Small amount of oil under machine - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Bozol · 01-08-2013, 03:33 PM

Hi all,

After going for a ride yesterday in -30`C this morning I see there is a trail of engine oil coming from the machine. Here are the details:

- 550 RMK 2009, cylinders and head are used and pistons are new (engine was stolen 2010). Both cylinders have 125psi.
- stored in a heated shop
- snowmobile didn't move from Oct2010 until yesterday for various reasons
- I might have overfilled the oil tank, but only just, before heading out (i.e. by 400ml or so at most)
- engine ran fine yesterday and didn't do anything crazy, just a 12 mile run between 20 and 30 mph steady, no hills or bursts
- had trouble in reverse making an awful sounding almost banging noise and had trouble getting back into forward via the push button (had to turn the machine off and then restart - I think this was happening in 2010)

Any thoughts would be great! I hope it just that it was overfilled. I'm running mixed gas regardless.

powerranger262 · 01-08-2013, 03:47 PM

I would start by checking your fluid levels. It sounds like it most likely is overflow from your oil tank. Check your chaincase level because it definitely sounds like you have some problems in there. Where is the oil leaking out of the machine? Is it coming out where the exhaust hole is?

Bozol · 01-08-2013, 04:47 PM

I think I found the 'problem'. I'm no expert so my terms may be wrong here so bear with me. I traced the line from the oil tank to, what I assume is, the oil pump. From there there is a line that heads directly into the crank case but another one, smaller, with a sort of nozzle on the end that on my machine isn't attached to anything. It is pretty aparent that this is where the oil is coming from. Can anyone tell me where this nozzle thing is supposed to connect to?

**RJ Gleason** · 01-08-2013, 04:57 PM

Look for the hole in the block, is it long enough to reach over by the clutch>

meburdick · 01-08-2013, 05:06 PM

I believe that you have a 2009 Indy Trail RMK. Correct?

I *believe* that you should have TWO connections points to the case... I could be way wrong on this, so definitely verify it. But, maybe check around to see if something got knocked off somewhere.

Bozol · 01-08-2013, 05:43 PM

Figured it out. Because there was only one of the small hoses I was thrown, but turns out it was the hose and nozzle that injects oil straight into the carbs and the second one is missing. There is an unused nipple on the oil pump, I'm sure that's what it's for. I have an old busted 2002 that I can scram for parts and hopefully get it all sorted. Not to worry because I was running mixed gas regardless as the machine hasn't been used in so long. Thanks for all the help!

**BC_Dan** · 01-08-2013, 08:01 PM

Good thinking on mixing the oil first few rides

Bozol · 01-08-2013, 10:37 PM

Tonight I'm working on the busted one (blown piston) and have it down to the crankcase. Any tips on how to clean out the busted piston bits from the bottom of the case? Should I take the whole thing out and work on it on a bench? If I do this do I need to get new seals or gaskets etc before putting back?

Bozol · 01-08-2013, 11:04 PM

HA! After reading a bit online I see I have neither the tools, skills or desire to split a crankcase. Can I clean out the case without splitting it? If I can't clean it out well is this snowmobile for parts or can I rebuild the pistons and cylinders and run it roughly regardless?

mikemalibu · 01-09-2013, 12:25 AM

Although splitting the case would be the best way I've cleaned them out with good results. I used compressed air to blow it out and then washed it out with solvent and a small paint brush. Several times. Making sure not to push any bits into the bearings. Then a final wash with carb cleaner and air. Only have 200 miles on the cat but its still running well. But if u think they may be any bits in the bearing it can fry them. So be sure to clean well.