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The 2-Stroke Garage => Turning Wrenches => Topic started by: rd400canuck on April 27, 2020, 03:25:14 AM

Title: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: rd400canuck on April 27, 2020, 03:25:14 AM
I swapped out the pilot jets yesterday and went for a quick boot around the block. /I was looking the bike over afterwards and noticed that there was no oil in the oil line feeding the left cylinder. It was a few inches back. I'm guessing it dripped out while I had the carb out. Now I'm thinking ive scarred the sides of the piston or rings. I'm going to removed the head and have a peak at the cylinder walls to look for transfer but I wanted to ask....

Whats compression supposed to be on a stock RD400c?
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: Barrie on April 27, 2020, 03:42:09 AM
There probably will not be anything wrong as normally  there is quite a residue of oil held within the crankcase, I which case you got away with it.
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: Czakky on April 27, 2020, 07:22:21 AM
If it didn't seize why mess with it?

I went through this same issue last year. My conclusion was that I either didn't properly prime the pump or that when I removed the nozzles I didn't get a good seal due to working them out and not pulling them straight out.

Good luck
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: rd400canuck on April 27, 2020, 09:13:18 AM
It's running fine, thankfully. Just paranoia that the piston wall is smudged now.
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: pdxjim on April 27, 2020, 11:56:30 AM
These little motors are actually pretty tough.

While sometimes it may seem they are prone to failure they can actually handle quite a bit of abuse without serious damage.
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: Striker1423 on April 28, 2020, 08:39:15 AM
Quote from: pdxjim on April 27, 2020, 11:56:30 AM
These little motors are actually pretty tough.

While sometimes it may seem they are prone to failure they can actually handle quite a bit of abuse without serious damage.

Reminds me of my bike when I first got it running (right after buying it). Grinding away, sounded angry. It was idling with no cages in 2 of the main bearings, a giant crack down the cylinder wall, and a piston so scorched it had chunks missing from it. Oh and no base gasket on the burnt piston side.

Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: m in sc on April 28, 2020, 10:30:23 AM
when in doubt, pull the exhuast pipe and look at the cyl/piston thru the exhaust port with a bright flashlight.   :twocents:

but i bet its ok.
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: rd400canuck on April 28, 2020, 12:57:54 PM
Good idea. I'm gong to do a leakdown anyways so I'll have a peek.

Edit.... yup... had a peek up the ports before doing a leakdown and the pistons look perfect. No blowby passed the first ring either :)  Very happy to see that.
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: quocle603 on June 14, 2020, 09:12:08 AM
Quote from: Czakky on April 27, 2020, 07:22:21 AM
If it didn't seize why mess with it?

I went through this same issue last year. My conclusion was that I either didn't properly prime the pump or that when I removed the nozzles I didn't get a good seal due to working them out and not pulling them straight out.

Good luck

I recall this. Glad you figured it out!
Title: Re: I ran a cyl without oil
Post by: forexer on June 14, 2020, 07:49:59 PM
Quote from: rd400canuck on April 27, 2020, 03:25:14 AM

Whats compression supposed to be on a stock RD400c?

to answer your initial question  - compression should equal about 125 +/- 10