Hi, having decided to sell my 2228 mile,2002 998, I've read an article in MCN regarding the various Ducati sport models available. What caught my eye was the comment relating to the 2002, 996 model which had the 998 Testastretta engine fitted. The article mentions a water pump seal that can fail resulting in milky oil being present. Unfortunately I've noticed this on my bike, which I assumed was down to a lack of use, however if it is as a result of the water pump seal failing, how much of a repair does this require?....is it an engine job out, or am I panicking over nothing?
It might just be water from condensation in the engine. Keep an eye on the coolant level and take it out for a good thrash to get the motor red hot and see if it boils off.
Could be either .I would change the oil before riding the bike. Water isn't the best lubricant I think the 998 needs to be ridden a minimum of 5000 miles a year
Is the actual oil milky or just the sightglass?? The water pump is right there on the left side of the engine, so I'd be surprised if it was a problem. It's not something I've done though.
Have you got pictures you can share? Is there a milky emulsion on the inside of the oil filler cap when you remove it? With that low a mileage when was the last time you used it and when was the last time the oil was changed? If I had to guess I'd agree with the others above, just condensation on the sight glass, I'm struggling to think how a breakdown in the water pump gasket could cause water and oil to mix. If you do decide to sell advertise it on here, I'm interested, as I'm sure are others.
My air cooled M900 was constantly milky in the sigh glass and the advice was always ride it longer/faster - there was never an issue with this. My ST4 has never suffered from milky oil in the sight glass but has been better stored even with long periods of non-use. I would say you are suffering from lack of use but if you notice any drop in coolant level over a long period of time (that may be difficult to detect) you may know where to look. I'd take it for a good run on a warm day and see what you get.
As has been said, condensation is the usual issue and taking it for a long ride will certainly help but it if it's open roads, the motor may not get so very warm as the thermostat tends to limit the coolant temperature to around 70 degrees on these bikes. Letting it idle untill the fan comes on, repeated a few times, may be more effective as the oil will get good and hot with the coolant temperature reaching 100 degrees or so. Between idling periods, try taking the filler cap out to allow the water vapour to escape more easily.
Ride it hard, keep it in lower gears and the revs will be higher which will get the temperature up. About 50 miles riding should sort it out. Not saying thrash it but just give a few more beans than you might usually. Added bonus is that you get to ride your bike and make some nice noise. .
There wasn't a 996 in 2002 so not sure what you have read, there was a 998 / 998S / 998R - but as others have said, give it a good run - but give it a service first if it's been stood for years...
If it was my bike i would assertain that it is either a murky sight glass or milky water in oil. If the latter there would be no way i would jeopardise the engine by using it. Investigate the problem then rectify.
Hi, milky oil on sight glass now sorted following a fresh oil change and filter. Being of a certain age, with no children present to help, I'm unsure of how to upload the associated pictures that I've taken of the bike. Having said that I have advertised on Autotrader with a brief description of the bike and what's been done to it during the 9 years I've owned it. What I would say is that I've got a feeling that I've put too high a price on it initially, although someone pointed out that you can always come down in price, but you can't go up, if you know what I mean!..... let me know if there's any interest in the bike, thanks, ps last time I looked it was the only 998 private bike listed.
Yes, that's the one, as I said, the price I've put on it is too high on reflection, I am open to offers, however nothing too silly please. It's a lovely bike which I'm only selling as I'm at an age where my knees/ back etc cannot cope, plus I've always struggled with the seat height being on the short side, that's probably why I've used it so little. Any journey I've undertaken on it was always fraught with the chance of dropping it!!
Yes, that's the one, as I said, the price I've put on it is too high on reflection, I am open to offers, however nothing too silly please. It's a lovely bike which I'm only selling as I'm at an age where my knees/ back etc cannot cope, plus I've always struggled with the seat height being on the short side, that's probably why I've used it so little. Any journey I've undertaken on it was always fraught with the chance of dropping it!!
Yes, that's the one, as I said, the price I've put on it is too high on reflection, I am open to offers, however nothing too silly please. It's a lovely bike which I'm only selling as I'm at an age where my knees/ back etc cannot cope, plus I've always struggled with the seat height being on the short side, that's probably why I've used it so little. Any journey I've undertaken on it was always fraught with the chance of dropping it!!
Yes, that's the one, as I said, the price I've put on it is too high on reflection, I am open to offers, however nothing too silly please. It's a lovely bike which I'm only selling as I'm at an age where my knees/ back etc cannot cope, plus I've always struggled with the seat height being on the short side, that's probably why I've used it so little. Any journey I've undertaken on it was always fraught with the chance of dropping it!!
Oops, Told you I'm no use on computers, please ignore the additional copies of my comment, I got a bit excited, doh!!
