Clive Woods T3 Course

[Bixxer Bob]

Again, Clive is of the opinion that these engines are good for upwards of 150k as long as they get rgular oil changes.   The days of needing to replace rings and hone bores are long gone.  In his experience they don't need any more than a slight scuffing of the bores if there's any glaze.  You'll probably find the original hone marks are still visible, which is an indication of how little wear there is.  Whilst I concur witht he idea that you should do everything that needs doing while you're in there, there';s no point in throwing money at it.

You say "oil usage";  how much and are you sure it's bores?  (blue smoke on acceleration)  Valve guides perhaps (blue smoke on overrun) or simply just a leak somewhere???  How many miles has it done??

[Sparky]

I bought the bike March 2014 with 39,400 miles it now has 42,500 miles. 

I did a 2500 mile oil change interval and the level went from the top mark to just below the bottom mark.  There are no oil leaks the bike lives in the garage and does not mark it's spot.  The only visible smoke is on the occasional cold start and overrun, nothing noticeable under power.  The cold start has a slight haze to the exhaust this is not consistent though some days it's hazier than others.  The overrun is the most noticeable after a down hill coast off throttle when you get on the throttle there is a not so nice puff of blue which is usually valve seals.

I don't have a problem with an engine using some oil I think in my case this is excessive and points to a problem I should fix.  I don't like the puff of blue after a down hill run and I think this may be the reason for the oil usage.

[Sin_Tiger]

Valve guides / seals 

[nickjtc]

Valve guides / seals 

I concur. Had that problem with an '85 Rabbit convertible I once had. On over-run there were no bugs left alive within a half mile radius because of all of the smoke. 

[Sparky]

I concur. Had that problem with an '85 Rabbit convertible I once had. On over-run there were no bugs left alive within a half mile radius because of all of the smoke. 

Must be an 80's thing as the Honda Civics of that vintage were famous for bad valve seals.

[threepot]

A while back,you could buy oil additives that replenished/rejuvenated oil seals,guides etc. Worth a look?

[Bixxer Bob]

I also agree.  Valve seals are still a head off job though so you'll have a chance to look around inside to be sure nothing's amiss and the liners will have to be re-seated when you put it back together.  Since you'll be going that far another Clive tip:  replace the gudgeon pins and circlips.  They are cheap and the only bits that wear significantly  leading to what sounds like little end rattle.

[Sin_Tiger]

A while back,you could buy oil additives that replenished/rejuvenated oil seals,guides etc. Worth a look?

Snake / Dragon oil mate. All these additives can do is remove some hydrocarbon deposits such as gum, not the harder stuff. If a seal is hard or cracked said additives can actually make things worse.

[rybes]

ive heard a little bit of brake fluid makes seals swell up a bit. never tried it meself so couldnt say either way.

[Sin_Tiger]

ive heard a little bit of brake fluid makes seals swell up a bit. never tried it meself so couldnt say either way.

Not a great idea mate, when seals go soft by using it, they will keep on softening as there is nothing to arrest the process. Brake fluid has a low flash point, adding that to your lubrication system is not really recommended.