I am having a problem with my DS and I need some input. I took the bike to the local dealer to have them diagnose/repair what I thought was a blown head gasket. After disassembly the head gasket looked fine and even more puzzling was the fact that the combustion chamber showed no signs of water having been in there (normal carbon deposits on piston, head and valves).

Unfortunately the tech at the dealer didn’t do a compression test prior to disassembly, nor did he check the existing torque on the head bolts, he also discarded the old coolant without doing a hydrocarbon test on it to determine if any combustion gasses had made their way into the cooling system.

So he doesn’t know what happened to it. The oil doesn’t show any milky-ness now, but it sure did before I brought it in. I also had a difficult time starting it when it was cold, which led me to believe that the head gasket was the problem, but as I said it looks fine and so does the combustion chamber.

I seem to recall a post on this forum awhile back that referred to a leaking water pump seal that could cause oil and water to mix, but I can’t find the post. At this point I am probably going to instruct the dealer to replace the head gasket and water pump seal and put it back together, but I’m not confident that the problem will be fixed. If anyone has any info or ideas please reply to this post.

Thanks,
Ken

 

Is was probably the head that was not torqued or came untorqued just enough to get the milky oil w/o blowing the gasket.

I had milky oil as well as disappearing coolant, and thought the water pump seal was bad. The dealer tested for leaks but couldn't detect any. Then they noticed that the pressure gauge they had on the radiator when up when turning the motor over. They concluded that compression or exhaust gases were getting into the coolant. They said one possibility was that the increased pressure in the cooling system could have forced coolant into the crankcase through the water pump seal. Bombardier thought there was a cracked cylinder head, so it was replaced. The dealer could never find a crack in the cylinder head. I've had no more milky oil since, and am not convinced I had a cracked head. If you're not getting any milky oil anymore, sounds like the problem is gone.

 

ScoobyDFW,
Thanks for the response. The engine isn't assembled yet, it is still at the dealer waiting for parts. I have instructed them to replace the head gasket and water pump seal since it is apart and in their mind there is no warranty issue. They didn't see the water in the oil, and they felt that the gasket looked good, so they won't pursue a warranty claim. At this point I just want it back, I'm missing some great riding weather. I should have purchased the service manual and the parts, and fixed it myself. I would be riding now.

 

If you want it covered under warranty I may be able to help. There are several cases on record of this. You could call Bombardier customer support and have some names and case numbers to back up your claim of it being a warranty issue. Bombardier could then contact the dealer and work it out.

 

ScoobyDFW,
Yes I would like to approach Bombardier on the warranty. If you can help me with the information that you mentioned I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Ken

 

Hey Ken, my 2000 DS had a problem with the oil& antifreeze mixing after aprox. 80 hours due to improperly torqued head {no cracked head}.. we talked previously.After the dealer reassembled the motor.. NO more problems SO far.Bombardier picked up the bill on mine..so they should for yours also.{Probably one of the cases Scooby is talking about}Perhaps getting my case # would help you.
If I can help E-mail me at your convenience.
Good Luck
David
Maybe everyone who takes the machine back for the 10 hour service should ask the mechanic to make sure the head is torqued to specs while the mechanic checks valve clearance after"break-in"period.

 

Call bombardier customer service at (715)848-4957 I believe. Report the milky oil symptom and they will open a case number for you. You need to give them the name of the dealer that is doing the work. Make sure that Bombardier contacts the dealer to resolve this. The dealer may have to call the Bombardier service manager to discuss the problem. Like I said, there have been other people who have had this problem, so if you need some backup, my case number was 256222 for the repair.

I too think the head should be checked periodically for correct torque.

Good luck!

 

Ken,Did you get my recent e-mail?
What's going on with the motor repair?
Hey Scooby, how periodicly? At what interval do you think the head should retorqued? DO/have you done this?

 

DS650DAVE,
Yes I did get the e-mail, and thanks. I opened a case number at Bombardier and the tech was instructed to call their tech help line to further this process. The bike is not reassembled yet despite the fact that the parts came in, and I authorized them to put it together at my expense. They told me to call Wednesday afternoon to see if it is done, I won't hold my breath. I will let you know what happens.

Thanks,
Ken