gearbox oil creamy white?

**adamt** · 12th November 2005, 20:51

hey guys just noticed my kdx250's gearbox oil is like creamy white has had water mixed in with it but unsure how, checked the radiator and thats really clean and green not low at all so doesnt look as if its leaking into it but i dont really know much about bikes what could make this happen ? thanks

**sels1** · 12th November 2005, 20:59

Originally Posted by adamt

hey guys just noticed my kdx250's gearbox oil is like creamy white has had water mixed in with it but unsure how, checked the radiator and thats really clean and green not low at all so doesnt look as if its leaking into it but i dont really know much about bikes what could make this happen ? thanks

Creamy does sound like some water has mixed in. Give it an oil change and see what happens.

**k14** · 12th November 2005, 21:32

My rs's gearbox oil is always that color. Think its mainly from the clutch fibres etc. Water can't actually "mix" with the oil, but it could be in it. If you leave the container overnight all the water should settle on the top. Then you should be able to tell if its leaking water.

If the radiator water level isn't going down and it isn't murky it shouldn't be much to worry about. As i said, its most likley the crap from the clutch.

**Korumba** · 12th November 2005, 21:38

The Oil in my trail bikes would allways have water in it after deep river crossings and allways on drowing them..change the Oil!!

**Motu** · 12th November 2005, 22:04

Fairly common on a dirt bike,when the hot motor hits water it cools and sucks water in through the seals,the water turns the oil creamy.Some people change their oil after every ride,not a bad idea if you are near water a lot....I used to change my 2 stroke trials bikes oil and strip the brakes after every trial,just part of the fun,learning about your bike.

**adamt** · 12th November 2005, 22:05

sweet i'll do that then! so i hear ATF oil is sweet for gearboxes ? thats the automatic car gearbox oil correct ? i've got some of the mobil stuff red in colour ?

**Brian d marge** · 13th November 2005, 01:47

ATF is good for a couple of races ONLY ,,1 race is the way to go but I is a cheap bugga and go for 2

I buy it in bulk ,,you can use it in the front and rear shocks to

Stephen

BTW ,,dont get the F ..as in friction modified ,,,there are 2 types of ATF ,,one good ,,one is the dark side luke

**DEATH_INC.** · 13th November 2005, 06:36

On my old MX'ers,they usta kill the waterpump seal and let water into the box,but oil doesn't seem to go the other way.Do an oil change(throw that atf in there) and go for a good ride,then drain it again and see if it's contaminated.Avoid water crossings to eliminate that.

**DEATH_INC.** · 13th November 2005, 06:38

Originally Posted by k14

Water can't actually "mix" with the oil, but it could be in it.

Um,Yes it can and does.And it will not seperate overnight either.

**wil** · 13th November 2005, 07:55

friend of mine had this exact prob on his DT125, that was water pump seal i believe.

**adamt** · 13th November 2005, 08:02

Originally Posted by Brian d'marge

ATF is good for a couple of races ONLY ,,1 race is the way to go but I is a cheap bugga and go for 2

I buy it in bulk ,,you can use it in the front and rear shocks to

Stephen

BTW ,,dont get the F ..as in friction modified ,,,there are 2 types of ATF ,,one good ,,one is the dark side luke

hey stephen what will happen if i use the wrong stuff ? i'm sure i got the right stuff its light red in colour sliver bottle ?!

**T.W.R** · 13th November 2005, 08:21

As per D/I water can & does mix with water, especially when its being churned up in an engine or diff ( prime example: with genuine off road 4x4s it happens a lot!). and as per a earlier reply, when the likes of a rubber seal in an engine casing or on a diff is hot it expands & when it submerged in water the sudden heat change causes fast contraction causing a vaccum thus drawing water inside. the most likely place the water has entered the engine is through the output shaft seal, the seal only has to be slightly suspect & it will draw water easy as.

ATF fluid should only be used as a once off gearbox oil, its most common or regular use in bikes is the front forks ( mainly coz of its weight & low temp retention characteristics )

**kro** · 13th November 2005, 12:56

My brothers 84 KX250 had the same thing, but he had shat his water pump seal I think. Reasonably cheap easy fix for the semi mechanically minded.

**Brian d marge** · 13th November 2005, 16:53

Originally Posted by adamt

hey stephen what will happen if i use the wrong stuff ? i'm sure i got the right stuff its light red in colour sliver bottle ?!

The Clutch will slip ..There is 2 types of ATF ..one is friction modified the other isnt ..I think most of the ATF you can buy in NZ is ok to use , The F stuff was for GM or ford cars ,,,and should be marked ,,

Some one may be able to clarify this a bit more .....

Stephen

**Cary** · 13th November 2005, 19:57

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

On my old MX'ers,they usta kill the waterpump seal and let water into the box,but oil doesn't seem to go the other way.Do an oil change and go for a good ride,then drain it again and see if it's contaminated.

Me, if my oil had water mixed i'd ride it back to the trailer VERY gently and fix it!

What do you think your high performance engine thinks of running bearings etc on water

even a minute amount.

Chances are its the seal. Fix it.