I'm an idiot: ran my GS low on oil and killed it

[donnyh]

I suck, I'm dumber than a bag of hammers and I don't deserve to own a GS.

I put about 1k on my 78 GS1000 and it didn't use a drop of oil. I was loving life.

So the other day I did a mostly high speed (80-90+mph) I-15 run some 500 miles through the Mojave Desert and didn't check the oil once.

I ran it at least 1 1/2 quarts low and overheated the crap out it, coasting to a stop at Razor Road and I-15, 11 miles south of Baker Ca. on a nice 109 degree afternoon, wearing a nice warm kevlar suit.

There's obvious blowby at the top and bottom of the cylinders, I had it towed 55 miles to Barstow where a Suzuki tech did an R&R and found little compression in all cylinders.

Kick me right in the slats, I have it coming.

[posplayr]

I suck, I'm dumber than a bag of hammers and I don't deserve to own a GS.

I put about 1k on my 78 GS1000 and it didn't use a drop of oil. I was loving life.

So the other day I did a mostly high speed (80-90+mph) I-15 run some 500 miles through the Mojave Desert and didn't check the oil once.

I ran it at least 1 1/2 quarts low and overheated the crap out it, coasting to a stop at Razor Road and I-15, 11 miles south of Baker Ca. on a nice 109 degree afternoon, wearing a nice warm kevlar suit.

There's obvious blowby at the top and bottom of the cylinders, I had it towed 55 miles to Barstow where a Suzuki tech did an R&R and found little compression in all cylinders.

Kick me right in the slats, I have it coming.

sorry to hear about that. sounds like you were further than 1.5 quarts down though. I used to check all the time when I was leaking oil. Now I dint think so much, but I'm running both oil pressure and oil temp gauges which would provide an indication of issues like that.

[donnyh]

sounds like you were further than 1.5 quarts down though.

It may have been closer to 2 quarts, I'll know when I pick it up and see how much is left of the second quart I added roadside.

Bike is in Barstow, I'm in Northern Utah, I need to rent a trailer and go get it.

I'm so broke right now I'll probably have to part it out.

[TheCafeKid]

It may have been closer to 2 quarts, I'll know when I pick it up and see how much is left of the second quart I added roadside.

Bike is in Barstow, I'm in Northern Utah, I need to rent a trailer and go get it.

I'm so broke right now I'll probably have to part it out.

Bah! Get it home and save up the cash to rebuild it yourself. If YOU do the work, assuming it just needs new rings and a hone job and gaskets, and that your valves are useable, you might get off as cheap as a few hundred bucks! Definately not worth parting it over. I'd also double check the compression numbers yourself! Unless you know and trust the mechanic, they have a vested interest in finding lots of things wrong... Usually an overheat is pretty recoverable unless you let it go too long... Check into it.. It may not be as bad as you think, and a rebuild could be a fun and educational winter project!

[blowerbike]

screw rebuilding it.
there's a member on this board with an engine for 200 bucks.
there could be crank damage besides all the typical damage from no lube.
these engines are a dime a dozen compared to a 16 valver.

[Maddog209]

You must know someone in Utah that owns a pick-up and would be willing to help you out. A few tanks of fuel is far cheaper then renting a truck/trailer. Maybe put out a thread asking if there is a GS member close to Barstow willing to recover your bike and store it for you until you can afford the related costs.

[SqDancerLynn1]

A good used engine would be the way to go. As I would suspect the cylinders and pistons will be scored bad requiring a rebore

[tkent02]

Well, if you do open it up, and if it does need the top end done, I have a nice tight set of 1100G cylinders/pistons that will bolt right on.

[donnyh]

there's a member on this board with an engine for 200 bucks.

I don't have the skills to rebuild it myself, but I could probably pull off an engine swap, I wish that one was one this side of the Rockies.

[donnyh]

You must know someone in Utah that owns a pick-up and would be willing to help you out. A few tanks of fuel is far cheaper then renting a truck/trailer.

I have the truck and the trailer will be cheap, I just need a couple days off of driving up and down I-15 and I'll go get it.

[Smokinapankake]

Where in northern Utah are you? I'm in North Ogden.
Just finished up a rebuild of my 82 Katana 1000 (16 valver).
If you need any help let me know.

[donnyh]

Where in northern Utah are you? I'm in North Ogden.

Hey there, I'm down in Springville.

[raistian77]

Sorry to hear that. If I was in the area I would be glad to help ya. Good luck, I am sure you will get it running again.

You might just need a hone and new rings and pistons