Hello, Ref: 853 Ducati, pistal pistons, ti-con rods, balanced crank etc. I am seeking some advice before I take further action, as I would like to get the bike running again, been nearly two years. Bike is as above which I have had for the best part of 13yrs (originally 748bip) some on here know the bike. After a few track days all running fine, I was unfortunate to be black flagged with a lot of smoke from the pipes, on closer inspection oil/coolant was all over the engine and still burning off. Once cleaned up I checked the airbox for oil and none was present, I then checked the coolant reservoir which was now empty so topped up. Ran the bike again for a short time and all seemed fine with no obvious leaks. But I know it's not otherwise the above would not have happened and at the time the engine was under stress. OK, am I correct in saying there is a good chance of either a broken piston ring or gasket issue or possibly valves? The bike has an oil cooler, it was suggested maybe too much oil which I am sure it was not, either way I feel the damage caused above is through over revving the engine on track. I have done most of the work myself on the bike barring engine work, (which was done by somebody I have faith in) so my question is would it be more beneficial to trailer the whole bike for closer inspection or drop the engine as always cost is also an issue and this would save me some money. I guess what I am trying to ask is what do you think caused the oil leak and if somebody was to look at the bike would they ideally need to see it running? Many thanks for your time. TopiToo - Steve
35 peeps viewed no response I have been away from the whole Ducati thing for a few years as quite honestly I could not afford it, so feel free to post do well not all have the same interest in these great bikes? TopiToo-Steve
Was it oil or water or both? If a piston ring had broke it would pressurise the crank case and I would expect some sign of oil in the air box, this wouldn't affect the coolant level, a valve seating problem again would not affect the coolant level, what you describe sounds like a possible gasket failure but would need inspection to diagnose. If it's just coolant could it be a cracked header tank or hose failing under preasure? How was the engine running after the coolant was topped up. Is there any water in the oil? Steve
Coolant empty, passing into engine - sounds like either a head gasket gone or, probably more likely coolant leaking into engine through the water pump seal or housing? I'd check the pump first because you only need to remove the left-side engine cover whereas removing heads/cylinders is more involved.
When mine turned in to Puffing Billy it was a massive crack down the piston, I had smoke coming from the zorsts and the crank relief valve. No doubt it was screwed Yours sounds a lot more difficult to diagnose as it's intermittent. If the coolant is going that would usually indicate a head gasket issue. Good luck all the same.
If your in any doubt yourself I would let a mechanic see it running first for diagnosis just in case it is something simple you have missed, if it is serious then remove the engine yourself to reduce costs. Steve
Thank you one and all for the reponce I am in agreement with Birdie and Dukedesmo as when the engine was built I seem to remember our concerns with the gasket and possible failure due to the tolerances. However will check coolant pipes again and work forward, water pump seal or housing etc Sorry its been a while since I have been in the Ducati loop You have all been most helpful and I thank you for time. Now will be able to discusses in terms knowledge. TopiToo-Steve
