Hiccup..

Took the XJ (550 & Radian motor)out for the longest run in many years.. To the IoM. 220 miles to the port. 200 miles running around over 4 days and 180 on return. It ran great returned almost 60mpg on the motorway and only the speedo went haywire. On return leg I checked oil before leaving and level looked good. After about 120 miles on the motorway about 70-80 mph it started to fade and then pick-up . I didn't like it - perhaps overheating I thought so slowed down and found a place to pull over. let it sit for 5 mins and checked oil - it was almost half way up the window. Topped up with what I had , about 300 ml - could have been too much. Set off again and it ran fine to home...
Anyone else experienced this type of 'hunting', I'm pretty sure the oil level didn't drop to a critical level. The history of the motor is unknown but it doesn't smoke excessively (only dropping a couple and giving it beans), compression was Ok/good last time I checked, but not checked since this trip (guage elsewhere) . Plugs look like they've been running on the hot side but not excessively.

 

yeh, could be overheating at those speeds especially if it was a warm day, do you have an oil cooler fitted?
just done a return trip from Burnham on Sea, about 240miles on my xj600, (same engine), at 70mph +, with no problems, what oil do you use?
envy you on the IOM trip ,done it several times in my youth, speeds are crazy now over there

 

Hi

Yes wider 600 oil cooler 10/40 semi-synth JASO oil.. I need a small plug adapter for my tester to get some accurate comp readings I think.

.. you're 'Oop North' and close to the ports - plenty of crossings now so no excuses! Your island needs you!!

 

yep , 100 miles or so to Liverpool. we're talking about doing it in future, did you camp ,or digs?

 

Digs, over the years I got to know some locals who will put us up even if it's justs few days (instead of insisting full weeks)
More recently though a mate bought himself a place in Port Erin where he hopes to move full time. Getting more popular these days is
a bike (or two) on board a camper. There is a new boat now, much bigger, that makes this more feasible.

 

yeh, i remember when they used to crane your bikes on 2 at a time at Liverpool

 

Blimey that must've been in the 1970s! How long did it take to load!?