Changed the oil on my new zilla. The oil appeared to not be dark brown/black like ordinary spent oil, but instead a blackish gray. Is this a sign of water in the oil or could it be something else? If it is a sign of water, recommendations as to how to go about finding the source. Otherwise, it runs great--maybe smokier than my 250, but otherwise great. Could it be a crank seal?
Sometimes the oil will have a grey look to it when there are a lot of metal particles in it. Has it been a while since the last oil change? The bad crank seals I have experienced have produced excessive smoke, backfiring, revving engine, hard to tune carbie. If water happens to get in there from a leaky water pump seal or a bad head gasket the oil looks like a milkshake. Just curious what kind oil you use?
I really don't know the history. It was the first change since I bought it a week ago. I don't know what the guy ran in it. The oil was definitely not like a milkshake, if you mean white and frothy. Any recommendation as to what oil to run in the trans? As for the symptoms you described for the crank seals, all I've got is a little smoke and nothing else. Seems to run strong and smooth. Haven't messed with the carb yet since it runs so well. It's not like I'm looking for a problem (aka big repair job), I just want to make sure she's not about to blow!
sounds normal to me, the clutch fibers make the oil look really bad. just change it very often.
i change mine about every 4 hrs and it still has the gray look.
to be sure its not anti-freeze check rad fluid level before and after your ride.
For oil I use type f tran fluid. It gets cold in MN. Maybe not the best gear protection but the clutch plates seem to last longer.