Long story (kind of) short, I went into a river that looked about 2 feet deep, but turned out to be around 3-4 feet deep in on spot (very clear water). It occurred to me to hit the kill switch before the bike stalled, but I didn't have the coordination to do so before the water got to the bike.

I pushed it out of the river, and water was pouring out of the airbox drain. When that had finished, I tipped the bike onto it's back wheel to drain the exhaust. It, too was flooded and a bunch came pouring out. Back on 2 wheels, water came out of the airbox again. I repeated this procedure once more. I then drained the float, and refilled it.

I let the bike sit for a bit, then tried to start it (note: i did not remove the spark plug as I did not have the tools on me, unfortunately). The engine did not really want to turn over, but grudgingly did so. However, it took about 25 minutes of hitting the starter to finally get it to catch. It ran better than I expected, but not great. What looked like burned oil was coming out of the exhaust for a while as well.

I decided to continue the ride, and was chugging along until the bike started acting like it was running out of gas. I checked to make sure I didn't forget to turn the gas back on, but that wasn't it. I also had almost a full tank of gas left. I decided to head home at that point. On the ride back, I noticed the bike ran OK at higher RPM's, but would cut out in the low-mid range.

So now I'm at home, trying to save my poor bike. I drained the oil, and it was MILK colored. Put a new spark plug and oil in, ran it for a bit, and the oil is still milk colored. I will change the oil a few more times, but beyond. that I'm stumped.

So my main concerns are:
- By cranking it before removing the spark plug, would I realize if I did major damage to the piston/rod/seals?
- How bad of a sign is milk colored oil?
- Are there any further things I should do to the bike to fix it? Or should look at?
- Most importantly, how many of you have done this?

Thanks! -Chris

 

the oil is milk coloured because of the water, did you change the filter as well?

if you did major damage to the piston/rod/seals the engine would likely not run

change the oil and filter another time and see how it is

clean the air filter as well (wash out and re oil) also wouldn't hurt to pull off the carbie and clean it out

 

Wow what a day. Good Luck Chris

 

Thanks!

I figure the water was causing the odd oil color, but here's a question: I just emptied the oil for the 3rd time and it is still pretty light in color, does that sound normal?

It is running fairly well, as far as starting it in neutral and revving it goes anyways. I didn't change the filter, mostly because I don't have another one at the moment. Shops around here are closed on sunday too

Air filter is on the list, and I guess since I already have tank off I may as well pull the carb.


95451 - Thanks!

 

piston seals? rings, that is fine. if you had damaged the rings you would smoke more that a 2 stroke.

bad news

is the oil a milky green?

you may of blow the gasket in head, that could cause the re occurring milky colour.
when i changed my head and the grub screw was loose when i put it back it it took 3 or 4 oil changes to remove the coolant.

change the oil a couple more times and report back.

 

By the sounds of things, you should be fine.
You'll have to change the oil 7, 8, or maybe 9 times before it comes out not looking milky.

Don't ask me how I know

 

That once happened to me, but I didnt drown it while riding. I rode into a lake which had water like upto the exhaust manifold and I parked the bike there (not started) to take some pics and videos.

Because of my dumbness, I forgot to check how hard/soft the ground under the water was, lol so which I was shooting a video, the stand went through the soft muddy ground and the bike tipped over and it went underwater.. It was under only for like 3 seconds, But the airbox had like 2 litres of water.. Carb had water, so we drained it. Took off the spark plug and cranked it, but there wasnt any water in there. Kept it in the blistering hot sun for about and hour with the air filter on a side to dry..

After about 5 minutes of cranking it finally started.. And had a small misfire, but after it heated up it was all good

My digital speedo meter wasnt showing the speed (always on 0kmph) and one of the buttons didnt work.. After awhile the speedo started working and so did the button..

Still running with the same engine oil lol.. And this all happened in February..

Good times.. Heres a video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZStFZy08gY

 

Nice Vid Savage

 

Thanks dude!

 

im sure the filter is soaked chocking the motor