopping up the oil, I ran the bike at operating temp with and without the air filter and cannot find the source of the oil (yes I did rev the engine up for a bit). I checked the breather hoses to find no excess of oil. The PAIR hoses did have some oil residue in them but not a lot.

The only thing I can think of is oil bubbled into the airbox as I was heading down a steep driveway at my starting point, but there wasn't any blue smoke through the city traffic until after the long ride.

Has anyone had their airbox fill up with oil? Does anyone have an idea of the cause of this?

 

[doxiedog]

I'm thinking breather hoses, once the level came down it stoped. My bike has done the same,after a too full change.

 

[herbn]

did you look at the oil level while it was on the side stand?

 

[jdewkilla]

^^^good question..

the oil can only come from the crankcase breathers. stoppies and wheelies will cause some oil to find its way to the airbox, especially if overfull.

 

[Panth]

did you look at the oil level while it was on the side stand?

To check the oil, I ran the bike for a few minutes, shut it off, waited about a minute, and stood the bike up. The oil level was just below the Full mark. Thus, I really doubt the oil level was too high. Now the oil level is at the low mark following the same procedure (going to add a little oil today).

 

[NextSV]

Sounds like the crank was too full and it eeked up into the airbox. If you just changed the oil before the incident that is almost certainly it. Be sure the bike is NOT on the stand but centered when you check the window. The line should be between the full and low marks.

 

[BlazerMF]

I had a similar problem today. Riding with a couple friends on some straights and opened up on the throttle. After running at about 9k rpms, a plume of blue smoke and momentary loss of power caused me to cut the day short and load the bike in the back of the truck as a precaution to not causing any more damage.
There was plenty of oil chilling in the air box, blown up under the tank, and on places on the engine. It still runs fine it seems, other than the blue smoke that continues to pour out of the exhaust.
I'm a new rider and have only had my 2001 SV650s for two weeks. If anybody has any suggestions or tips of what to do, it would be much appreciated.

 

[Spierings]

I had a similar problem today. Riding with a couple friends on some straights and opened up on the throttle. After running at about 9k rpms, a plume of blue smoke and momentary loss of power caused me to cut the day short and load the bike in the back of the truck as a precaution to not causing any more damage.
There was plenty of oil chilling in the air box, blown up under the tank, and on places on the engine. It still runs fine it seems, other than the blue smoke that continues to pour out of the exhaust.
I'm a new rider and have only had my 2001 SV650s for two weeks. If anybody has any suggestions or tips of what to do, it would be much appreciated.

How is your oil level and how do you check it.

 

[herbn]

Isn't the middle of the window the full mark?

 

[BlazerMF]

I checked my oil level with the bike stood upright, showing just at the full mark.

I double checked and cleaned out the air box and let it run for 15 minutes, still blue smoke.

 

[andyauger]

It's definitely oil mist from the crankcase breathers, so some oil is normal. You've got a bit more than normal.

Was the bike broken in properly? Did you switch to synthetic oil early on?

3K isn't much mileage. It's entirely possible that the rings are still seating. If you use synthetic oil proper seating will be delayed.

I wouldn't worry too much about it, just monitor it carefully over the next few thousand miles.

 

[BlazerMF]

Talked to a local mechanic today. He said just change the oil, oil filter, and air filter, and clean everything up. Just like you guys have said, caused by a too full oil change and under high pressure, spewing from the breathers.

Very relieved to find out nothing major is wrong with my SV!

 

[andyauger]

There is no need to change the oil and filter just because of an overfill. Is it time to change?

If the air filter hasn't been contaminated with oil there's no need to change it either. If it is oil wet then it does restrict air flow quite a bit.

 

[BlazerMF]

True, the mechanic was probably just trying to squeeze some money from me. On the other hand, I really don't know how long ago the previous owner had the oil and filter changed. I did notice that the oil looked a bit dark.

And yes, the air filter has quite a bit of oil on it.

 

[Spacecoast]

True, the mechanic was probably just trying to squeeze some money from me. On the other hand, I really don't know how long ago the previous owner had the oil and filter changed. I did notice that the oil looked a bit dark.

And yes, the air filter has quite a bit of oil on it.

Then in that case, I would do a complete oil and air filter change. Strange that this is going on...since it seems that folks understand how not to overfill the crankcase.