What is causing this?

[czaustin]

I bought an FL400R recently and it appears that it was used intermittently or even possibly sat for awhile.  The engine balancer oil was completely dry.  I serviced the entire buggy with all the basics, fluids, etc.  After getting it up to operating temperature, the oil overflow tube is foaming/spilling oil.  I have tested this twice and after driving it for 10 minutes, its the same result.  What the heck is causing this?  I am 99% sure I did not overfill the oil.  The top end may be close to a rebuild because the compression is 125 psi.  I have no other history with the engine.  Help!  I want to have fun with this but am afraid I will damage the engine without addressing this issue.

thanks for any feedback!
CSAUSTIN

[hoodlum]

I bought an FL400R recently and it appears that it was used intermittently or even possibly sat for awhile.  The engine balancer oil was completely dry.  I serviced the entire buggy with all the basics, fluids, etc.  After getting it up to operating temperature, the oil overflow tube is foaming/spilling oil.  I have tested this twice and after driving it for 10 minutes, its the same result.  What the heck is causing this?  I am 99% sure I did not overfill the oil.  The top end may be close to a rebuild because the compression is 125 psi.  I have no other history with the engine.  Help!  I want to have fun with this but am afraid I will damage the engine without addressing this issue.

thanks for any feedback!
CSAUSTIN

Foaming can be caused by overfilling,as well as moisture in the oil....You say you didn't over fill it,how much did you put in it,and how did you check the level?

Hoodlum

[czaustin]

Unless I didn't pay attention, I filled it up per the service manual.  I did unscrew the check bolt on the bottom of the engine and oil came out but I did not let all of it drain.  Should I have?

[hoodlum]

Unless I didn't pay attention, I filled it up per the service manual.  I did unscrew the check bolt on the bottom of the engine and oil came out but I did not let all of it drain.  Should I have?

Yes,let it all drain...You didn't have it sitting on jackstands or have one side jacked up did you?
Have you noticed your coolant getting low by chance? If the mechanical seal for the water pump is bad,it could be letting coolant into the balancer area,contaminating the oil.....
Hoodlum

[czaustin]

OK, will drain any extra fluid tonight and see what happens.  I did quickly look a the service manual yesterday and saw that you only use .45 qt!  wow - that is such a small amount.  It may very well be that I did overfill it.

No low coolant or coolant mixture in the oil.  It is pure oil that came out.  I have less than 1 mile on any testing I have done since the servicing though.

I'll report back after draining via check bolt and testing.

[hoodlum]

OK, will drain any extra fluid tonight and see what happens.  I did quickly look a the service manual yesterday and saw that you only use .45 qt!  wow - that is such a small amount.  It may very well be that I did overfill it.

No low coolant or coolant mixture in the oil.  It is pure oil that came out.  I have less than 1 mile on any testing I have done since the servicing though.

I'll report back after draining via check bolt and testing.

Actually,it's .25 qts.....If you put in .45,you have almost twice too much....
Hoodlum

[czaustin]

OK, well I DEFINATELY put too much oil in!  I removed the check bolt and it ran out for like 3 minutes.  Man, I really messed that up.  I will test this week but I bet it is all good.

thanks much for your input!!!!