Is this a possibility (oil hydrolock redeux)?

[jclack]

I've had a the dreaded oil "hydrolock" in one of the engines of my Speedster twice this year, but it doesn't happen all the time. One of the things I've noticed is that both times it happened after I filled the oil tank rather full - above the entry point for the recovery oil hoses from the engines (and is that a bad idea in any case).

Is it possible that oil could leak down through those hoses into the engine or is this just a coincidence? If it is possible, how could I best determine if this is what's happening? I imagine i should pull the recovery hose on the affected engine and see if oil comes out, yes?

Otherwise, it's on to the normal workarounds/fixes.

Thanks,
Jim C

 

[Andy4k6]

I wonder if it's just the additional pressure of the additional fluid causing it to leak more?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Two ways this can happen. One is the crank shaft seal is bad. It allows the oil to flow from the tank directly to the crank case.

And I believe (but don't know the system well enough to be positive), there is a seal at the Rave Valves that will allow the same end result.

Common issue. Most install a shut-off valve on the oil line. If you do so, hang your lanyard on it whenever you have it turned off...

 

[jclack]

Two ways this can happen. One is the crank shaft seal is bad. It allows the oil to flow from the tank directly to the crank case.

And I believe (but don't know the system well enough to be positive), there is a seal at the Rave Valves that will allow the same end result.

Common issue. Most install a shut-off valve on the oil line. If you do so, hang your lanyard on it whenever you have it turned off...

So it's not probable that the oil return line has enough oil in it to cause a siphon and drip back into the engine?

 

[Coastiejoe]

If so, I have never heard of this happening. But I have seen the crank seal fail on MANY occasions and it fills the crankcase up. When you crank the engine, it sucks the oil right into the Pistons via the intake stroke.

 

[jclack]

Okay - looks like I'll go w/ valves in the RV supply lines. I have a battery cutoff switch, so I'll hang the key for that on the valves.

Thanks,
Jim