Have you guys with 400EXs ever noticed that when you ride hard, like you do in the dunes, the engine burns a little oil?
I ask because while Riding behind 400EXs I smell burning oil in the exhaust. At first I thaught it was because the rider was hammering it while trying to keep the front but that wasn't the case cuz I even smell it on the slower rides. New or old, built or stock they all smell like their burning oil. Do you find that you have to add oil regularly? Not trying to start a flame here just curious if anybody else noticed this.

 

I always thought engine's would burn SOME oil, regardless of condition, just not enough to notice, I mean like getting low on oil because of it.

 

both of my friends' 400exs do that.

 

My 400 didn't seem to use any oil until I modified it. But it does now.

 

My current 99 burned tons and tons of oil. (3/4 quart every 3 hours)

I rebuilt it with the IMS 440 kit and new valve seals, and burns no oil anymore.

-Matt

 

A problem i've seen with the xr400 series engine is the valve seals. Once they get worn in and harden, they become very fragile, and can allow oil to slowely get into the combustion chamber, and burn a little. This is even more appearant with a lower viscosity oil like 5w-30. Mine burns a little, but it's nothing I worry about. If you change your oil as often as it should be done you should never burn all your oil, but check before every ride to be sure.

 

Good info guys. I just figured that Honda, in their attempt to recreate the 250R, made it burn oil to satisfy those who were willing to compermise j/k [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]