1. 4 Stroke Husqvarna Motorcycles Made In Austria - About 2014 & Newer
    FE = 4st Enduro & FC = 4st Cross

FE/FC Oil issue? 2015 FE501

Discussion in '4st' started by husky501, Apr 24, 2016.

  1. husky501 Husqvarna

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2015 Fe501
    Other Motorcycles:
    2011 Ktm250sxf, 2011 Ktm350sxf
    I just hit the 10 hour mark on my bike and did its third oil change tonight. The oil was pitch black like it was out of a diesel truck. Does anyone know what could cause that? Is it the recirculated crank case vent? Im I'm considering rerouting it because I don't want it to gum up my throttle body. If anyone has any insight it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
  2. bikesparky Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Townsville Oztrailia
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    FE501
    Other Motorcycles:
    Superduke 1290
    I never seen this on a 501! My oil always comes out clean after 5 ish hour oil change. The first few changes it was a bit dirtier but nothing like you describe.
    Is it a 501S with all the smog gear on it?
    There are only two reasons for the oil to be that dirty, either too much fuel is pumped in and doesn't burn properly or the clutch is wearing.
    Since it's a new bike I think it's a fuel issue. Anything sticking on the magnet?
  3. reveille Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Northern Illinois
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2014 FE501
    Other Motorcycles:
    2015 300 XC W
    Mine comes out dark but nothing jaw dropping. I think it's from the aluminum clutch pressure plates. If it bothers you, replace them with steel. I hate to ask buuut, what oil are you using?
  4. Big Timmy Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    (South Eastern) AZ.
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2015 FE 501 with lots of goodies.
    Other Motorcycles:
    BMW G450X, 15'FE501, 23 KTM 1290 SAR
    Mine has had 11 oil changes at 90 hours. First change was within the first hour. The second was within the next 3 or 4 hours. 3rd at 10hours. Logged every one in a book at about 10 hours since.

    I changed to Mobil 1 0w-40 Full Synthetic on the first oil change and a PC155 S/S filter. I have used about an ounce of "Maxilube" on each change but ran out the last change and tossed the empty bottle.

    The last oil change, before last weekend I had let the oil go to about 13 hours. I had one tiny, tiny little copper colored speck on the longer side mounted transmissions screen? Not much to wipe off on the drain plug magnet. I always smear it on a white paper towel to see what's in it? Never anything reflecting back or any slivers.

    My oil has come out clean every time. Never has been discolored to the point that it isn't still light brown in color. I couldn't tell you why your oil is coming out black.

    I run the heavy duty "Slavens Racing" 280lb. pressure Belleville spring in the clutch and am hard on the clutch quite a bit of the time to keep momentum up in the rocky climbs here. That hasn't resulted in any discoloration to my oil that would be attributed to abuse of the clutch and I am running the stock clutch plates.
  5. husky501 Husqvarna

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2015 Fe501
    Other Motorcycles:
    2011 Ktm250sxf, 2011 Ktm350sxf
    Reveille, im running Rotella 15w40. I did an oil change at 1hr, 5 hr, and now at 10hrs. No other bike ive ever had has had the oil come out looking pitch black. The only thing I can attribute it to is the recirculated Crank case vent... the oil was clean with no specs in it and the magnet and filter were both what you could expect out of a new bike, almost spotless.
  6. husky501 Husqvarna

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2015 Fe501
    Other Motorcycles:
    2011 Ktm250sxf, 2011 Ktm350sxf
    Blow by from the motor being fresh and rings trying to seat possibly?
    Big Timmy likes this.
  7. lankydoug Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    MO
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    WR
    Other Motorcycles:
    TM 300en
    Try the blue bottle full synthetic Rotella 5w40 instead of the 15w40. It is superior because it's not a blend and still JASO rated for the wet clutch. My bet is your dark oil is due to clutch dust/heat/wear and general use and abuse.
  8. husky501 Husqvarna

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2015 Fe501
    Other Motorcycles:
    2011 Ktm250sxf, 2011 Ktm350sxf
    Not a fan of T6 its failed me in the past..
  9. racemx904 Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    owenton, ky
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2014 Beta 350RR & 1986 430XC
    Other Motorcycles:
    1975 Rokon and 2004 Kawasaki KX65
    If your going to use Rotella use the regular T..... Its probably clutch plates.... wonder it your little adjust on clutch lever too tight causing it to be slightly engaged
  10. husky501 Husqvarna

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2015 Fe501
    Other Motorcycles:
    2011 Ktm250sxf, 2011 Ktm350sxf
    I always use the regular 15w40 Rotella. It has always done me good. Clutch adjustment is fine. No drag or slippage.
  11. PC. Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Beaverton, OR
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    CR165 & CR144
    Other Motorcycles:
    KTM500
    I've been using Rotella T6 in my 500exc since the 1hr oil change without issue. Always changed at 15hrs and always comes out clean (for used oil).
    Got about 140hrs on it now and still purrs like new
  12. husky501 Husqvarna

    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    2015 Fe501
    Other Motorcycles:
    2011 Ktm250sxf, 2011 Ktm350sxf
    PC, does the 500exc have a recirculated crank case vent? I think thats the culprit but I honestly don't know. Surely I'd have other issues as well if my rings didn't seat properly?
  13. bikesparky Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Townsville Oztrailia
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    FE501
    Other Motorcycles:
    Superduke 1290
    They all do, can't think of anything that doesn't has that except for some racing engines where they rout it to the outside and in most places that's against the rules now too.
    Easy to check. Pull off the tank and undo the hose from the head cover. Put some loose hose on it and put the tank back on (no need to fit it properly) and start it. If it smokes like an old choochoo there is a problem!
    Once the rings are bedded in these engines don't puff much out of there at all.
    It's always possible there is an issue so the faster you get on to it the more likely you can get a warranty.
    KTM's quality control is not exactly fool proof, I found a disintegrated sticker in the tank of the 501, probably of the pump or a hose.
    Pretty sure they have to remove that before fitting. Luckily I saw it floating around in bits and cleaned the tank before it blocked anything.