SR4, ZZR1200 Breather

[kirbs88]

Have an SR4 fitted with a ZZR1200, dry sumped engine. Its been faultless, but recently has developed a breather issue.

During a track day, it filled the breather tank with oil, about a litre, and then overflowed. The engine starts straight up, I have inspected the plugs and they are all ok. Im going to do a compression test to see if that gives me any clues.

I have removed the breather plate on the back of the engine and everything looks ok with no blockages.

Does anyone else have any experience with these engines, and what to check or to look for.

Thanks in advance, Steve

[Martin B]

I think you probably have a piston starting to crack, this happened to my ZZR1100 powertec engine shortly before it holed a piston. How many hours has the engine done since the last rebuild?

[GaryR1980]

I'd go along with that.
Compression test usually confirms it.

[GaryR1980]

I'd go along with that.
Compression test usually confirms it.

[dunc_sx]

I've had the same experience as Martin I'm afraid, catch tank filling at a noticable but not terrifying rate - assumed normal oil use or over filled. Goodbye mr piston eventually. This was on a tired zzr1100.

Since the new engine the catch tank's dry as a bone a zero oil/water usage.

Compression test and bore scope will help diagnose/rule out.

Dunc.

[kirbs88]

Compression test done, Cylinders 1 and 2 ok, 3 and 4 very low, but noticeably exactly the same reading, so current think is head gasket between 3 and 4. Gonna get the head off and have a look. If its just the head gasket, it could be a quick fix, otherwise its engine out time