2004 Yamaha kodiak 450 losing oil

[J Printz]

i have a 2004 Yamaha Kodiak 450 and it is losing oil but does not smoke what is it

[Frank Angerano]

Put a piece of cardboard under the machine and see if anything shows up.  Cardboard is the best for this since anytime any fluid hits it you get a dark brown spot.   It’s has to be going someplace. 

[GrizzlyRider]

I agree, it has to be going somewhere if not smoking.

[J Printz]

i did that and nothing it 's exhaust smell's normal when i start it and then i went 1/2 a mile and it smelled like burning oil  then a mile and it smell's normal but no smoke. it loses a quart a mo

[Frank Angerano]

That’s odd. Have you done a compression test?

[J Printz]

my dad and me are going to

[Frank Angerano]

I would def do that and if possible take the valuable cover off so you can see the valve springs. Take WD 40 with the red hose on the top and spray it on the stem of the valve where the seal is. There should be bubbles where the seals are if it’s leaking as you spray it.  I like to use windex or a soapy solution but then you have to change the oil.   

[J Printz]

ok i will do that thx

[J Printz]

so i went a mile and then put it in neutral and the reved it to about 50% and there was a little smoke but not much so i could not tell what color

[Frank Angerano]

Bottom line is your losing oil. Weather it be a leak. Wash down the entire bike including the under side and start looking.  

Or it’s valve seals and or bad rings.  You have to see some smoke I’m sure.   Like I said compression test and also pull the spark plug and see what color it is. 

 

[J Printz]

so i have not got around to doing the compression test and now it started to smoke black and i read that that means to be to rich when it is to rich does that also mean i am losing oil thru it being to rich

[Frank Angerano]

It means your engine is getting too much fuel intake.  Usually from a stuck choke, dirty carburetor or a bad adjustment on your air fuel mixture screw.