Finally got the sportsman out this weekend. Only rode for about ten minutes. I checked the oil level and to me it smells like gas and it seems thin. It measures correct on the dipstick (maybe a touch high but it was that way when I got it and seems to fluctuate from perfect to a bit high) I read other posts and they say to turn off the fuel when not riding. I have never turned off the fuel. Does it leak in to the cylinder and down in the case?

Also - the other thing I am worried about now is that if I hurt the engine because of gas being in the oil and ruining the lubrication. I only have 17 hours on it so far. The fan doesnt come on too very often so I dont thinks it's overheating because of lubrication loss. If you lost enough lubrication from the oil due to the gas to cause damage - wouldnt it start to overheat?

It seems like I have always smelled a little bit of gas in the oil but I never worried about it because my lawntractor and Porsche oil smells the same way.

Are these gravity fed systems or pump fed?

 

Gas in oil will generally knock out the bearings first. It shouldn't make it run hot. It you have an engine running rich, it will put some fuel in the oil also. Cold cranks will do it to. A very minor amount will not hurt. I don't know if this will work with oil, but on diesel fuel, if you think it has gas in it, put some in a syrofoam cup. If it starts to melt after a while, it has to much gas in it. But sometimes you have to let it sit for a couple of minutes.

 

if the floaT IS STUCK OPEN THEN IT WOULD FLOOD the engine.(sorry cap lock was on) it would be runing in from gravity feed. as long as its not to over full it will be fine. keep an eye on it though. when its sitting there, you shouldnt have to turn your gas off.(i never do) only when you haul them somewhere is it a good idear.